A New Start for Old Landing

Old Landing Golf Course
Rehoboth Beach, Del
Yards: 2858/2972 - 5830
Par: 35/36 - 71
Rating: 67.6, Slope: 111
Score: 46/47 = 93
Date: July 4, 2008

My wife and I decided on a last minute July 4th getaway to the Delaware Beaches which gave me a chance to revisit Old Landing Golf Course in Rehoboth Beach. Opened in 1965 and located along the Rehoboth Bay, Old Landing is one of the oldest courses in the area. Although I have probably played there more than a half dozen times, my last two rounds, in 2004 and 2006, were anything but memorable experiences. Many of the fairways were more dirt than grass, as were many of the greens. And the price was usually in excess of $40...just to walk.

Rain was in the forecast for most of the holiday weekend, but July 4th dawned sunny and hot, although thunderstorms were predicted for the late afternoon. Figuring this was my best chance to get in a round, I threw my clubs in the trunk and headed for the links. I was a bit reluctant to try Old Landing again, but I'm glad I did. As I drove down Old Landing Road to the course, I could see that it was crowded, so I took this as a positive sign. I parked, changed into my golf shoes, slung my bag over my shoulders and headed to the clubhouse. The staff was friendly, which has never been a problem at Old Landing. After paying $35 to walk, I was handed a receipt to show to the starter at the first tee, the first time in my recollection that there was a starter. I took this as another positive sign.

Old Landing Golf Course Scorecard

The starter paired me up with Tony and Drew from the Washington, D.C.-area. Although this was only Drew's second time playing, we seemed to get along well and the pace of play ahead of us wasn't going to make Drew's inexperience on the links an issue. I figured there would be people out playing, but I didn't figure there would be as many as there were at Old Landing; I figured more people would take advantage of the sunshine and opt for the beach.

After we teed off, it quickly became obvious through the first three holes that they are working to improve conditions at the course. The fairways featured grass, as did the greens, although they were a bit fuzzy and very slow. By the fourth hole, we were joined by Al, a retired high school teacher from Annapolis, Maryland, who owns a nearby vacation home and is a frequent visitor to Old Landing. I commented to Al that I had not seem such conditions at the course is quite some time. He told me that the course used to lose at least two greens a season. He said the owner finally had a study done to determine why and it was discovered that salt water was killing the grass' roots. It was evident from conditions during my round that they had and were taking steps to correct the problem. Tony and Drew left the foursome after nine holes, but Al and I played the back nine. Pace of play remained a problem and it took 4.5 hours to play 18. Despite a constant breeze, it was very humid, which it usually is at Old Landing due to the closeness of Rehoboth Bay. And bugs can be a problem, so wear some repellent.

Old Landing is relatively flat, but features numerous tight, tree-lined fairways, especially on the back nine. Although Rehoboth Bay doesn't come into play, water is featured on no less than six holes. The greens range from medium to small, and several are severely sloped.

Despite three 7s on my card, I continued my good play from Center Square, making five pars during my round, including the 505-yard Par 5 12th. I had one bad stretch from holes 7 through 10, but steadied my game to shoot a consistent 46 and 47 on the two nines. Unfortunately, the batteries in my camera were dead, so I was unable to take any pictures of Old Landing. But it is plain to see that Old Landing has picked itself up and is looking to again reclaim its spot as a worthy golf destination at the Delaware Shore. It may even find itself back on the list of courses for my annual Labor Day week golf itinerary.