A beach vacation to Ocean City, Maryland, may find you trying to avoid sand at times — the bunker kind. A number of golf courses around the town take advantage of the sandy deltas, marshes and pine forests of the Eastern Shore, offering memorable rounds amid natural scenery.
One layout that consistently ranks as a favorite among visitors is Eagle’s Landing, located about 5 miles from the boardwalk in West Ocean City. Surprisingly, the Town of Ocean City owns and operates the course, yet it feels nothing like a typical municipal course. Since it opened in 1991 to draw golfers during the shoulder seasons, Eagle’s Landing has remained popular despite the arrival of many pricier public and private clubs nearby. Greens fees typically range from $54 to $94.
The course measures 7,003 yards from the back tees, labeled the “Beast Tees,” with a slope rating of 131. Bermuda fairways lead to well-maintained bent grass greens. The layout is walkable, allowing players to enjoy the setting and observe native wildlife. Designer Michael J. Hurdzan said, “It’s a pretty special course. I was most proud of how we were able to weave golf into the bordering and diverse coastal wetlands of Sinepuxent Bay in an environmentally friendly way. The seventh, ninth, 17th and 18th holes are especially unique and memorable. The course benefits from awesome views of Assateague Island and is proof that golf and nature can synergistically share a space.”
Bob Croll, Eagle’s Landing golf professional and manager for more than 20 years, explains that the course winds through several fragile ecosystems—from salt marshes and tidal ponds to wetlands and grasslands—all protected by a sustainable maintenance program. As the first certified Audubon Sanctuary in Maryland, Eagle’s Landing supports many native species including bluebirds, purple martins, sparrowhawks and mallards. Nesting boxes are placed throughout the property, and wildlife sightings during a round are common.
Aerial view of hole 10 and 18 © Moses Cohen
“The course is a mix of links-style and marshland holes,” Croll says. “On the marshland holes, accuracy is essential and players can’t always trust their driver.”
Balls that land in the wetlands are considered lost because those areas are protected and off-limits, which reinforces Croll’s advice to sometimes leave the driver in the bag and avoid risky shortcuts.
HOLE 6
435 yards, par 4
After a few straightforward opening holes, the sixth provides a wake-up call: it wraps sharply left around a lake to a two-tiered green. At the elbow of the dogleg the fairway slopes toward the water on the left, while aggressive bunkering guards the right side.
HOLE 7
528 yards, par 5
“Hole 7 is the one everyone talks about,” Croll says. “The dogleg left requires two forced carries, one off the tee and another short of the green. For most players it plays as a three-shot hole, but long hitters can try to carry over trees and reach with a long to mid-iron.” Both the tee shot and the approach play over wetlands, finishing at a green 26 yards deep.
HOLE 9
394 yards, par 4
Wetlands begin about 120 yards from the green, forcing an approach carry to a green that is 41 yards deep. Stray shots left on the approach are often punished by a well-placed bunker.
HOLE 17
207 yards, par 3
The par-3 17th offers a generous green—44 yards deep—but the approach is entirely carry, with wetlands in front and along the left side. A small grass bunker sits on the front edge of the green to catch shots that come up short.
HOLE 18 “THE BEAST OF THE EAST”
393 yards, par 4
“Our signature hole is called The Beast for good reason,” Croll says. “It’s not exceptionally long, but it demands two very accurate long-iron shots to reach the green in regulation. The hole is completely surrounded by saltmarsh, and even a slightly errant shot can be lost. This challenging finish has the power to make or break your round.”
Eagle’s Landing Golf Course
12367 Eagles Nest Road
Berlin, MD 21811
tel 410 213 7277