White Clay Creek Country Club
 Those who play golf know it's more than just a game. What makes the game like no other is its marriage with nature dictating the many nuances on how golf is played.
A course designer’s ability to manipulate, cultivate and construct a course that fits perfectly within its natural surroundings is the true essence of golf’s origin.
A great design always starts with a cohesive understanding of the land where course construction is planned. The ability to enhance the environment and use the underlying elements already present is what makes a course like White Clay Creek Country Club truly special.
Just across the northern Maryland border off I-95 is Delaware Park. This long time home of thoroughbred horse racing and slot machines opened White Clay Country Club in 2005 with a dual focus. The two goals established by management and renowned designers, Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest and Associates was to preserve the surrounding natural beauty of the land and at the same time make use of the property.
 The retention of the lands native horticulture and beauty was paramount working with a supervised stream restoration, and wildlife habitat preservation.
All 18-holes posses a water hazard and White Clay Creek is ever present with a multitude of twists and turns that flank, cross and enhance the beauty of the course. The end result to play is a true "shot makers delight".
No matter what tees you play the ability to hit designated landing areas in the fairway and around the greens is paramount. Hazards come at you like a barrage; forced carries off the tee, water flanking some fairways and bunkers strategically placed around the greens.
Your ability to make shots is challenged from tee to green and once on the green there isn't much room for error. Some are elevated, some are multi-tiered and some have shaved off edges leading to collections areas awaiting any missed shot. A reliable short game will come in handy to meet the courses demands.
Amigos Favorite Hole: With many holes to choose as favorite we decided the 444-yard par 4 number-11 was a fitting choice that encapsulated the true essence of the overall design. At the tee you start with in my mind the most challenging tee shot on the course. This sever dogleg right has White Clay Creek as protector down the entire right side of the fairway.
What makes the hole great are the options given at the tee. Most should select a 3-wood or iron and place the ball just in the fairway. From there you'll have a medium to long iron into slightly elevated narrow green.
If you’re a gambler, you can cut the corner and have an easier second shot into the green, but remember a poor shot here can turn out wet in a hurry.
 Like many great designs the ability to adapt and make the right choice in club selection and shot can mean the difference in failure or success.
The aggressive player has many opportunities to score; the conservative player can readily negotiate the many challenges of the course; and the "gambler in us all " must recognize when and when not to "press our luck".
So when you make your tee time remember, the house always wins and when playing White Clay Creek Country Club there is never a bluff only the reality of "bust" if you don't play your cards right!
Review Date:
04/23/2006
Course review ratings are conducted on a five point scale. ( 1 = Double Bogey 3 = Par 5 = Eagle)
Tees:
At just over 7000-yards at the championship tees to 4600-yards from the reds there is a Varity of choices to accommodate every level of playing ability. Each tee box we encountered was meticulously manicured and in top notch conditions.
Fairways:
With a deluge of rain the previous day we expected soggy conditions but to our surprise the fairways were in better shape than expected. There is nothing better than perfectly manicured bent grass fairways to play on.
Rough:
The rough around the greens was slightly penal yet manageable for chipping. Beyond the first cut of fairway rough there were some areas that continue to grow in and mature. It's expected with a new course and should mature nicely as the season progresses.
Traps:
Even though the traps were firm from the previous days rain all were in very good shape and still playable despite the damped conditions.
Greens:
Each green offers a variety of contours to challenge both your judgment of speed and green reading ability. Each was in perfect conditions rolling true and at a quick pace.
We were told that the greens grew in and matured nearly 3 years prior to the course opening and the result is nearly flawless condition. Some of the best greens I have ever had the privilege to putt.
Amenities:
The amenities available at White Clay Creek Country Club go above and beyond what any other course in the Mid-Atlantic has to offer. With a race track and slots on the same property you have ample opportunity to loose what money you might have won on the golf course.
The clubhouse exterior is unassuming but the interior houses a fine dining establishment well worthy of a 19th hole. They do offer lockers to daily fee guests which is a nice touch.
The practice facility has a range that offers grass tees and a multi-green chipping area with many bunkers and a variety of lies to work on your short game. A large practice green is just behind the clubhouse and offers the exact same green conditions.
Staff Services:
Everyone on the staff was extremely friendly and attentive. Our clubs were picked up at our car upon arrival and then delivered to us after our round fully cleaned.
It seems each member of the staff we meet went above and beyond to make sure our round was as enjoyable as possible. The beverage cart attendant made multiple trips around the course and we noticed two different marshals minding pace and answering questions to see how the round was proceeding.
Pace of Play:
We had no issue with pace. At times it felt we had the entire course to our self. Most of the holes are spaced well between each other so you only see other groups on the course a couple of times during your round.
We noticed two marshals on the course during our round.
Overall Average:
4.9, Birdie Course
Outstanding Course, must play recommendation
We would like to thank Mrs. Bobbi Sample the General Manager and Head Golf Professional Ryan Kidwell of White Clay Creek Country Club for allowing us to visit and review the course.
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Location:
777 Delaware Park Blvd., Wilmington DE 19804
Tee Time Phone:
302-994-6700
Course Type:
Public
*The opinions expressed in this course review are those of the individual reviewer(s) and do not reflect the editorial opinion of
www.GolfinAmigos.com
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