A round at White Clay Creek Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware is worth the drive from anywhere. Seriously. If you can get a chance to play White Clay Creek Country Club, do it.
A Kemper Sports® property opened in 2005 positioned around the Delaware Park Racetrack and formerly partnered with the neighboring Delaware Park Casino, White Clay Creek is a beautiful, meticulously maintained, and super challenging natural gem designed by famed architects Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest that every golfer from anywhere and every ability will simply enjoy playing, and playing, and playing again and again.
Minutes from Philadelphia and and a short drive from Atlantic City, and Shore Points in Delaware, White Clay Creek Country Club is centrally, and conveniently, located to golfers throughout the Tri-State Region.
A GolfPass Golfer’s Choice: Best Golf Courses in Delaware:#4(2020, 2021 and 2022, White Clay Creek Country Club was constructed with a focus on environmental sensitivity. The land’s natural beauty has been enhanced by the retention of its native horticulture, a supervised stream restoration and wildlife habitat preservation. The 7,007-yard, par-72 layout features five sets of tees to appeal to both new and experienced players. The facility also includes a 40,000-square foot clubhouse, 12-acre outdoor practice facility and indoor golf academy, fully equipped pro shop, banquet facilities and local dining favorite, At The Rail Wine Bar & Grille.
“The course is all Bent Grass, which is unique to the Region,” said White Clay Creek’s PGA Head Golf Professional Luke Neubauer. “We feature pedestal greens and have 32 crossings to and from on bridges over water.”
WCCCC opens with a cool little Par 4 with a bunker square in the middle of the fairway with the approach playing over the White Clay Creek. Aim your drive to the left side of the bunker to set up an ideal angle for your second shot. By avoiding the bunker, you’ll have a clear approach to the green, minimizing risk and setting yourself up for an opportunity at a green in regulation.
“My favorite hole on the Front Nine is Number 8,” said Neubauer. “ It’s right dogleg to a long, kidney bean-shaped green. On this Par 5, the right fairway bunkers are your friend. Aim your tee shot toward them to avoid the water hazard on the left. This will set you up for a strong second shot and leave you in a position to go for the green in regulation, and for some, a chance at Eagle.
“Hole 14 is a fun hole I really enjoy. Take an aggressive approach off the tee to give yourself the best angle for a mid or short iron into the green. This strategy rewards confident drivers and opens up more scoring opportunities. There is a valley on the green, also. The undulating putting surface makes for some interesting and exciting putts to get to try.”
The course’s signature hole is its Sixth. This long Par 4 demands a well-executed tee shot. Focus on hitting a controlled drive that finds the fairway, as the length of this hole means you’ll likely be playing a long iron or hybrid into the green. Staying in position off the tee is vital for success here.
Natural beauty and tons of wildlife, from fox, deer, beaver and a bald eagle are also signatures of White Clay Creek. First Class service is another signature of WCCC, headed by Founding Member and General Manager Ryan Kidwell, PGA, formerly of the world famous Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando, Florida. Ryan’s expertise extends to event coordination at the highest level. During his time at Grand Cypress, he successfully organized notable PGA and LPGA events, including the Chrysler Plymouth Tournament of Champions, The Healthsouth Classic, and the 1990 World Cup of Golf.
Superintendent Josh Weaver, GCSAA, formerly of Trump National D.C., and his crew add to the high level of quality you’ll experience when golfing a round at White Clay Creek.
“I’m very fortunate to be a part of a huge, caring and dedicated team here at White Clay Creek,” said Neubauer. “ Josh is the reason we’re a pedigree above. He seriously is. His and his team’s hard work really shows up and makes the course so pretty and an absolute joy to play. Ryan’s experience working with the Tours and legends like Davis Love, coming from Grand Cypress, is just incredible.
“Our Starters and our Player Assistants and everyone else treat all our guests like family. It doesn’t hurt having the Casino(Delaware Park), who we were a part of until 2020, but still work closely together with, right here, also. It’s a great partnership.”
The Rail Wine Bar and Grille is a perfect place to have a great meal and reflect on your round afterwards.
“ You just have to come and experience White Clay Creek for yourself,” said Neubauer. “ If you do, you won’t be disappointed.”
For more information go to www.whiteclaycreek.com