There is a slight whiff of Spring in the air, meaning warmer temperatures, and that can only mean one thing for golf advocates – Time to Play! Whether you are a golf devotee, a social golfer or a rookie, now is a good time to start honing one’s skills.
The most recent golf statistics show that around 26.6 million people in the United States played golf (2023), representing an increase of around four percent on the previous year. It’s the highest participation figure since 2009.
According to the National Golf Foundation, more than one-third of the U.S. population over the age of 5 played golf (on-course or off-course), followed golf on television or online, read about the game, or listened to a golf-related podcast in 2023. This is up 30% since 2016.
The industry has had 10 straight years with more than 2 million beginners, with the past four topping 3 million. The previous recorded-high of 2.4 million was set in 2000, when Tiger Woods was at the height of his popularity.
So, whether you’re new to golf this spring or dusting off a beloved set of irons to get out as soon as the weather allows–you’re in good company!
There are about 20 public golf courses in Delaware most of which are in Sussex County. They range from the Midway Par 3 and American Classic Golf Course’s nine-hole to full blown facilities like The Peninsula. There are also private clubs including King’s Creek, Rehoboth Beach Yacht and Country Club in Sussex County and further north the Wilmington Country Club.
Beginners can starting out at one of two inexpensive Par 3 courses – Midway off Coastal Highway in Lewes or Shamrock, near Milton. Shamrock is a cash only course and the fee is $19. Beginner and novice lessons also are available. Midway charges $20 for one round or a full day of golf.
Whether you are a seasoned golfer or beginner wanting to learn a good place to start until temperatures seem comfortable is with an indoor golf simulator. There are several in the area.
American Classic Golf Course in Rehoboth, The Peninsula in Millsboro, Bear Trap Dunes in Ocean View, The Foreland Club (strictly an indoor facility) also in Ocean View and Birdie’s Links and Drinks in Middletown (northern Delaware) all feature simulators.
“Getting in shape” for golf is also a good excuse to make regular visits to a gym or fitness facility. Midway Motion and Fitness has a special golf program headed up by Dr. Jeff Seaken, a trained physical therapist and certified personal trainer. Known as “Doc Phytness”, Seakan works with clients in his personal studio at Midway where his clients also have access to the rest of the facility.
Sam Cresta, golf pro at American Classic Golf Course, uses the club’s simulator for teaching purposes. Cresta recently wrote a book called A Lifelong Hobby: How to Play Golf and Why You Should. It covers several aspects of the game including the short swing, full swing, putting and course etiquette. Cresta shared that he has received positive feedback from both experienced golfers looking for a “tune up” and especially new golfers wanting to get in the game. Named the 2024 Sussex County Best Golf Professional in the Coastal Style Magazine (for the second year in a row), Cresta’s a great resource to have local!
By Mary Jo Tarallo, Resident Journalist
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.
