Hooper's Landing Golf Course is an inviting 18-hole public golf course located in Seaford, Delaware. Boasting a challenging 6725 yards from the back tees, the course carries a Course Rating of 71.5 and a Slope Rating of 126, promising an engaging round for players of varied skill levels. Beyond the greens, Hooper's Landing beckons with a strategic mix of playability and enjoyment against the backdrop of the Delmarva peninsula. The golfing experience is complemented by amenities like a driving range, putting green, a pro shop, and a year-round open snack bar, creating a comprehensive retreat for golf enthusiasts. Enjoy our in-depth Hooper’s Landing Golf Course review.
Course History
The course's origins date back to 1949 when the original 9 holes were crafted by the renowned Alfred H. Tull who has designed over 60 golf courses, with most being located in North Eastern United States. The original course was only a 9-hole course but in 1996, the layout expanded to include an additional 9 holes, skillfully designed by Richard Mandell.
Features & Amenities
Hooper's Landing has a driving range featuring natural grass teeing areas for a genuine practice experience. Additionally, a compact yet effective putting green awaits, accompanied by an area for short chip shots on both fairway and rough surrounds. However, it's worth noting that the food offerings are somewhat limited, encompassing only a modest snack stand for food and beverages.
Hooper's Landing Golf Course Ratings
Whether you're soaking up the sun on a Delmarva beach getaway in the summer or simply passing through the area, discovering Hooper's Landing Golf Course is a delightful surprise. Situated a mere 34 miles from the bustling shores of Rehoboth Beach, this course is a hidden gem for those seeking an affordable yet enjoyable round during their visit to Delaware's picturesque beaches.
Course Design – ★★★
The course design is very unique and is a very interesting style of play. When I played it was mid-June and knowing the area and how flat it is I decided to embark on my walk. While walking I noticed how noticeable the two designs are and the way they laid out the holes and tried to blend both designs by Alfred H. Tull and Richard Mandell. Tull's design is very narrow and you can tell is a design from 1940 while Mandell's design is very open, great bunkering, and extremely long.
Par-3’s: The opening par-3, Hole #3, is the easiest par-3, requiring a precise short iron or a skillful long wedge based on your distance capabilities. Moving on to Hole #8, its picturesque layout demands a tee shot over a substantial pond towards a raised green. This challenging shot calls for a mid iron, especially from the back tees, playing at 175 yards. Personally, my favorite par-3 was Hole #11—spanning about 200 yards, it boasts a sprawling undulating green. I managed a remarkable birdie, hitting it within 5 feet. Saving the toughest for last, Hole #18 serves as the ultimate challenge. As the longest par-3, it demands a formidable 221-yard shot from the tips to a quaint, old-school green. I wish you the best of luck!
Par-4’s: The inaugural par-4 sets the tone as one of my favorites on the course. It defies the typical straightforward opening, offering a broad fairway that gradually funnels into a challenging dogleg right approach. This unconventional start adds a delightful twist to the round. Another par-4, hole #6, demands a tee decision. Opting for the driver introduces the challenge of navigating two sizable bunkers strategically placed in the fairway. Alternatively, laying up provides a longer shot to the green.
Venturing to Hole #14, a noteworthy par-4 measuring 443 yards from the tips, long hitters must be wary of a substantial fairway bunker. The approach shot is a test of precision, targeting a tiny green flanked by a swampy pond on the left and a substantial tree on the right. This picturesque yet demanding setting makes the second shot feel like threading a needle, intensifying the excitement of the round.
Par-5’s: The challenging par-5s begin with Hole #2, a formidable opening par-5 that demands mastery of your driver. As an integral part of the original course design, this narrow 532-yard par-5 necessitates precision in every shot. Moving on to Hole #9, another par-5 adventure unfolds with a sprawling dogleg left over dunes, spanning 540 yards from the tees. The approach shot into this hole adds to the excitement, potentially being blind based on your fairway position, leading to a narrow green. Despite the challenge, Hole #9 offers an immensely enjoyable playing experience. Transitioning to Hole #13, the third par-5 on the course presents a wide-open landscape, making it relatively easy to score. A generously sized, welcoming green awaits, provided you steer clear of the sizable bunker on the left. Finally, concluding your par-5 journey is Hole #17, reminiscent of Hole #2 with its narrow layout.
Course Difficulty – ★★★
I thoroughly enjoyed the design of Hooper's Landing Golf Course. The layout cleverly integrates Tull and Mandell's designs on both 9's, offering a mix of challenging narrow holes and more open, modern ones. I found this variety quite appealing. However, the layout gets a bit unconventional when making the turn, as it happens at potentially the farthest point from the clubhouse. So, it's a good idea to grab some snacks and beverages before heading out on the course to ensure you're well-prepared.
Course Amenities & Price – ★★
Hooper's Landing offers a driving range with natural grass teeing areas, providing an authentic practice experience. There's a compact yet effective putting green and a designated space for short chip shots on both the fairway and rough surrounds. It's important to mention that the food options are somewhat limited, with only a modest snack stand available for food and beverages.
Hooper's Landing offers an unbeatable price for the area. While you might have to travel a bit farther compared to courses near the Delaware-Maryland coast, the value for the golf experience is exceptional. I highly recommend adding it to your list of must-play courses if you find yourself in the Delmarva area. It's a total bargain for the quality of golf you'll enjoy.
Course Conditions- ★★★
I found myself with no complaints whatsoever about the course conditions at Hooper's Landing. I played during the middle of summer, and while some areas were understandably bone dry due to the season, it was well within expectations. The greens, while not the fastest, struck a good balance – certainly not sluggish. Although I managed to steer clear of the bunkers, I noticed that a few appeared a bit light on sand, yet still looked entirely playable. In essence, the course conditions aligned with what one would reasonably anticipate from most public courses. It's a testament to the course's maintenance and adaptability to seasonal variations, ensuring an enjoyable round for players throughout the year.
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