Plantation Lakes Golf & Country Club is a premier golf destination and inside a housing community in Millsboro, Delaware. Developed by LENNAR, this planned community was built from day one with the goal of including a stunning Arthur Hills-designed Championship Golf Course.
The course's journey began in 2007 with the opening of its first five holes, followed by the completion of the front nine and practice range in 2013. By 2020, Plantation Lakes had evolved into a full 18-hole course, now recognized as one of Delaware’s finest. Measuring 6,661 yards from the back tees with a course rating of 72.3 and a slope rating of 139, the layout presents a visually striking and strategically challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels. Featuring pristine fairways and some of the best putting surfaces on the Eastern Shore, it’s no surprise that Plantation Lakes was honored with Golfweek’s 2024 Best in State Award.
Plantation Lakes Golf & Country Club Ratings
The moment you step onto this meticulously manicured course, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a realm reserved for the elite, rivaling even the most luxurious resort courses.
What sets this course apart is its enchanting ability to transform each hole into a unique challenge. The sense of solitude is noticed; with other groups out of sight, it feels as though your group is the sole group on the course. Let's drive into our rating of Planation Lakes.
★★★★
Course Design
We’ve given the course design a 4-star rating, and for good reason. Arthur Hills did an exceptional job utilizing the land, seamlessly integrating the course within the community without making it feel like an afterthought—something many other residential courses struggle with. His thoughtful design ensures that Plantation Lakes feels like a true golf destination rather than just another neighborhood course.
From the very first tee, Hills’ craftsmanship is on full display. Plantation Lakes presents a captivating challenge, demanding strategic decision-making at every turn. His clever design and use of bunkers and water often tempts you to play it safe, but choosing the conservative route can leave you with a tricky approach shot or an awkward angle to the green. Adding to the challenge, the course creates the illusion of narrow landing areas off the tee, making them seem far more restrictive than they truly are. It’s this combination of visual deception and strategic complexity that makes Plantation Lakes a rewarding experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Plantation Lakes - Hole 2
A long and demanding par 4, that looks daunting off the tee. Water runs the entire length of the right side, constantly in the back of your mind. The landing area is very genrious but when standing on the tee the bunkers create deception about the fairway size. Once save in the fairway a narrow green is ahead, you have the option to run the ball up or take on the risk of flying it all the way. The smart miss is left or short, where a forgiving bailout area keeps you out of trouble—but anything right brings the water into play and can quickly turn a solid hole into a tough recovery.
Plantation Lakes - Hole 5
The 5th hole is one of my personal favorites because it’s a hole you can attack. The tee shot has a similar feel to the 2nd, with water running down the right, OB left, and a bunker framing the left side of the fairway. However, on this hole, that left-side bunker becomes your ideal target, as the fairway tightens on the right—hiding a pond that’s not visible from the tee. A well-placed drive gives you a real chance to go for the green, but the approach isn’t without its challenges. OB runs along the right by the driveway, and greenside bunkers guard the bailout area, demanding precision on this scorable par 5.
Plantation Lakes - Hole 12
Hole 12 at Plantation Lakes deserves a mention for its standout punchbowl green, which is a real treat to play. From the tee, the hole looks intimidating with water running down the right side, but realistically, the water is rarely in play. The challenge comes in threading the needle between two massive bunkers, with the smart play being to bail out left into the bunker, as OB lurks closer to the right side of the fairway. From there, you’re left with a wedge into the unique punchbowl green. If the flag is tucked on the upper tier, it’s important to be long—just be careful with the spin, as it can send your ball rolling down to the lower level. This green is one of my favorites, though I’ll admit, I rarely play it as well as I’d like. Regardless, it’s always an enjoyable challenge.
★★★★
Course Difficulty
We’ve given Plantation Lakes a 4-star difficulty rating, and for good reason. As mentioned in our design review, Arthur Hills’ masterful use of the land not only enhances the course’s beauty but also adds to its strategic challenge. One key element we haven’t touched on yet is the water—coming into play on 12 of the 18 holes. While some ponds are more punishing than others, they all demand careful shot selection.
Another standout feature is how Hills utilizes bunkers to frame each hole. The interplay between water and bunkers is especially noteworthy, as they often work together to influence your shot choices. More often than not, you’ll find yourself steering clear of the water, only to be funneled into a well-placed bunker. It’s a design that constantly keeps you on your toes, making every round both exciting and demanding.
★★★★
Course Amenities & Price
Plantation Lakes Golf & Country Club offers a well-rounded experience with top-tier amenities that complement its championship course. The practice facilities are a standout, featuring one of the best driving ranges around, along with a beautifully maintained short game area and putting green—perfect for dialing in your game before teeing off. Perched above the well-stocked clubhouse, The Landing Bar & Grille provides a comfortable spot to grab a meal or a drink, whether you’re making the turn or winding down after your round.
As for pricing, Plantation Lakes can be on the higher side during peak summer months, but it still comes in more affordable than some of the other premium courses in the area. When prime season rolls around, I often keep an eye out for deals on GolfNow or other booking apps to get the best value.
★★★★
Course Conditions
We’re giving Plantation Lakes another well-earned 4-star rating. Despite being a relatively young course, it shows no signs of the wear and tear that many others do. Every time we play, the conditions are nothing short of impressive—plush fairways, well-maintained bunkers, and greens that roll true. It’s clear that course maintenance is a top priority, ensuring an enjoyable and consistent playing experience year after year.
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