Bayside is a Jack Nicklaus design located in Selbyville, Delaware, part of the Bayside Resort community near the Delaware beaches. The course opened in the early 2000s as part of the resort's development in the coastal region between Bethany Beach and Ocean City, Maryland. Nicklaus routed the layout across relatively flat coastal plain terrain typical of the Delmarva Peninsula, incorporating natural wetlands, ponds, and native grasses into the design strategy.
The course features the strategic bunkering and multiple teeing grounds characteristic of Nicklaus designs from this period, allowing the layout to accommodate a range of skill levels. Water hazards come into play on several holes, and the flat topography means wind can be a significant factor, particularly on exposed holes along the perimeter of the property. The design emphasizes course management and position play rather than dramatic elevation changes or forced carries.
Bayside operates as part of a resort amenity package that includes additional golf courses and residential components. The setting reflects the agricultural and coastal landscape of southern Delaware, with views across open fairways bordered by marsh grasses and stands of pine. The course serves both resort guests and local members, fitting into the region's concentration of golf facilities that cater to the mid-Atlantic beach vacation market. Conditioning and playability are maintained to resort standards, with Bermuda grass typical of courses in this climate zone.
Reviews
Anyone that’s played enough Jack courses know they can be very hit or miss. With a pricey greens fee of over $200 with other options inland I was very skeptical going into bayside. It did not take long for that skepticism to disappear. Before even reaching the first tee it’s clear Bayside leans into “resort” golf. A modern clubhouse with a great menu is paired with a solid proshop carrying great merch options. The logo has a great nautical feel and can be found on everything, even the nearby water tower. While the range is smallish there are plenty of covered bays to choose from and there are at least 2 large and well kept putting greens. While by no means 5 stars in terms of resort amenities it’s likely the most high end public golf experience in south Delaware. The course it’s self is a challenging test of golf with danger present on nearly every shot. Overall the land is flat but the subtle contouring on greens and fairways lend the track a ton of character. The course is basically floating on marsh land and its value is maximized throughout the routing. Forced carries (from the very first tee shot), risk reward, visual intimidation, and just flat out scenery the natural land/wild life is well utilized and given a chance to SHINE at Bayside. Plenty of holes like the par 3 third that make you feel like your in the thick woodland areas of the marshland while stretches like 9&10 have you out and exposed with miles of sightlines. The variety of holes both in both design and location are what make Bayside so memorable and if given the chance to splurge I highly recommend a visit
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Bayside at Bayside Resort has a Course Vaults score of 7.7 out of 10 based on 18 explicit golfer ratings.
Bayside was designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Yes. Bayside at Bayside Resort is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Bayside is 72.
Bayside plays 7,545 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Bayside is 148.