This course has been completely redesigned. It has been lengthened from 5,779 yards to 6,405-yard championship design by renowned golf course architect Lester Gheorge. The course has a state-of-the-art irrigation system that makes for top playing conditions all season long. The course has been voted “Best Public Course in Delaware” by Delaware Today.
The Course
Rock Manor Golf Course (The Rock)
1319 Carruthers Lane
Wilmington, DE 19803
(302) 295-1400
First Impressions:
As I was driving into the parking area, I was quick to notice the large nice-looking club house with all the golf carts lined up in front and ready to go out. There are two putting greens and a driving range also in view. A player assistant (Jeff) was immediately there to help me with all the information I needed to get started. The attention to details everywhere was quickly noticeable.
About the course:
I checked in with the pro shop (Linda) and she got me all checked in and advised me on the names of the other players that would be in my group today. I was first introduced to Steve and he and I would be riding together. Then we met two other guys that were both named Bob, so I nicknamed them Bob 1 and Bob 2 for my notes during this game. I explained my Golfing the USA plan to them, and they were all agreeable to me taking notes and pictures. As usual, for scoring I am marking only my own actual full score and counting the pars and birdies for all. Steve, and both Bob’s are familiar with this course so I knew I would be in good hands with that. The course is in great shape and by 8:00 AM we were at the first Tee.
About Our Game:
The first hole is a par 5 and I got a bad start by losing my ball from my tee shot. Bob (2) got a birdie, and I ended up with an 8. The second hole (Par 4) was not much better for me when I lost another ball on another horrible tee shot. I ended up with a (6) and hoped that was the last of my woes.
On the par 3 hole #3 both Bob’s made par and I got a bogie. I started to settle in a little better after that. At hole #6 Steve made an amazing 40-foot putt for birdie. At hole #7 both Bob’s made par again. By now I knew I was playing with some very good golfers.
At hole #10 I had just marked my ball on the green when another ball hit by someone in the group behind us rolled up on the green and then rolled right over my marker. What’s the chance of that ever happening again. It’s not good golf etiquette from those guys behind us but we let it pass.
Hole #13 is said to be the most difficult and I was thrilled when I hit a great tee shot long and right down the middle of the Fareway. However, I got caught in a sand trap after that and finished the hole with a double bogie.
At hole #12 Bob (2) had to withdraw from play due to shoulder pain.
Hole #14 (par 3) was fun when all three of us made par. See picture #15.
Hole #15 (par 4) Steve and I both made great tee shots and were on the green in (2). However, we both ended up 3 putting for a bogie.
At the last hole #18 (par 3) Bob-2 decided to play it. We all made the green in one shot, but Bob-2 was the only one that made par. Go figure. The guy is just that good even with shoulder pain.
Results:
Steve 3-Par 1-birdie
Tony 1-Par 0 birdie
Bob (1) 3-Par 0 birdie
Bob (2) 4-Par 1 birdie
This was a challenging course for me, but I was happy to finish with a 97 that at the start I thought would be much worse. My thanks to Steve and both Bob’s that made it a fun and great time.
My Favorite Hole:
I think my favorite hole I played was hole #13 that is a 547 yard (par 5). It was the most difficult hole on the course, and I started with a great T-shot. Then I got in the sand but got out ok and finished with a double bogie that could have been much worse.
