Ocean City has a lot of golf. Like, a lot. But if you’ve ever sat in traffic on Route 50, staring out at the St. Martin River, you’ve probably seen that lone, sweeping peninsula of green sticking out into the marsh. That's it. The Links at Lighthouse Sound. Honestly, it’s one of those courses that people talk about with a mix of reverence and genuine frustration because, let’s be real, the wind out there can absolutely ruin your scorecard if you aren’t prepared.
It’s a bizarre, beautiful hybrid.
Arthur Hills, the architect behind the place, basically looked at a piece of land that was half dense hardwood forest and half wide-open saltwater marsh and decided to mash them together. It shouldn't work. Usually, courses pick a lane. They’re either a woods course or a links-style course. But the Links at Lighthouse Sound forces you to play both games in a single round. You start in the trees, feeling all cozy and protected, and then suddenly you’re spat out onto the edge of the bay where the wind is whipping at 20 miles per hour and there isn't a single leaf to block it. It's jarring.
Why the Design of the Links at Lighthouse Sound is So Polarizing
Most people go to Ocean City for the beach or the boardwalk fries, but golfers go for the views. Lighthouse Sound has the distinction of having the longest cart bridge in the United States—nearly 1,500 feet of timber stretching over the marsh. It’s a vibe. But once you cross that bridge, the game changes.
The course is widely considered the premier "must-play" in the region, often outranking its sister courses like Rum Pointe or Man O' War. Why? Because of the variety. You aren't just hitting the same driver-wedge combo all day.
Take the 5th hole. It’s a par three. Sounds simple, right? It’s not. It plays right along the water with a massive, multi-tiered green. If the pin is in the back and the wind is coming off the Assawoman Bay, you’re looking at a two or three-club difference. I've seen guys pull a 5-iron on a hole that measures 150 yards. It's mental. People get hung up on the distance on the scorecard, but the scorecard is a liar at Lighthouse Sound. You have to play with your eyes and your gut, not your GPS.
The Marsh vs. The Forest
The "Links" name is a bit of a misnomer if you're a purist. It isn't a true Scottish linksland with sandy dunes and fescue as far as the eye can see. It’s more of a "parkland-meets-marsh" setup. The holes that snake through the woods are tight. If you’re spraying the ball off the tee, you’re going to have a long, miserable day digging through the undergrowth for a Titleist that’s long gone.
Then you hit the open holes.
The contrast is what makes it. One minute you’re worried about clipping a branch on your backswing, and the next you’re wondering if your ball is going to stay in the air long enough to clear 200 yards of wetlands. It requires a level of tactical flexibility that most resort courses don't demand. You can't just "bomb and gouge" here.
Breaking Down the Signature Challenges
We have to talk about the 9th. It’s arguably one of the most photographed holes in the Mid-Atlantic. It’s a long par four that plays toward the clubhouse with the Ocean City skyline shimmering in the distance. It looks like a postcard. It plays like a nightmare if you’re trying to save par.
The fairway is generous enough, but the approach shot is where the drama happens. You’re hitting toward a green tucked right against the water. If you miss left, you’re wet. If you miss right, you’re in a bunker that feels like it’s the size of a small parking lot. Most golfers under-club here because they’re distracted by the view of the high-rises across the bay. Don't be that person.
- The Wind Factor: It is never calm. Ever. If the flags aren't snapping, check your pulse.
- The Greens: They are large, but they have subtle breaks that move toward the water. It’s an old trick, but it works every time.
- Conditioning: Because it’s a high-end resort course, the turf is usually pristine. This means the ball rolls out. If you're used to "dartboard" golf where the ball stops where it lands, you're in for a surprise.
Dealing with the "Island Green" Par 3
People always mention the 5th, but the 13th is a sleeper hit. It’s another par three, but this one is almost entirely surrounded by marshland. It’s not an "island" in the TPC Sawgrass sense, but it feels like it. There is zero room for error. If you don't hit the green, you're taking a drop. It’s the kind of hole that ruins a good round, but man, when you stick it close, there isn't a better feeling in Maryland golf.
The Reality of the Price Tag
Let’s be honest: the Links at Lighthouse Sound is not cheap. Depending on the time of year and the day of the week, you’re looking at significant greens fees. It’s a "premium" experience.
Is it worth it?
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If you’re the type of golfer who plays once a year and just wants to drink beer in a cart, maybe not. There are cheaper courses nearby that are more forgiving. But if you care about course architecture and you want a legitimate challenge, then yes. It’s the flagship of the Ruark Golf group for a reason. You’re paying for the maintenance, the views, and the fact that you won't find a layout like this anywhere else on the East Coast.
The clubhouse also deserves a mention. It’s not just a place to grab a hot dog. The restaurant there, The Restaurant at Lighthouse Sound, is actually a legit dining destination. People go there for dinner who don't even know what a sand wedge is. Sitting on that deck with a drink while the sun goes down over the bay is the best way to forget about the three-putt you had on 18.
Strategic Tips for Survival
If you're heading out there, leave the ego in the trunk of your car. Seriously.
- Club up. Especially on the holes facing the bay. The humidity and the wind create a heavy air that kills ball flight. If you think it’s an 8-iron, hit a 7. Maybe a 6.
- Forget the driver on the wooded holes. A 3-wood or a hybrid that stays in the fairway is infinitely better than a 300-yard drive that’s buried in the hardwoods.
- Watch the tide. It sounds crazy, but the water levels in the marsh change how the course feels. At high tide, those forced carries look a lot more intimidating.
- Putt toward the bay. Even when the green looks flat, there’s a professional "pull" toward the lowest point of the coastline.
The Links at Lighthouse Sound isn't a course you "beat." It’s a course you survive. You’re going to lose a few balls. You’re going to get frustrated by a gust of wind that knocks your perfect draw into a bunker. But when you’re standing on that long bridge, looking back at the course as the light hits the marsh grass, you’ll realize why it’s ranked so high year after year.
Practical Next Steps for Your Trip
Booking a tee time at the Links at Lighthouse Sound requires some foresight, especially during the peak summer months or the popular "shoulder" seasons in May and September.
- Book early: Use the official Ruark Golf website or call the pro shop directly. They often have "stay and play" packages if you're staying at certain hotels in Ocean City.
- Check the wind forecast: Use an app like Windfinder. If the gusts are over 25 mph, pack extra balls and lower your expectations for your score.
- Practice your lag putting: The greens are massive. You will likely face several 40-foot putts. If your distance control is off, you'll 3-putt all day.
- Arrival time: Get there at least 45 minutes early. The driving range is excellent, and you’ll want to get a feel for the grass and the wind before you head to the first tee.
Don't overthink the "Links" branding. Just show up, keep your ball low, and enjoy the fact that for four hours, you have the best view in the state. No matter what your scorecard says at the end, that view from the 9th green is worth the price of admission.
Pack a windbreaker, even in July. You’ll thank me later.