Course Tour

See For Yourself: Greater Wilmington’s Top Rated Public Golf Course

Hole

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Out

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

In

Total

Blue  71.0/131

523

179

327

432

399

401

346

225

418

3250

536

158

369

326

406

355

170

406

347

3073

6323

Hcp

11

17

13

3

7

5

15

9

1

4

18

8

16

2

12

14

6

10

White  M: 69.6/130
L: 75.1/138

511

163

315

411

394

331

342

209

404

3080

520

143

326

315

394

340

158

391

338

2925

6005

Hcp

9

17

13

3

5

7

15

11

1

4

18

10

16

2

8

14

6

12

Par

5

3

4

4

4

4

4

3

4

35

5

3

4

4

4

4

3

4

4

35

70

Gold  66.3/124

470

126

279

369

369

317

317

164

357

2768

437

111

255

300

365

296

146

361

309

2580

5348

Red  71.5/131

470

126

279

369

369

317

317

164

357

2768

437

111

255

300

365

296

146

361

309

2580

5348

Hcp

11

17

13

5

1

7

9

15

3

4

18

16

12

2

10

14

6

8

Hole 1

Par 5


The opening hole is a unique dogleg left that will quickly grab your attention. The tee shot must favor the right side of the fairway to leave a clear second shot. The change in elevation on the approach is indicative of this spectacular course. On your second shot, if you want to lay-up and leave yourself a level approach shot you must lay-up no closer than 150 yards to the green. This narrow hourglass-shaped green is sloped severely from left to right. Staying below the pin is a must on this putting surface.

Hole 2

Par 3


Finding the green is imperative to scoring well on this par 3. The trees surrounding the elevated tee hide the wind’s true direction. Club selection is critical because of the sharp drop off behind the green into White Clay Creek State Park. Tee shots not landing on the green have a good chance of finding one of the 3 bunkers. Favoring the left side of the green will improve your chance for an easy two putt.

Hole 3

Par 4


The third is a short par 4.The blind, uphill tee shot must favor the right side to avoid the tree looming over the left side of the fairway. The small but undulating green will make for an exciting two putt.

Hole 4

Par 4


Finding the fairway on this contoured par 4 will not guarantee a great score. Most players will find the sloping fairway challenging to manage, making a well placed approach to the elevated green difficult. Staying clear of the greenside bunkers may cause many players to lay-up short of the green, leaving a simple pitch up the hill and a chance at a one putt par.

Hole 5

Par 4


Leave the driver in the bag. Accuracy is the name of the game on this narrow par 4. Adding a full club to your approach will be necessary to reach this considerably elevated green. The small green is sloped severely from left to right and can make for a tricky two putt for even the best putters.

Hole 6

Par 4


The sixth hole is a distinctive par 4 that utilizes the undulating landscape to provide a unique golf adventure. A tee shot that favors the right side is essential to finding the fairway. A well struck approach will be necessary to hold the elevated green. Hitting this green in two does not always ensure an easy par.

Hole 7

Par 4


Your target on this gently elevated par 4 will be the left fairway bunker. Any player finding this green in two will have an excellent opportunity at a great score.

Hole 8

Par 3


There are many ways to play this uphill par 3. Some players may want to hit a fairway wood and try to reach the green, while others may want to lay-up in front of the bunkers and leave an easy chip. Whichever way the hole is played, 3 is a good score.

Hole 9

Par 4


The ninth, an uphill dogleg right, is the most difficult of the par 4’s. Here, the golfer is faced with a tee shot that must favor the left side of the fairway to have a clear approach to the green. The firm surface of this small green will call for an extremely accurate long iron or fairway wood. Navigating the subtle slopes to the green will be the real challenge for all golfers. A par on the ninth hole is an excellent score for any skill level.

Hole 10

Par 5


The tenth tee showcases the dramatic elevation changes that are indicative of the course. The lake on the left of the fairway is blind from the tee, creating a true risk reward shot for any golfer that takes an aggressive line. The second shot will call for an accurate lay-up to the left side of the fairway to leave you with a straightforward approach. Any putt above the hole will require a steady putting stroke.

Hole 11

Par 3


Adding an extra club to your tee shot on this uphill par 3 is crucial to finding the green. Staying clear of the bunkers left of the green is the top priority. The chipping area both short and right of the green provides a good opportunity to save par. Whether you hit the green with your first or second shot, be sure to leave yourself an uphill putt on this slippery green.

Hole 12

Par 4


The first par 4 on the back nine demands a precise tee shot to avoid out of bounds to the right and bunkers guarding both sides of the fairway. Hit this fairway and birdie is a short iron and a putt away.

Hole 13

Par 4


Although the 13th hole is the shortest of the par 4s, distance control from the tee is necessary. A fairway wood or long iron, down the right side of the fairway, will be the club of choice. A careful approach to the green will leave many golfers with their best chance for birdie.

Hole 14

Par 4


The fourteenth hole appears as though it was painted onto the landscape. Don’t be fooled by the yardage on the scorecard. The narrow fairway and uphill approach make par an excellent score. The drive should favor the right side of the fairway to leave the golfer with an unimpeded approach to the green. The uphill approach will require that the golfer take at least one extra club to reach the well bunkered green.

Hole 15

Par 4


The fifteenth is a distinctive hole, with a fairway that is severely sloped from left to right. The tee shot must favor the left side to ensure that the ball will remain in the fairway. Golfers will be faced with a severe sidehill lie. Finding the green will be an accomplishment for golfers of any skill level.

Hole 16

Par 3


The last of the par 3’s borders Thompson Station Road, and features bunkers to the left and both bunkers and out of bounds to the right. Players will need an extra club to carry the bunkers and safely find this undulated green. Be cautious here as the teeing area on #16 can point you off to the right a bit, so be sure to check your alignment.

Hole 17

Par 4


The dramatic view from the seventeenth tee creates a stimulating tee shot. The blind tee shot most favor the right side to increase your chances of safely finding the fairway. On the approach most golfers will be faced with a downhill approach to the largest green on the course. A large ridge bisects the green making long putts challenging to judge.

Hole 18

Par 4


The final hole is an uphill, dogleg right with a blind tee shot. Favoring the left side of the fairway is a must. On the approach shot the clubhouse provides a beautiful backdrop to this distinct finishing hole. The open entry to the green will accept a multitude of approach shots. A simple putt on this level green will be all that is left to finish a wonderful golf experience.

DEERFIELD’S PUB & GRILLE

OPEN: 11:00AM – Sunset

The perfect place to gather with your friends after your next round of golf at Deerfield is at the Deerfield Pub & Grille. Enjoy daily drink and appetizer specials at the bar, order a tall draft from any one of our twelve draft beer options, or get comfortable at the bar or high-top tables. You’ll have a great view of “the game” on our six flat screen TV’s. And the patio and fire pit area offers an outstanding views of the golf course and the setting sun.

Deerfield’s Pub & Grille Menu features an array of popular menu items perfect for after golf and hanging out with your friends. Whether it’s shared appetizers for the whole foursome to enjoy or a burger, sandwich, or fresh salad Deerfield’s Pub & Grille has a selection for you.

How many greater Wilmington golf courses can offer all that? We look forward to serving you as one of Delaware’s finest pubs around!

Beer, soda and snacks always available from the Pro Shop for your convenience.

Reservations are not accepted for the Pub & Grille. All indoor and outdoor seating is on a first come, first served basis. Hours of operation change based on the season, but can vary greatly based on weather and course conditions /availability. Holiday dining events such as Father’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter may limit Pub & Grille operating hours and menu options. Beer, soda and snacks always available from the Pro Shop for your convenience. Please call for further details.

Meet the Instructors

The Deerfield Golf Academy is your source for the area’s most innovative, professional and experienced golf instruction. Whether it’s private lessons, group lessons, clinics, or a program that focuses on a particular aspect of golf in which you would like to improve, the Deerfield Golf Academy has – or will design – the perfect game plan for your success.

Just because the Deerfield Golf Academy features one of the area’s most well known names in golf doesn’t mean it’s for only the best players that are looking to take their game to the next level. Golfers of all ages and ability levels will find a comfortable fit in this approach that focuses on an individualized program of instruction with an emphasis on “fun” and enjoying this game more.

This season, choose from any of these options or ask us to craft something especially for you…

  • Private Lessons – One On One Attention For Lower Scores
  • Group Lessons – Casual, Comfortable, But Focused On Success
  • Get Golf Ready – Give Us Four Days & We’ll Give You Fun For A Lifetime
  • Intro To Golf – The Basics & More
  • Intermediate Golf – For Those Heading To The Next Level
  • “Bring Your Own Group” – Bring Your Friends For More Fun!
  • On Course Playing Lessons With Michael Tobiason, Jr. And Ryan Kempski
  • Junior Golf Instruction – Great Instruction & Great Value

Michael Tobiason, Jr.

Head Golf Professional

Dear Prospective Student:

I hope you will take the time to visit Deerfield and introduce yourself. As someone who grew up in Delaware, I not only have a passion for this great game, but I have a passion for Delaware golf.

Deerfield is one of the region’s most well respected, well maintained layouts. I am thrilled to call it my new home.

I enjoy breaking down the game for my students in a way that makes learning simple and fun. There are many strategies that we can implement together that will lower your scores, and make the game much more enjoyable.

My experiences playing the US Open, on national television on Big Break, and in any number of collegiate and professional tournaments have helped me develop an approach to both the mental and physical aspects of the game that I look forward to sharing with my students.

Find me in the Pro Shop or out on the practice tee on your next visit to Deerfield. I will do whatever I can to help you shoot lower scores and become a better golfer this season.

Michael Tobiason, Jr.
Head Golf Professional

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Deerfield is lucky enough to have Michael Tobiason, Jr. lead the Deerfield golf team as Head Golf Professional. While you probably know Michael from his participation in the US Open in 2011 at Congressional Country Club near Washington DC, or his time as a contestant on the Golf Channel’s Big Break (watch him here), Michael has quickly built a reputation for one of the area’s most well known and well respected golf professionals. He is an incredible asset to the Deerfield team, designing and leading all instructional programs and supporting the overall golf operation.

Michael was born in Wilmington, Delaware and began to develop a love for the game of golf at an early age. By the time he was seven years old, he earned a presence in the junior golf community, playing in local and regional tournaments. While majoring in Human Resource Management at Goldey Beacom College, Michael was selected as a PING All American two years in a row. He continued to fine tune his game, and turned professional in 2006. Since then, he has served as an assistant professional at area country clubs while pursuing a professional playing career. As a professional, he has played in 200 events, earning 75 top-ten finishes, 51 top-five finishes, and 13 wins.

Certainly, his 2011 participation in the US Open at Congressional Country Club and the spotlight earned from participating in the Golf Channel’s series Big Break (watch him here) at the Greenbrier in 2013 are among his proudest moments to date as a player. Looking ahead, he hopes to share his passion and knowledge of the game he loves with his students and the golfers at Deerfield. His philosophy of making the game as simple as possible to lower scores – and make the game of golf more enjoyable – is one that will be popular with golfers of all ages and ability levels.

Career Highlights:

  • US Open Participant – 2011
  • Big Break Greenbrier – 2012
  • Golf Channel Documentary Michael Tobiason, Jr. – 2011
  • Two Time All American – Goldey Beacom College
  • Over Thirty Junior & Collegiate Wins
  • CACC Player Of The Year – 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
  • CACC Conference Champion – 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
  • Among Who’s Who Students In America For Golf

To book with Michael, please call the Pro Shop at 302-368-6640 ext 3.

DF_Ryan Kempski_Headshot_2020

Ryan Kempski

Director of Instruction

A Delaware native and graduate of the PGA of America’s Professional Golf Management program, Ryan brings 18 years of teaching experience to Deerfield, having recently served two of the Philadelphia Sections’ most reputable facilities – Merion Golf Club and The Union League Golf Club at Torresdale.

This span, in addition, includes a 10 year tenure in Hawai’i, where Ryan held the positions of Staff Professional and Lead Instructor at the Princeville Resort’s renowned Prince Course, the state’s #1 ranked facility for the duration of that time, as well as a member of Golf Digest’s ‘Top 100 Courses of America’ list. There he assisted Top 25 Golf School of America instructors Rick Smith, Jack Lumpkin, Fred Shoemaker, and Kris Moe with traveling golf schools that covered all aspects of the game: from the full swing and short game, to on-course mental strategies, to TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) based fitness techniques. Ryan was also a Head Golf Coach at the high school level and a Professional Caddie on the LPGA Tour during this portion of his career, the latter allowing him the opportunity to work with and learn from PGA Tour instructor and former major champion Dave Stockton, Sr. Stockton’s students have included the likes of Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, and Annika Sorenstam.

Ryan is also versed with TrackMan, golf’s revolutionary launch monitor that utilizes dual-radar technology to capture 27 data points pertaining to your golf swing, club, and ball, and is pleased to offer it to Deerfield’s Academy. TrackMan is currently used by the top 100 players on the PGA Tour, as well as 700 others on professional tours worldwide, and is redefining how the game is experienced and taught at all skill levels via its precise swing and ball flight measurements. Imagine improving your ball striking, gaining distance, seeing the results through video, and having the mathematical numbers to back it up. Give your game and confidence a serious boost by booking a session with Ryan, and experience everything that TrackMan has to offer!

Ryan prides himself in a method free approach to instruction and assisting students of all skill levels. He also serves as the Director of Instruction at AKA University City’s Level 28 in Philadelphia during winter months.

Prior to your next round, make sure you stop in and get the gear you’ll need for your next round.  You’ll find several of golf’s top manufacturers represented for the apparel, golf balls, equipment, accessories and gift item’s you’ll want.

Plus, we are happy to special order whatever you might require if we don’t have it on the shelf.  Just let us know what you are looking for, and we can usually bring it in for you at a very competitive price.

Maybe you are hosting a tournament or golf outing this season.  If so, you’ll need both gift items to give to all your participants as well as prizes for all your winners once the event is through.  Whatever it is – logo balls, logo shirts, outerwear, shoe bags, umbrellas, clubs, shoes – we can work with you to capture the items and the price points you require.  Just allow some lead time for personalization and shipping and you’re all set!

Just stopping in for a round with friends?  No problem – we’ve got all the necessities like golf balls, hats, gloves, tees, and suntan lotion that you will need to quickly grab before you tee it up.

If you are in the market for new clubs, you can try one of our demo clubs or even be custom-fit for a brand new set.  Plus, with our expansive driving range onsite, why hit into a screen?  At Deerfield, you can watch the ball fly and discover what clubs will really make a difference in your game.

Are you looking for something specific?  Contact us today!

To learn more about golf outings at Deerfield, click here.

The Pro Shop is located in the main clubhouse building across from the Pub & Grille.  Everything available is priced affordably, competitively, and offers superior customer service.  The Pro Shop is open throughout most golf hours based on season.  Call us at 302-368-6640 ext 3 for more details.

Deerfield has retained its designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program.

Participation is designed to help course personnel plan, organize, implement, and document a comprehensive environmental management program and receive recognition for their efforts. To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas including: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

“Deerfield has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property,” said Christine Kane, CEO at Audubon International.
Deerfield is one of over 900 courses in the world to hold the honor. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Central America, Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program. The golf course was designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 2003. After designation, courses go through a recertification process every three years.

“We see the site visit as an important component of a course’s recertification,” stated Kane. “It provides an objective verification of some of the more visible aspects of the course’s environmental management activities. In addition, it offers an opportunity for golf course representatives to share publicly some of the voluntary actions they have taken behind the scenes to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife, and natural resources around them.”

About Audubon International

Audubon International is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) environmental education organization dedicated to providing people with the education and assistance they need to practice responsible management of land, water, wildlife, and other natural resources. To meet this mission, the organization provides training, services, and a set of award-winning environmental education and certification programs for individuals, organizations, properties, new developments, and entire communities.

For more information, contact Audubon International at 120 Defreest Drive, Troy, NY 12180, 1-844-767-9051, e-mail at acsp@auduboninternational.org, or visit the website at www.auduboninternational.org.