Bay Creek Golf Course
Bay Creek Golf Course offers two distinct 18-hole layouts by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer along the scenic Chesapeake Bay. This resort-style venue balances coastal beauty with strategic challenges, making it a compelling choice for golfers of varying skill levels.
Course Overview
Bay Creek Golf Course presents an engaging challenge along Virginia’s serene Chesapeake Bay coastline, offering two distinguished 18-hole tracks designed by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Known for its resort-style setting, this semi-private facility blends coastal influences with strategic playability across well-maintained layouts.
The Nicklaus course stretches approximately 7,000 yards with a par of 72, delivering a blend of wide fairways and challenging positioning that highlight the architect’s signature style. Players encounter fairways guarded by elongated waste bunkers and greens protected by pot bunkers, demanding precision and shot shaping. The wind from the bay plays a subtle yet consistent role, testing timing and club selection throughout the round. One standout is the par-3 fourth hole, which plays directly toward the water, requiring a delicate balance of distance and accuracy.
In contrast, the Palmer course also spans 18 holes and offers a slightly different coastal parkland experience with well-placed hazards and inviting fairways. Though still challenging, this layout provides a more approachable round, with thoughtfully positioned bunkers and undulating greens that reward careful approach shots. Both courses enjoy the Bay Creek setting’s natural beauty, where tidal views punctuate several holes and the gentle breeze adds texture to each shot.
Bay Creek is ideal for golfers seeking a resort-level golf vacation with amenities to match. The clubhouse features a well-equipped pro shop and dining options that complement the day on the course. The recently introduced Bay Creek Discovery Tour package combines rounds, lodging, and spa services, making it a convenient option for visitors aiming to immerse themselves fully in the experience.
Playability ranges from approachable for mid to low handicaps on the Palmer layout, to a stern test for skilled players on the Nicklaus side, especially when the coastal winds intensify. Golfers should prepare for walking conditions that vary with weather and wear shoes suited for turf and possibly damp terrain. Those seeking a coastal golf retreat with varied challenge and stunning bay views will find Bay Creek to be a memorable destination.
Course Highlights
Signature 18-hole courses by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer provide contrasting coastal challenges. The Nicklaus course tests strategic shot shaping with expansive waste bunkers and bay winds, while the Palmer layout offers an accessible yet engaging round. The par-3 fourth hole on the Nicklaus course overlooks Chesapeake Bay, creating a memorable shot framed by water. Resort amenities include upscale dining and a comprehensive pro shop, complemented by a golf simulator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Laura Keenan
I was thoroughly impressed with Bay Creek Golf Course. I recently played a scramble there, and the experience was top-notch from start to finish. The staff was incredibly accommodating, greeting us warmly in the parking lot and ensuring everything went smoothly throughout our round. The 18-hole course was beautifully maintained, with stunning greens and breathtaking geography. We also had the opportunity to use the simulator, which was a fun addition. To top it off, lunch at the club was excellently prepared and absolutely delicious. I feel truly grateful for the experience and look forward to returning for another round. Highly recommend!
Danny Bjortvedt
Donald Littleton
Very high end housing development
Reeshemah Robinson
A M
I played the Nicklaus course yesterday, and wow, what an experience. The fairways are wide and long, the greens are well protected, and the views are amazing. The opening hole is a straight shot, but hooking is penalized by a stand of trees. Once you reach the green, you head to hole #2 with water on the left. A slight fade works best on this hole. Hole 3 is a long par 5 with an elevated green. Play what you want, just hit it straight! Hole 4, a par 3, plays directly to the Chesapeake Bay. On #5, you tee off with water on each side. Aim for the trees and fade it onto the fairway. #6 is a short par 3 protected by a natural area on both sides. #7 plays true to length, but with water on the right it presents a challenge to a golfer who hits a fade (or a slice...). #8 is a nice par 4 with water on the right, a green protected by deep bunkers on each side, and water behind the green. A fade OR Draw work well here, although I'd aim to the water's edge and draw it back to the fairway. The final hole, #9, is a par 5 with a wide fairway. There is water to the right off the tee, but beyond the water the fairway is as wide as you'd need. Place your second shot carefully, as there are bunkers protecting the landing area and green. Bay Creek recently converted to a member-only course, but if you'd like to play it, book the Bay Creek Discovery Tour. It's a 3 day 2 night package that includes lodging, golf, spa services, a meal voucher, and a few other amenities.
shawn U
We had an amazing time on our golf trip at Bay Creek. Fairways were perfect. Greens had just been aerated the week before. We weren’t aware of this when we booked earlier in the year but the resort took care of us for that mistake. The only thing I would have changed is doing the trip a week or two later in September. The fairways are open but the placement of sand traps makes it very challenging.
Michele
We LOVE our home and life in Baycreek, in no small part due to the nature preserve and beautiful old trees. Seeing the deer, foxes, eagles, herons and so much other wildlife always brings joy. Unfortunately, we now watch Troon’s site management Preserve (ironic name) decimate the surrounding nature to fit in additional condos that weren’t even on the original plan, it breaks our heart. We recently found out that the nature preserve isn’t even safe and is slated for clearing for more homes. All I can say is buyer beware - don’t let Baycreek sell you a home based on the beauty of the area, it doesn’t look like it’ll be here for long!
Bradley Harrison
Love the option to play either an Nicklaus of Palmer signature course here. We played Jack's course and it was quite difficult (as most of his are) with plenty of waste-bunkers that at times would span the length of the fairway, small tricky greens, pot bunkers, and many more obstacles. It is set in a great location right on the Bay, and the practice facility is great with an awesome restaurant inside the clubhouse too.
smithms1
Both courses are great, but the Nicklaus course was just too difficult for me. God help you if the wind is blowing! The Palmer course was still plenty challenging.
David white
Fantastic track! Gotta be with a member to play but if you can it is worth it!
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Course Details
Access & Location
1 Clubhouse Way, Cape Charles, VA 23310, USA
Bay Creek Clubhouse featuring pro shop, dining, and locker facilities
Walking is permitted and encouraged; shoes with good traction advised due to coastal turf conditions
Advance tee time reservations recommended; available to resort guests and members
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