Bay Creek Golf Course
Bay Creek’s dual 18-hole courses offer coastal golf framed by Chesapeake Bay views. The Nicklaus layout challenges with strategic bunkers and wind-affected shots, while the Palmer course blends accessible fairways with natural waterfront hazards, creating a varied and memorable Virginia golf experience.
Course Overview
Bay Creek offers a duo of distinguished 18-hole layouts that showcase the diverse charms of coastal Virginia golf. Located in Cape Charles, these courses are designed to captivate both seasoned players and those seeking a memorable golfing getaway. The Nicklaus and Palmer courses, each bearing the signature touch of their renowned architects, provide contrasting challenges framed by the tranquil waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
The Nicklaus Course commands attention with its strategic design. Long fairways invite bold tee shots while the course’s signature waste bunkers challenge precision and course management. Greens are sculpted with subtle breaks that reward careful reading, and the presence of pot bunkers demands an accurate approach. Navigating this layout requires focus and versatility, especially as the prevailing bay winds can influence club selection and shot shape.
In contrast, the Palmer Course offers a more approachable yet still engaging round. Here, the routing takes full advantage of the surrounding waterways and natural marshes, integrating them as thoughtful hazards that shape decision-making across each hole. Fairways are slightly wider, encouraging an aggressive style of play, but ample bunkering and well-contoured greens maintain a competitive edge. The visual interplay between open water and manicured turf enhances the experience without overwhelming the golfer.
Both courses revel in a coastal setting that enhances each round with views of the Chesapeake Bay and native flora. The gentle breezes serve as a constant companion, testing a golfer’s tempo and shot execution. Maintenance standards are consistently high, from fairways to the finely trimmed greens, ensuring a first-rate surface for every stroke.
Though the facilities recently shifted to member access only, Bay Creek continues to welcome visitors through their Discovery Tour package—a three-day, two-night experience that combines lodging, golf, and spa amenities. The clubhouse is an inviting hub with excellent dining and a fully equipped practice area, allowing players to prepare or unwind in style.
Whether tackling the demanding Nicklaus layout or enjoying the elegant flow of the Palmer course, Bay Creek delivers a thoughtfully crafted coastal golf experience balanced by strategic complexity and scenic beauty.
Course Highlights
Bay Creek features two distinct courses from Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. The Nicklaus Course is marked by extensive waste bunkers, small, strategic greens, and the influence of Chesapeake Bay winds that require thoughtful shot shaping. The Palmer Course contrasts with a more forgiving layout framed by water hazards and natural marshes, emphasizing smooth flow and visual appeal. The resort-style clubhouse offers high-quality dining and practice facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
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.
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.
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!
Donald Littleton
Very high end housing development
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!
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.
Reeshemah Robinson
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.
Danny Bjortvedt
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 & Resort
Walking is encouraged on both courses; modest elevation changes and well-maintained paths make for an enjoyable on-foot experience. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
Access primarily for members; Discovery Tour package offers limited guest play with advance booking
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