The new tee pads and baskets are a nice upgrade from my last visit a few years ago. Really nice course in a cool setting. The aspect of playing on a sand dune is unique and challenging, most sand dunes are protected areas that you can't even hike through so it's definitely one of a kind in the area.

One Paragraph Review:

Dunes, sandy fairways, a variety of disc-catching pines, low, scrubby grasses and plenty of seaside wind make a unique environment for throwing discs at baskets. New baskets, rubber tees, excellent signage, ongoing maintenance. Not cart-friendly. The holes feel a bit repetitive by the end. The layout is better than average 3.0; the distinctive natural setting pulls it up to a 3.5 for me and makes it well worth a visit to play one or more times.


*************



+ Brand new DisCatcher baskets, most have tape to show you which way to go to the next tee. It looks like small wooden platforms are being built for the Reds - so there's definitely a lot of maintenance work going on here


+ Tees are rubber, on raised platforms. But there's sand everywhere, so they can be slick even when dry. The signage (it's the excellent standard Delaware Parks style) indicates three tees, but on most the middle (white) tee is in by far the best shape. Given the amount of work going on, one could guess that all tees might be in good shape before the summer of 2022 is over


+ How far can you throw low? Unless you have a reliable 350'+ skyhyzer, the best route is almost always 6' - 8' off the ground, down out of the wind and below most of the pine branches


+ You're playing among the dunes: there are only a few flat holes, and they're all wooded until #18. A complete change of pace: it's a flat, open 500' par 4 with the park roadway OB along the right

- At some point during the back 9, the novelty of the beach environment had worn off. There was a run of blind tee shots (and a blind approach); not a lot of visual differences. Standing on #16, I was sure I had already played this hole once or twice already


- The navigation is pretty intuitive until you finish 13, where there's a long walk to 14 and 14X, which bring you back to where you finished 13. 14X is a short, stuck-in hole with impossibly narrow lines through a grove of pitch pines up to a basket perched on a steep sided bluff. It's an impressive looking hole, but it's just Plinko, then pitch up for a putt

~ A rich diversity of pines: Japanese Black, Loblolly and Pitch. Ground covers like beach heather. It's as if everything here was specifically engineered to stop your disc. There are two holes (6 and 8) where the ground cover has been allowed to grow high enough that you might think the designer is just putting it in your face on purpose. Other than those (and Plinko 14X), the lines are fair - but missing them is costly


~ For as much as I grew tired of the course by the end, I can absolutely see how you'd want to play it multiple times - because it's really about figuring out the angle above or below certain branches, compensating for the wind, etc - and then hitting it. It's not a remarkable course, but what it has going for it is it's natural environment, and how it uses it to affect your game



COURSE AMENITIES:
Total of 19 holes, with two loops both ending near the parking lot. Not at all cart-friendly due to the sand. Plenty of park amenities. $8 fee for non-residents


RECOMMENDED COMBINATIONS:
Other Delaware State Parks. Hit them the same day, and you'll get great mileage out of your $8 fee. Henlopen is pretty much half way between Killens Pond and Trap Pond

This is a short course that plays across some rolling sand dunes. That in itself makes it interesting. It's not a championship caliber course or anything like that but it makes for an enjoyable experience with the fam. There's enough shade that you're not baking the whole time, but still bring lots of water and a good hat for this one! Course is old, navigation can be a challenge and the baskets rusty, but if you're looking for an alternative to a beach day while you're in the area, I'd recommend it

Nice blend of open-air throws and wooded lanes.
Well-designed layout overall (see * comment on back 9 in Cons). It is a nice and together without feeling like the holes are on top of each other.
Very nice tee pads for both white and blue, with excellent signage to show you the hole.

Baskets are older, and can be difficult to see since there's not much color on them. Also, slightly rusty. This is mostly an aesthetic thing, as I've not seen it affect throws or discs.
*There is very little marker to get from one basket to the next tee. This is especially tricky on the back 9 going from 13 to 14 to 15. UDisc is a lifesaver here.

Just over half of the course involves playing on sand. I'm not entirely sure if this is a pro or con. On the plus side, it can be helpful for rookie players to avoid sliding too far past your basket, especially on holes 2 and 6 where the basket is a bit elevated on a hill. On the down side, it can make footing very tricky for those who like to aggressively throw, and it makes rollers on those holes impossible. So goods and bads. Personally, I'm a fan.
The trees in this course are very thick. I have had several friends lose discs because the foliage loves to hang onto discs. If you are careful and throw low or make sure to stay away, this shouldn't be an issue, but it is definitely a risk.
This course is rather hilly with dunes. Some baskets will be literally impossible to see the basket from the tee (looking at you, 7). Trust the signs and the baskets will come out once you are down the fairway.

Overall, this is worth the price of entry to the park for me. All of the courses in lower DE are fine courses, but if you can only make it to one, come to Cape Henlopen.

I love this course. I play the short pads and it is so much fun. The sand and the trees are so beautiful. I like the fact that there are so many trees to throw around but there is not much chance of losing a disc. I live in pa but I am down here often to play.

The pads are hard to throw from. They can be slippery because of the sand. I play the short pads and can do mostly stand still shots so the pads are ok for me.

It is my favorite course of the 15 that I have played.

Unique course, sand dunes throughout and a very "beachy" feel to it.
Two tees, two baskets per hole.
Steady Ed original, historic course.
Mats on the wooden tees were in good shape and offered ample traction and space.
Makes best use of the available terrain, Ed's trademark.
Clean, no trash, where there was vegetation it wasn't overgrown.
Great, mostly accurate signs at tees, most baskets have wooden arrows to guide you along.

The baskets, Mach IIs?, are in deplorable, barely serviceable shape. Chains are severely corroded from the ocean air.
Park admission is kind of steep for out of state visitors, coming from Pennsylvania, paying to get into a state park is unheard of, but it is what it is.
With the admission price being what it is, how hard would it be to replace the ancient baskets? I imagine the course brings in enough players to make it worthwhile. Judging from the boards at the beginning of the course, there looks to be a local club or T.O who could maybe make that happen in the future?
A few holes play very close to a road and walking/biking trail.

Most unique course in DE
Layout varieties are great
Never crowded
Can't wait to get back and see the updates

The ticks are real
Some tee boxes are falling apart

Bring water and sunscreen
So much to do outside of the course

In 2018, I said I would probably come to like this course better over time. It is true (smile). In the interim, I have only had the opportunity to play the course two more times. Latest, last weekend.

The disc golf course represents something extra to do at the beach. And quite different than most beach affair. You can bike, hike, play disc golf, and then throw yourself into the ocean. Make your entry fee pay (DE resident and especially if not)!

The dunes and pines make an interesting landscape for a disc golf course. Somewhat bleakly beautiful. The distant sound of crushing waves and seagulls while you are tossing plastic is sublime (smile).

The course is compact which could also be perceived as a con on a busy summer day, if such happens. Good (I think) though for 18 holes and because the dune walking gets tiresome (more later on that).

You can park near the basketball courts and start at no. 1 or park at the beach and start at no. 13 or 14.

The 14x (or 14b) hole is now the old no. 15, a short tight hole with a final steep uphill rise to the basket. Maybe this extra hole offers some variety if going around more than once. Or serves as a substitute if 15 or 17 are unplayable (i.e. wet). New 15 is staggered parallel to the 16 fairway.

Woods and uphill play predominate here, but that is good challenge IMHO. The dunes rise and fall significantly.

There are several get-able holes (nos. 5, 12, and 15 at the top of that list) and one bombs-away hole (no. 18).

The strategy needed for some holes requires some forethought. I particularly appreciate that on nos. 2, 4, 7, 8, 13, 14, 14x or b, 17. The designers (Headrick and successors) certainly thought how to make some of these holes more creative and beyond a basic disc-golf course layout.

The tee signs now have full information for all 3 tees (red, white, blue). Placement and yardage. Lines of flight. Orientation to nearby holes. The signs are absolutely necessary to know where you're going! Just realize that the paint on the tee itself may be outdated.

On several holes, the difference between red and blue is quite significant (if not always white and blue). Not only longer but perhaps from a different direction altogether. I hope that offers good challenge to all skill levels.

There is a practice basket and a picnic table in the open near no. 1. As well as a kiosk board with information and scorecards.

On your first time here, make sure to study the tee signs and/or walk up to the baskets to know where they are. Very few are visible from even the red tee.

Overall, the holes are rather short (from the red tee anyway), but with the navigation/elevation issue of the dunes, maybe that is just as well...

Ocean air full of salt has rusted out most basket chains, but the baskets are still holding up. Several wooden tee pads though are dilapidated from rot and/or loose boards. Watch your footing on drives. The red tees (I believe) are in worse shape than the white and blue tees. Several of those have been rebuilt over time.

There is only one really open hole (18).

Nos. 15 and 17 will be flooded or muddy after a heavy rain.

Walking in dunes for hours is really tiring. Don't expect to get around in 1.5 hours unless you are young and an excellent player. I played two discs, and it took me about 3 hours.

Going up and down dunes requires small steps. Also reflects plenty sunlight into your face, even on a cooler and cloudy day. Wear sunscreen and bug spray or cream (biting flies in late summer). Carry a walking stick to help climb the dunes and navigate tree roots, get over fallen trees, etc. Sit down a few times; some holes have benches. Bring water.

Overall, a very fun course with enough challenge for the amateur without being overwhelming. And the awesome environment near the ocean cannot be beat!!

I have not and probably will not play another course like it. This is what makes the course well worth visiting. Requires different disc selections and shots your not use to and that adds to the challenge along with navigating winds. Long to Long offers a challenge to above average disc golfers. Plays well in the summer, not to much overgrowth.

Aging tee signs and some navigational confusion. Aging baskets. $10 out of state park fee, $5 in state. Some broken wood tee pads and unleveled. Minor flooding in just a few fairways. Needs some summer trimming on a few holes (5, 11, 14)

Considering the age of the course its held up rather well. Obviously work gets done on it. Was well worth the trip up from OC MD. Hate or Love it you want to try this course, after all its an Ed Headrick design!. I happen to love the challenge because it was so different. Consider the old baskets as part of that challenge being that the course is not that long. I hope my $10 went towards course improvements as this course needs and desirves to be preserved. Its vintage Historic in my book and nothing like it anywhere. $10 not more than price of OC mini golf to keep it in perspective. I gave it .5 more just because of its uniqueness.

I like a course that shows me something I haven't seen before, and this entire course was something different. It was wooded but played entirely on sand. I don't think I've been in this sort of habitat before, let alone played disc golf. Picture sandy dunes with sporadic grass and small plants under gnarled coastal pines.

The land is old and the course is old. The park was declared public land by William Penn, back before he signed the endorsement deal with that oatmeal that your parents used to eat. The course is probably the oldest one I've played, and it was created by Steady Ed himself. The distances are unsurprisingly pretty short, with most holes under 300 feet. Even when my disc only made it halfway up the fairway (see below), I could usually recover.

You can run every putt and know that it will stick. Rollaways are impossible.

Tee signs were prevalent. Tee pads are rubber set on top of the old wooded planks.

The course was created in 1978, and so was I. Fortunately I can say that I'm holding up better than it is. The baskets are old contraptions with rusty chains and shallow baskets. The tee signs are cracking and tough to read. The rubber mats on the tee pads look like the only thing on the course that has been touched in 40 years.

More than the equipment, the lines to the basket are not always realistic. In some cases it appears they are overgrown. Hole 10's sign makes it look like there is a path to the basket that avoids the bike trail, but right now your only shot is to hang a RHBH hyzer out over the path, which isn't that safe. For other holes I can't tell if there ever was a better line. If you have a big arm (I don't), you are almost always better of going over the top of the pines.

Despite being short, walking this course is more tiring than most since it's all sand. The baskets on at least half the holes are not visible from the tee, so on your first time you're walking a lot of fairways before you even throw.

There was a lot of standing water in the middle part of the course, so bugs were bad.

I really like what I saw from the park, and setting foot on the course put me in a good mood. What a cool location! Feeling the wind blow through the pines and across the grassy dunes felt like a perfect way to spend a summer day. Unfortunately, the course didn't measure up. As a piece of history and a true novelty, you really should play here once. But probably only once.

Cape Henlopen is one of those courses where a list of pros and cons seems irrelevant as the same items can easily end up on either list depending on reviewer preference/bias, and in some cases both... "Pro: You get to play in the sand" and then, "Con: I got sand in my shoes." "Pro: Cool throwing over the dunes" and then, "Con: Blind tee shots over the dunes." It's the kind of course you're most likely either going to love or hate. I'm one of the people that loves to play Cape Hen. I played a couple of rounds here almost two years ago and played it again last weekend. The new trex tee platforms are a huge improvement over last time! I love that they only attach the back side of the fly mat so you can lift up the front to clean the sand off. The wind had them cleared off when I was there.

There's always a special feeling to a Steady Ed course and Cape Henlopen is no exception. He somehow found a way to cram more course into a small area than should be possible while at the same time picking out the most interesting terrain features to highlight. When I heard about the course at the beach I wasn't expecting the amount of elevation that plays on almost every hole. And it's not just the rolling hills that the dunes create, the trees and scrub pine play as elevation unlike any other course I've ever played. In fact, my first time here I had to learn a new way to throw, namely up and over everything. Most of the wooded courses around place a premium on keeping your shot low to fly below the branches and leaves on the trees. For the most part, this one is the opposite, often the smart play is to throw over the trees that stand between you and the basket. Learning to work a disc that you are sending 30-40' higher than usual in gusty swirling shoreline winds can be a lot of fun, or I suppose quite frustrating. For me it was A LOT of fun!! But it's not just a bunch of up and overs all day, there are some tunnel shots through the woods and throws from an open area through an opening to the green. Hyzers, annies, flicks, hammers, thumbers, bring 'em all to Henlopen because you'll need 'em. There's even a 500' wide open bomb to finish up with.

If you're traveling and playing courses on the road, I would say Cape Henlopen is a MUST PLAY because of its uniqueness. It's not the best course, nor the most challenging, but there's really nothing else like it that I've seen up to this point and it's just a ton of fun! Plus, how can you pass up a chance to play a course that is almost 40 years old and was designed by the guy that invented the game and built the first course? (And yes, I've played that one too) There's a pretty well made 2 tire basket hanging from a tree in the middle of the course... wonder if it was one of the originals?
Yes, Delaware charges for their state parks... But this one is at the beach! Make a day of it! Heck, buy the pass here and then go play Killens or Trapp or any of the other courses in the state if you want. At some point I'm definitely going to stay at the campground here, I can't think of a better day than waking up at Cape Hen, drinking my morning coffee while throwing a round and then playing in the ocean all afternoon when it's hot. And then an absolutely perfect course for a moonlight glow round!!!

Great location with the old military base and the campground. Challenging terrain with the dunes and pines mix.

Overall, poorly maintained and poorly labeled. Another drawback was that many of the holes were completely flooded with shallow water. Also, ticks. If you are a fan of ticks, you'll love this course. There's alot of thick, knee high grass and retrieving a disk in this space will definitely result in finding ticks on your person. be cautious in these areas.

Multiple tee pads for players of all levels. Distances ranging from 200-500 feet. All types of shots used on the course. Very unique terrain to play on. Rubber mat on tee pads is only connected on one end to allow clearing any sand off. Many elevation changes throughout.

Many baskets can not be seen from the tee pads making it difficult to know where to throw. Tee signs are not 100% accurate. Some show a straight shot when it actually turns at some point. The sand makes for a tiring walk up and down the many dunes. The mats on the tees are heavy and if by yourself makes it difficult to clean off.

Overall this is a very nice course and a must play for all disc golfers. Played my first round alone and had some difficulty locating a couple baskets and tee pads, however, the course flow is very good for the most part. Located right next to the beach with campgrounds within walking distance. I always look forward to every round I play here...

Very fun and variable course! Many holes with challenges, but also holes with wide open shots! Many birdie and par shots throughout the course! Beginners may want to wait and play smaller courses that can build up to this course, but all-around very fun course!

I played from Red tees and they were worn down and looked very torn.

Lots of trees, so very easy to lose a disc

Challenging to build power as well as not slip in the sand. Unique course with tons of overhand and grenade shots(short). Not tons of traffic.

To scared to play long and middle tees and lose a disc. Sometimes signs missing or tee pad broken. No water spouts.

Had fun at this course. With a little love this could be a well rated course. Surely one of a kind

- Steady Ed Original. Disc golf history.
- Multiple Tees on all holes provide multiple different shots.
- Beautiful landscape.
- The beach is right there.
- Great for a day trip.

- Playing in sand definitely wears you out.
- some of the added white and blue tees seem to force you to make stupid shots.
- As others said sand can make teepads slippery, and some have a big drop off the front of them.
- Some Teepads are in terrible shape.
- After periods of rain, a few holes are unplayable due to standing water.

This is a great course for a day trip, or a weekend, or even a week. Especially because Cape Henlopen was a beautiful park with tons of amenities. Rehoboth is close by, providing lodging, nightlife and other activities.

We played (almost) all red tees, to stay true to the original historic layout, and we had a pretty decent time. All in all a fun course to play because the beach is right next to it, I wouldn't go out of my way just for this course however.

Good variety in hole design. Very scenic park. Course is played completely in sand. Multiple tee pads for each hole. Decent elevation changes for a Delmarva course due to the sand dunes.

Sand gets on tee pads and makes it easy to slip. Some tee pads have a huge drop off at the end. Equipment is in bad shape. Holes can be confusing to locate unless you have a map. Park entrance fee. Discs can slide under the sand and get lost.

This course is unlike any other I have ever played. It is a fun challenge to play on the sand dunes. The course is very scenic being next to the Atlantic ocean and being is a nice park. Most holes are not very long in distance but the sand makes it seem longer since power is lost in throwing. The real appeal of this course is the uniqueness of playing on a sand course, and the great location. Don't expect to play your best here, but if you're looking for a break from the typical disc golf courses around the area, this is the one to play.

Playing on sand dunes is pretty cool.
All the holes have multiple tee pads which is great for newer players.
The tee pads are like boardwalks made with that composite decking material for most of them.
Most of the tee pads are in good shape. I used the red pads and only one had a few holes in it.

Navigation is a little confusing for some of the holes.
The baskets are a little rusty but not too bad.

Try and park at the basketball court parking lot. This is the closest to tee 1 and basket 18. You can pick up a scorecard/course map at the nature center which is on the way to the basketball parking lot.

Be sure and bring water and sun screen, it can get hot in this area in the summer time.

By the beach. So different from other Delaware courses. Sand dunes.. just cool

From hole 9 its hard to find hole 10. Its back by the first tee.

Its almost a 2hr drive for me but I will go back for sure. The pars are kinda easy. Im no pro & I got a -11 & a -15 the day I played. Worth checkin out!!!!

Sand Dunes make this course challenging. Many holes have up to three tees to throw from. Some tees are elevated on sides of hills providing a unique look and starting point. Good variety of shots from open to wooded alleys.

Course signage can be improved especially marking the direction of the next tee. Some tees have loose boards and holes. Also, some are literally buried in the sand. Chains on gates have been heavily affected by the salt.

Played this course on an overcast day which was perfect for beating the heat. Enjoye the change in scenery because I am used to playing wooded courses. Hole 14b is memorable where the pin is located on the tip of a steep hillside. Will definitely be visiting the course again.