Cripple Creek

Cripple Creek Country Club, despite its name, is settled on the Indian River Bay on the southern coast of Delaware. The club is of a relatively young vintage, being designed and built by Algie Pulley during two stretches: The opening nine were constructed during 1983 and another nine were added during 1986.

One might think that Pulley would give members the better nine first, as to guarantee that they would have him for the second, but in this case he clearly saved the best for last. The front nine traverses the more parkland-style south side of the property, while the back nine heads toward the Indian River Bay and the views it offers.

The best will come while on the tee at No. 13, an 140-yard par three that heads directly at the bay. Although a long hit may find the big water, players should be more concerned about the small pond offset to the left. The following hole will play as a cape par five, with native marshland lining the hole all the way along the left.

The scariest hole comes at No. 17, where a 600-yard par five plays along a canal all the way along the right side, with players eventually being required to carry it on the way to the putting surface.