New 18-Hole Designs

The McDonald Design Group has undertaken 18-hole designs of many different types. We have designed private country clubs and daily fee golf courses. The design group has worked in conjunction with land planners in large housing developments, but has also designed golf-only facilities. We have worked with beautiful sites only moving enough soil to create tees and greens, as well as sculpting 700,000 cubic yards of earth on featureless sites.

The McDonald Design Group brings a fresh outlook to each project. Our creativity is a terrific asset when combined with our client's vision for the project. Together, we have been able to create unique and memorable golf courses.

Our clients benefit from our background in golf course construction and maintenance with projects of this size. Knowledge in these areas is an asset during the planning and implementation of the project.

Examples of Past/Current Projects:

GlenRiddle Golf Club- Man O' War Course
Ocean City, Maryland
Status: Opened for Play in 2006.
Description: The Man O' War Course is part of a 1,000 acre development project on a historic property once utilized for training champion race horses. The open linksland style course traverses over double fairways, large greens, sand dunes, pot bunkers, and an historic race track. Part of this track and an old racing gate were incorporated into the design of the course, taking advantage of the site's rich history. Man O' War measures 7,163 yards and has a par of 72 from the back tees.

GlenRiddle Golf Club- War Admiral Course
Ocean City, Maryland
Status: Opened for Play in 2007.
Description: The War Admiral (Man O' War's sister course) completes the golf facility at The Riddle Farm. War Admiral plays almost entirely through a mature forest, offering a completely different golf experience. The site's beautiful tidal marsh comes into play on five dramatic holes, offering amazing views. Rugged, breathtaking bunkers which guard each target are the signature of the War Admiral. The course plays 6,889 yards from the back tees with a par of 72.

King Carter Golf Club
Kilmarnock, Virginia
Status: Opened for Play in 2005.
Description: King Carter's layout utilizes the property's beautiful terrain, four existing ponds, and mature hardwoods to create a truly special golf course. The rugged bunkering, minimal earthwork, and traditional design strategy will make this an "instant classic" for golf purists. The front nine is primarily open, winding past the project's vineyards and ponds; while the final nine features more dramatic elevation changes and dense vegetation. The 6,818 yard, par 71 public golf course opened for play in 2005. It was awarded with Golf Digest's Best New Affordable Public Award for 2006.


Odessa National Golf Club
Odessa, Delaware
Status: Opened for Play in June 2008.
Description: Odessa National has been designed to take full advantage of the beautiful Delaware countryside on which it rests. The golf holes are laid upon the ground in the same manner as the great golf courses of the Golden Age of Golf Design with rugged earthwork, classic style, and exceptional strategy. Breath-taking bunkering, wide fairways, and interestingly contoured greens with gentle approaches will enhance the natural ambiance of the property and provide an exciting golf experience. The 7,047 yard, par 72 course opened for play in 2008.

Upland Golf Club
Denton, Maryland
Status: Opened for Play in 2002.
Description: McDonald Design Group's first 18 hole design has proven to be an outstanding success. The former 220 acre featureless field has been transformed into great golf by creatively moving over 700,000 cubic yards of earth. The layout is accented with ponds, streams, and native grasses throughout. This public test of golf measures 6,871 yards and has a par of 71.