Greate Bay was built as Ocean City Golf Club in 1923 by the Lake family, Ocean City’s founders. The Lakes envisioned a classic course on a picturesque parcel of land hugging the shore of Great Egg Harbor Bay. To make their vision a reality, they commissioned one of the most accomplished players and designers of the day, Willie Park, Jr. Park was a star professional who won the British Open in 1887 and 1889. He also authored an instruction book before turning his attention to golf course design. Throughout an accomplished career, Park created courses that remain among the world’s finest – including Olympia Fields North in Illinois, site of the U.S. Open in 1997 and 2003 and the PGA Championship in 1925 and 1961.
The Sands Casino bought and renamed it in Sands Country Club in 1981. The course was later purchased by 76ers owner Pat Croce and other partners in 2004 and named Greate Bay.
