Sip and Shop at the OP Golf Club Feb. 6
(January 13, 2026) The Ocean Pines Golf Club invites the community to a Sip and Shop event on Friday, February 6, from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring great deals, light bites, and a relaxed social atmosphere.
Guests are encouraged to indulge in a fun-filled shopping experience while sipping on wine and enjoying tasty appetizers. The evening is a perfect opportunity to browse the golf shop, socialize with fellow Ocean Pines members, and score unbeatable savings, including 50% off all golf clothing.
Attendees will also have the chance to meet Matt Ruggiere, the new Director of Golf at Ocean Pines Golf Club, and welcome him to the Ocean Pines community.
The Ocean Pines Golf Shop is located at 100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines, MD 21811.
Golf Members’ Council to host Happy Hour and Pizza Party Feb. 7
(January 7, 2026) The Golf Members’ Council invites all golf members and friends of the golf course to a Happy Hour and Pizza Party on Saturday, February 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
This is a great opportunity to get out of the cold, enjoy pizza with your Ocean Pines golf buddies, and warm up for the Big Game Scramble the following day.
The cost is $12 per person (pay at the door), which includes pizza and salad. Pizzas will be ordered from a variety of local restaurants. Guests are encouraged to bring their own beer and soft drinks.
If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Dave McGregor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
to ensure an accurate head count. Potential members are also welcome to attend.
Volunteers are needed to help make this event run smoothly, including setting up tables, picking up pizzas, and cleaning up. If you are interested in helping out, please let Dave know when you RSVP.
The following day, Sunday, February 8, grab your clubs and tee it up at the Big Game Scramble. This two-player scramble tournament features a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Registration is $20 per team, with greens and cart fees paid the day of the tournament ($35 for non-members; members pay their regular membership rate). For more information or to register, call 410-641-6057.
Big Game Scramble set for Feb. 8 at OP Golf Club
(December 29, 2025) Golfers are invited to tee it up at Ocean Pines Golf Club during the Big Game Scramble on Sunday, February 8.
The two-player scramble tournament will feature a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Registration is $20 per team and includes range balls, entry into the prize pool, a hot dog, and a beer. Greens and cart fees will be paid the day of the tournament ($35 for non-members; members pay their regular membership rate).
For more information or to register, call 410-641-6057
Ocean Pines announces hiring of Matt Ruggiere as new Director of Golf
(December 9, 2025) The Ocean Pines Association has announced the hiring of Matt Ruggiere as the new Director of Golf for the Ocean Pines Golf Club, effective Monday, December 8.
Ruggiere was born and raised in Ocean Pines, where he spent his childhood participating in the community’s summer camps and golf programs. After graduating from Stephen Decatur High School in 2014, he moved to Florida to work as an Assistant Golf Professional at LPGA International. During that time, he also took part in several professional golf tours, including the Florida Professional Tour and the West Coast Professional Tour.
In 2021, Ruggiere relocated to Colorado to serve as an Assistant Golf Professional at Indian Peaks Golf Course. He returned to the Eastern Shore in 2023 after reaching out to John Viola about launching a local golf academy.
“I am very excited about the position,” Ruggiere said. “I’m passionate about Ocean Pines and its golf community, and I look forward to helping it grow and creating a great experience for our residents.”
Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola expressed his excitement to have Ruggiere as a member of the team.
“I am thrilled to welcome Matt Ruggiere as the new Director of Golf in Ocean Pines,” said Viola. “His experience and knowledge make him an excellent fit for the role, along with his reputation for customer service.”
OPA Director of Finance Steve Phillips also commented on Ruggiere’s hiring, saying “We’re excited to welcome Matt Ruggiere as our new Director of Golf. His extensive teaching and operational experience, along with his proven success in growing instructional programs, makes him a valuable addition to the team. We look forward to the energy and leadership he will bring to the club.”
More information on the Ocean Pines Golf Club can be found here www.oceanpinesgolf.org.