Andy,
I wish I could point out some great hidden gem, but when the best course in the area is perhaps Lighthouse Sound you know you're in trouble. It's perhaps the most overrated course I've ever played with any number of completely unplayable holes when the wind blows, which it always does given the location. It's perhaps the prettiest non-functional golf course on the globe.
I do know that a Nicklaus designed course opened just north near Rehoboth Beach but I haven't played it yet. It's called "Bayside".
The Dye's course at Rum Pointe is pretty good, actually. It's a joint effort between Pete and PB, but I think most of it is the latter.
Hurdzan has a cheap public course right in OC called Eagle's Landing and despite some incredibly claustrophic holes on the back nine, it's got enough going on to probably be the best deal in town.
If you're up for some fairly interesting "target golf", the Beach Club courses aren't too bad and make for a fun "scramble" or match-play courses.
Another course who's name escapes me at the moment was revamped a few years back by Lester George, and he created some stunning holes out near the water, but the inland holes are still of the basic inland William Gordon pedigree.
If your desperate for a game, try Bay Club.
Go shopping with your mother in law or visit the red cross and give blood before playing "River Run" by Gary Player.