A Special Experience at Brigantine Golf Links in Brigantine, NJ

By, JOHN TORSIELLO

Brigantine Golf Links is special. Why? Well for starters Brigantine is not only New Jersey’s only authentic Scottish links golf course but also the closest course to Atlantic City, making it a homerun for any visiting guests. Brigantine also offers some of the most beautiful beaches, rich golf history dating back to the early professionals and a real comfort able feeling that is almost contagious. The island is coined as “An Island You’ll Love for Life”. It truly is something worth experienc ing.

The course was designed by Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek. The pair had a hand in crafting a number of fine courses at the turn of the 20th century, and they instilled Brigantine with a very real sense of a traditional links layout. The track features berms, gently rolling fairways that are almost devoid of trees, tall grasses off the fairways, mounds and smallish, tricky greens so typical of links courses.

Opened in 1927, Brigantine is rich in golf history. Walter Hagen and Harry Vardon reportedly played at Brigantine in order to acquire a feel for the links courses they would face at the British Open. The Links at Brigantine Beach underwent an almost $5 million upgrade during the last decade.

The course has received a four-star rating in Golf Digest’s “Places to Play” and is one of the best values you can find anywhere in Atlantic City, with a layout that is comparable to high-end facilities in the area.

The Links Bar & Grille, has become a real staple for the area, offering one of the best burgers at the Jersey shore along with daily specials and events that cater to everyonegolfers and non-golfers alike. Although, don’t let the name fool you it is much more than just a “Bar & Grille.” Hosting private events is one of their specialties. With exceptional food, flexibility and a full hands-on approach the staff takes to ensure your worries are at ease it is a place where a return visit is almost a requirement.

The “Links team” has a great history of focusing their time and energy on the impor tant parts, the guests and guest satisfaction, and we really pride ourselves on having the friendliest staff. The facility has been improv ing year-by-year and its maintenance team has been doing an exceptional job with making sure that they offer some of the best putting surfaces in New Jersey.

The staff also focuses its efforts on bring ing back the history of golf and activities that promote the game and encourage the beginner golfer to get involved.

If you like wide-open, eclectic golf courses where shot-making and short game skills are the order of the day you will love Brigantine. The course is not overly long--just 6,524 yards from the tips--but rather narrow fairways, hazards and well-protected greens make proper club selection and accurate shot-making a must to successfully navigate the track.

There is a pleasing mix of holes at Brigantine, from the 541-yard par-five that can be reached in two by only the longest of hitters to the 330-yard par-four 11th hole that can almost be reached by big bombers. A

pond comes into play about 280 yards off the tee to the left side of the fairway and green on the 11th. Even if your drive does land safely, you are faced with a second shot to a severely sloped green from back to front with water surrounding the left, right and back of the green. This hole is generally recognized as the best short par-four in the South Jersey area.

Brigantine Golf Links 1075 North Shore Drive Brigantine, New Jersey 609-266-1368 Sign up at www.BrigantineGolf.com