2023 Golfing Magazine Early Summer Issue New Jersey/Pennsylvania Edition

By Brad Erman Photography

You’ll feel it the moment you enter the community. The tree lined streets, lush landscaping and brick walkways. With its magnificent Clubhouse as it’s centerpiece, the feeling is traditional and memorable. Then there’s the worldclass Baywood Greens golf course that winds it way through the community, creating backyard vistas like nothing else around. And if that weren’t enough, there are marinas with boat slips with access to Rehoboth Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, beaches, restaurants and shopping all just minutes away.

Known as the “Augusta of the North,” Baywood Greens is by far the most visually spectacular golf course in Delaware and is consistently ranked #1 by Golf Digest’s Best in State.

Early Summer is a Time for Lots of Golf

Our Early Summer Issue is filled with information about where to play and how to play the game properly. Here’s some of what we have for you.

Kemper Sports has built a sizeable footprint of golf courses in the New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania area. Nationally, the company manages more than 140 golf courses, private clubs, sports venues and destination resorts, including more golf properties named among the top 100 U.S. public and resort courses as rated by GOLF Magazine, Golf Digest and Golfweek than any other management company.

One of the sweetest courses in the Monmouth County area of New Jersey is Colts Neck Golf Club. This is a first class track, one that is kept in pristine condition and presents a challenge for the best golfer. Yet, is also not so difficult as to overpower recreational players and those with modest ability. It was designed by the firm of Cornish, Silva and Mungeam of New England. The company is known for designing courses that are fun to play and are approachable for all golfers, with several ways to play a hole.

Tyoga Country Club in Wellsboro, Pa. is celebrating its 100th anniversary this summer and members and staff are looking forward to a Labor Day (September 4) tournament followed by dinner and live music to mark the occasion. The course was built as nine holes in 1923, then in the early 1970’s, Edmund Ault was hired and did a redesign turning it into an 18-hole course

Ship Sticks is a door-to-door shipping service designed to make traveling with golf clubs and luggage hassle-free to top destinations worldwide. By shipping ahead, golfers can alleviate the pain of carrying, checking, and claiming bags at the airport. Customers can get a quote, schedule a shipment, or track their package in real-time with just a few clicks.

A great, true championship course and special resort is being made even better after the Sea Oaks Golf Club in New Jersey was taken over by Vivamees Hospitality. The entire property (now Long Beach National) is being revived. What makes the property special is that golfers and their families don’t have to leave the property once they arrive. The hotel on site makes it so that visitors have an easy stay and play opportunity not afforded by most golf clubs. There are also dining venues on site.

So, get out and play all the golf you can this summer, while taking us along for the ride.

Cheers, Sean Fitzsimmons Publisher

Golf on 45 acres of pristine forest

Lessons for all skill levels 7 days a week

Practice on driving range, putting greens, and bunkers

Elevated above the rest...naturally Shop at the stocked Pro Shop

Memberships to a premier

course located adjacent to OVR

About us...

Shore Gate Golf Club has been perpetually ranked as one of the top public golf courses in New Jersey. Carved out of the trees, Shore Gate allows each group to feel unbothered as they navigate the course from start to finish. Whether you are looking for a round of golf, a membership to a premier golf course, lessons, or just a driving range, we have it all. Located just two miles from the

beach, Shore Gate is the perfect place to relax.

Kemper Sports Strives for Best In Class Golf and Service

By, JOHN TORSIELLO

Kemper Sports has built a sizeable footprint of golf courses in the New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania area.

Nationally, the company manages more than 140 golf courses, private clubs, sports venues and destination resorts, including more golf properties named among the top 100 U.S. public and resort courses as rated by GOLF Magazine, Golf Digest and Golfweek than any other management company.

“The overriding philosophy of Kemper Golf and our other business units,” said Gehrig Parker, Communications and Content Coordinator for KemperSports, “is creating must-have experiences around life’s passions powered by unparalleled service. As it relates to our golf properties specifically, we strive to not only share our genuine love of the game with players of all ages, demographics and skill levels, but to also use the sport as a tool to make a meaningful impact in the communities where we operate, which has been one of our chief core values for over 40 years.”

Parker said that while each property has its own unique set of needs, goals and customers that require a personalized approach, the shared commitment to delivering first-class service is what differentiates a KemperSports-managed property from other facilities.

“While we manage a variety of different sports and entertainment facilities such as public daily-fee courses, premier private clubs, world-class destination resorts and expansive multi-sport recreation sports complexes, all our properties share a passion for delivering exceptional service at every turn of the guest experience.”

As an industry leader in growing the game of golf, Kemper Sports’ management and staff feels “a great responsibility” to drive the game forward and enhance its future. Parker said, “It starts with creating an environment that is welcoming and open to all, whether it’s your first time out or a lifelong player. We want people to feel like they belong. Just as important is maintaining those high levels of guest service that’s come to be our promise to our clients and guests at our properties nationwide, and it starts from

the moment you step foot on property until you get in your car to leave.”

Parker continued, “Each guest who visits one of our courses comes with their own set of expectations, whether it’s premier course conditions, a friendly and helpful golf shop attendant or a cold beverage in the clubhouse after the round. We view each of these touch points as an opportunity to positively engage our guests and create a memorable experience that will motivate them to come back. It’s one thing to get them in the door, but the real success lies in getting them to come back round after round, year after year.”

Parker said, “Delivering first-class service and one-of-kind experiences is at the core of who we are and what we do and has been for over 40 years. In that time, that focus on enhancing the overall guest experience is what’s helped elevate our golf properties into some of the most renown public venues in the sport.”

The legacy of KemperSports is also inextricably intertwined with amateur golf. “From our earliest days, said Parker, “we built courses and hosted competitions to

Moselem Springs

celebrate the amateur golfer, and to this day, that tradition continues as we work with organizations like the USGA and regional governing bodies to host tournaments, championships and events that celebrate the passion of competition, camaraderie and fun.”

He added, “More importantly, we’ve been an industry leader in growing the game of golf for more than four decades and remain deeply committed to continue moving the game forward at the grassroots level and using it to create new opportunities and positively impact individuals, families and communities nationwide.”

Here are brief looks at some of the Kemper Sports golf courses in our region that you simply must sample this year.

Ash Brook Golf Course in Scotch Plains, N.J. (www.AshbrookGolfCourse.com) has seen the recent completion of both a course renovation and a clubhouse project that

brings it to a new level excellence across the board.

Ash Brook’s golf course renovation project was headed up by architect Rees Jones. The scope of work included updating course drainage, tree work and bunkers, which were renovated and rebuilt to modern industry standards. The end result is a enhanced golf course that is fun to play for golfers of all skill levels.

The new Ash Brook clubhouse project resulted in a new facility that contains a golf shop, offices, men’s and women’s restrooms and The Tavern at Ash Brook, a rotisserie style family restaurant with “prohibitionstyle” cocktails and a wide array of bourbons.

Ash Brook Golf Course is 7,040 yards in distance from the longest tees with a par of 72. The course was originally designed by Alfred Tull and opened in 1953. Ash Brook is a parkland style golf course with tree lined

fairways and large greens.

There are four sets of tees to accommodate golfers of all skill levels. In addition to the 18 hole facility, Ash Brook offers a pitch and putt course for players of all ages that has proven to be a family favorite.

Galopping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth, N.J. (www. GaloppingHillGolfCourse) was established in 1928 and a number of legendary architects have laid hands onto the course through the years. The end result of their work is a challenging and beautiful course that wanders over hill and dale in delightful fashion. In addition to original designer, Willard Wilkinson, Robert Trent Jones, Alfred Tull, Stephen Kay and Rees Jones have lent their own style and flair to the course.

Arriving on the scene in 2002, Heron Glen Golf Course and Restaurant in Ringoes, N.J. (www.HeronGlen.com) quickly posi-

White Clay Creek

I n t r o d u c i n g T h e N e w N a t i o n a l P r e m i e r M e m b e r s h i p w i t h O v e r n i g h t A c c o m m o d a t i o n s

E x p e r i e n c e M o s e l e m S p r i n g s f o r y o u r s e l f t o t r u l y u n d e r s t a n d t h e p e a c e a n d s e r e n i t y t h a t e n c o m p a s s e s t h i s s p e c t a c u l a r g o l f c o u r s e S t a y t h e n i g h t i n o n e o f o u r g u e s t s u i t e s , e n j o y d i n n e r a t G u e n t h e r ' s P u b , a n d w a k e u p t o a n i n c r e d i b l e v i e w o f t h e r o l l i n g c o u n t r y s i d e w i t h o n e o f A m e r i c a ' s g r e a t e s t g o l f c o u r s e s j u s t o u t s i d e y o u r d o o r .

tioned itself as one of New Jersey ’s finest public golf facilities.

The golf course, transformed from the famed Kuster Farm, is cut through the rolling hills of Hunterdon County and offers five sets of tee boxes that can accommodate all levels of play. The course was routed through mature woodlands and features magnificent vistas from every hole.

One of the toughest par-fours in New Jersey is the 484-yard 18th hole which has water all along the left side of the fairway and near the green and has a yardage that challenges even the best golfers.

Rock Spring Golf Club in West Orange (www.RockSpringGolf. com) features one of only two public golf courses in the United States designed by legendary architect Seth Raynor, whose highly-ranked work includes Fisher’s Island in New York, Shoreacres on Chicago’s North Shore and Mid Ocean Club in Bermuda. Twelve of Raynor’s courses are on GOLF Magazine’s list of the Top 100 in the U.S. Rock Spring’s 6,600-yard par-71 layout

elements with truly unique and creative green complexes. Founded in 1925, Rock Spring Golf Club at West Orange has played host to the New Jersey State Open (1981, 1990, 2000 and 2009), the US Healthcare Classic, and many state PGA and USGA

N.J. (www.OldTappanGolf.com), is a ninehole facility that is ideal for those who don’t have the time for a full 18. The course features a pleasing variety of holes.

Since the beginning of the design process, the goal of the management of

Twin Lakes

Galloping Hill

make the course a green oasis in the middle of an urban industrial area. Excellent hole separation provides an unexpected visual scale to the layout, and serves to emphasize long views and showcase the stunning Manhattan skyline.

The course features a variety of holes with an equal mix of par-three, par-four and par-five holes. Landing areas are generous and visible and most greens have collection and chipping areas to receive slightly off line approach shots.

Designed and constructed by acclaimed golf course architect George Fazio, Moselem Springs Golf Course in Fleetwood, Pa (www. MoselemGolf.com) has hosted several prestigious tournaments including the 1968 U.S. Women’s Open, the 1996 and 2011 Pennsylvania Open’s and is home to the annual Hawley Quier Memorial.

Number five here, a beautiful par-three, plays across a pond with rolling hills and farmland in the distance. Number 14, a 389-yard par-four, has a stunning view of a waterway below as you stand on the green. The hole also features a sloping fairway from left to right, and the aforementioned green is a tough target guarded by two bunkers, and slopes sharply from left to right and front to back.

Shady Rest Country Club in Scotch Plains, N.J.a.(www.ShadyRestCountryClub. com) opened in 1920 as the Shady Rest Golf Club, the first African American golf and country club in the United States. The club was home to John Matthew Shippen, Jr., the first American born African American golf professional, and has hosted jazz and blues legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington.

Spring Hollow Golf Course in Spring City, Pa. (www.SpringHollowGolf.com) is located in the rolling hills of northern Chester County, Pa. and opened for play in 1994. Architect John Thompson created a layout that blends the features of a one-time dairy farm with the surrounding natural areas. The course plays slightly over 6,000 yards and has five par-threes, three par-fives and 10 par-fours. Meadows define some of the holes and wetlands, creeks and ponds coming into play on six holes. With a 110foot elevation change, there are challenging shots on approaches to the greens and some stunning views of the property.

The final hole at Spring Hollow, a parthree, is a nice way to complete a round. A hole is of modest length with a tee shot across a pond.

The Club at Twin Lakes in Allentown,

Pa. (www.TheClubAtTwinLakes.com) features elevated tees, sloping fairways, and water hazards. With its roots dating back to the late 1950s and early 1960s, this mature Lehigh Valley course is situated on the grounds of an old iron ore mine.

At Twin Lakes, you are surrounded by the serene presence of mature trees, while enjoying the modern amenities that have made conditions here always top notch. Twin Lakes management likes to believes they offer a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

White Clay Creek C.C. in Wilmington, De. (www.WhiteClayCreek.com) was designed by Arthur Hills, features 7,007 yards of manicured greens and breathtaking views.

There are some forced carries here and conditions are excellent any time of the year. There is a pleasant mix of holes and a good example of the variety you will face is the 442-yard par-four 11th hole, which demands two stout shots to reach the green, with 12 being a short par-four measuring 301 yards. Big hitters can get onto or near the green off the tee. The two par-threes on the front side play well over 200 yards from the back markers.

Skyway

About

Rutgers Golf Course

The 18-hole Rutgers University Golf Course is open to the general public and tee times start at 7AM weekdays and 6AM on weekends in the height of the season.

Over 6,300 yards in length, the picturesque, tree-lined, PGA sanctioned course is a par 71 and offers a challenging layout with four teeing areas per hole. Highlights include narrow fairways, fast greens, and water hazards on nine seven holes.

The Pro Shop

The Pro Shop offers a variety of Rutgers branded and professional golf merchandise. Speceial orders are welcome. Our selection of name brand merchandise includes:

Practice and Teaching Facility

Rutgers Golf Course has a 28-bay driving range and an 11,000 square foot chipping and putting practice area. The practice green is available on the day of play to warm up and cool down. We recently added a new product, AccuRange, that provides GPS measured distances to each flag on the range through an app on your phone!

848-445-2637

rugolfcourse@ipo.rutgers.edu

golfcourse.rutgers.edu

Tyoga Country Club Celebrating Its

By, JOHN TORSIELLO

Tyoga Country Club in Wellsboro, Pa. is celebrating its 100th anniversary this summer and members and staff are looking forward to a Labor Day (September 4) tournament followed by dinner and live music to mark the occasion.

Spirit Golf Management oversees the course and expanded its role this year to provide management services, marketing and the securing of the PGA General Manager and Head Professional, Joe Haight, who is the first PGA Professional at the club in over 20 years. “Having Joe on site has elevated the club by offering memberships, welcoming public golfers, offering golf instruction and running more professional events,” said Spirit Golf Management Founder and President, Mike Attara.

“We have about 110 members and growing,” Attara continued. “The benefit of being a member is access to the tee sheet, unlimited golf, discounted guest rates, discounts in the grille room, and playing in member only tournaments.

100th Anniversary

The course was built as nine holes in 1923, then in the early 1970’s, Edmund Ault was hired and did a redesign turning it into an 18-hole course. “The course is kept in great condition by Dean Andrews,” com-

the course is number three,” said Attara. “The tee shot requires that you avoid out of bounds right and a pond on the right side on the fairway. A fairway wood or hybrid off the tee will leave you with 140 to 150 yards over water to a green well protected by three bunkers.”

Overall, Tyoga Country Club’s course is challenging, fair and picturesque, set amid rolling hills and woods with some open holes. There is a pleasing mix of long and short par-fours that call for proper club selection. The par-fives are modest in length and several can be reached in two by long hitters. The par-threes are on the short side except for the eighth hole which plays slightly over 200 yards from the tips. Conditions here are top notch.

mented Attara. “Dean has essentially spent his whole life on the course as his father was the superintendent for about 35 years and now Dean has been the superintendent since his dad retired.”

Tyoga features a bar and grille room with a menu designed and prepared by Chef Ron Bower.

As for the golf, “I think the best hole on

The par-four first hole plays 342 yards and seems fairly simple from the tee. But there is water, bunkers and trees that complicate matters and demand pinpoint accuracy on the first and second shots.

Accuracy is the key to the challenging 402-yard par-four second hole. With a fairway sloping left and a large green protected by bunkers, a well placed tee shot is critical.

Good position off the tee is important on the aforementioned 394-yard par-four third hole as your approach shot takes you over the water to a green protected by bunkers on all sides.

The 509-yard fourth is a dogleg right parfive that features bunkers, deep woods and severe side hill lies. The green slopes dramatically and downhill putts are tough to handle.

The third hole is a 153-yard par-three and has a green guarded by bunkers on all sides. The hole gets tougher when the wind blows and makes club selection difficult.

The 364-yard par-four sixth hole is a birdie opportunity but you have to be careful off the tee, which may lead to keeping driver in the bag.

The 355-yard par-four seventh hole calls for a very straight tee shot to a fairway that is tight, with trees lurking on both sides. Pay attention to the wind or you’ll find yourself in one of the many bunkers.

Arguably the most difficult hole on the course, the 202-yard par-three eighth hole is intimidating off the tee. The green can be very difficult to read and very easy to three-putt.

You must avoid fading the ball too much on the 332-yard par-four front side finisher.

Stay left off the tee and prepare to hit an approach shot with the ball below your feet. The green is small and can yield birdie putts if you pay attention to the pin placement.

You’ll go home happy if you make par on this very difficult hole. It’s straight up the hill on the 177-yard par-three 10th to a green protected by deep bunkers. You will encounter a fast putting surface.

The 11th is a tough, 430-yard par-four where a good tee shot is a must to set up a mid- or long-iron approach into a testy little green. The wind is often a factor, and an errant approach shot can easily find the woods.

The 396-yard par-four 12th dares you to cut a corner on the tee shot or play it safe down the middle to set up for a short approach shot to a generous green.

At first glance, the 153-yard par-three 13th appears easy to tame, but don’t be fooled, especially is the wind is blowing. Bunkers protect the front of the green and there are deep woods to the back of the green.

If you can keep your tee shot on the 480yard par-five 14th straight and stay out of a pond and the bunkers in the middle of the fairway, a straight second shot should position

you for a short pitch into the pin.

The 15th is a modest, 328-yard par-four where the tee shot must steer clear of water on both sides of a tight fairway. You want to avoid the difficult bunkers on both sides of the green.

Many golfers find this to be the most scenic hole on the course. It’s a great look from the tee box on the 373-yard par-four 16tth with out of bounds on the left and deep woods on the right. The front bunker is a ball magnet, so aim for the middle of the green.

The 540-yard par-five 17th is another pretty hole but the dogleg left has water on the left and troubling trees on the right. While many golfers swing away, accuracy is truly the key here to making birdie or easy par.

The finisher is as tough a par-four as you will find anywhere. It’s 455 yards from the tips and the fairway is long and narrow. With out of bounds on both sides, and some of the most challenging stances you’ll find on the course, you will be challenged to find the two-tiered green in regulation.

Tyoga Country Club

Wellsboro, Pa.

www.TyogaGolf.com

570-724-1653

C o m e j o i n u s a n d p l a y a t r u l y u n i q u e a n d c h a l l e n g i n g c o u r s e t h a t f e a t u r e s e l e v a t e d t e e s , s l o p i n g f a i r w a y s a n d i n t e r e s t i n g w a t e r h a z a r d s . L o c a t e d o n t h e g r o u n d s o f a n o l d i r o n o r e m i n e , a n d o r i g i n a l l y c o n s t r u c t e d i n t h e l a t e 5 0 ’ s a n d e a r l y 6 0 ’ s , T h e C l u b a t T w i n L a k e s h a s b e e n f u l l y r e n o v a t e d , c o m p l e t e w i t h c o u r s e u p g r a d e s , n e w b a n q u e t a n d d i n i n g f a c i l i t i e s , a n d t h e n e w W i l d T u r k e y G r i l l

Stay and Play At LBI National Golf & Resort

By, JOHN TORSIELLO

By Brad Erman Photography

Agreat, true championship course and special resort is being made even better after the Sea Oaks Golf Club was taken over by Vivamees Hospitality.

“The entire property (now Long Beach National) is being revived,” said Alexis Morello, Marketing Coordinator. “Every golf hole will see improvement. Our hotel is being completely redesigned and our restaurant is being reimagined to capture all the elements of Long Beach. Recently, the course reopened after a brief closure and this was the most anticipated reopening in golf. The course is

world renowned and golfers come from all over to play it. We especially love our shore visitors from LBI and nearby homeowners.”

What makes the property special is that golfers and their families don’t have to leave the property once they arrive. The hotel on

site makes it so that visitors have an easy stay and play opportunity not afforded by most golf clubs. There are also dining venues on site.

Said Morello, “We have a dedicated staff improving playing conditions since we took ownership, we will continue to make progress and we will always make improvements to the course to give our golfers the best playing experience. The club also offers a few memberships that give golfers prepaid greens fee and carts as well as a generous booking window ahead of public play. We offer punch cards for summer travelers that like to play multiple times during their vacations.”

There are two dining options at the club. “Inspired by the sea, the Wickie Room captures the essence of coastal charm and

culinary excellence,” said Morello. “Picture a warm and inviting ambiance, featuring panoramic views of the golf course and the serene beauty of the surrounding nature. This restaurant is poised to become a culinary destination for locals and visitors. There’s also a one stop shop where golfers can grab a quick snack, sandwich, or wrap at our Tin Cup. There are signature cocktails, beer, liquor, and wine.”

LBI National can be best described as a parkland/links hybrid course. “Every round

brings vastly different shots and putts,” said Morello. “Golfers never get bored at LBI National.

“We encourage all golfers to come back and see for yourself the great improvements we have made and pick your favorite hole,” said Morello.

Zach Bush is the club’s Golf Professional (zbush@lbinational.com)

Situated on over 155 acres of meticulously maintained grounds nestled within the pinelands of South Jersey LBI National

can play almost 7,000 yards and has a rating of 72.9 and a slope of 142, which gives you an indication of the challenge you will face when you play here. It is wise to play one or two tees down from the tips when you test the course for the first time. The layout has the traditional four par-fives (all of them well over 500 yards in length), four parthrees (two of which play over 200 yards) and 10 par-fours.

The property’s 35,000-square-foot clubhouse features the two restaurants, a pro shop, outdoor spaces, and an Atlantic City skyline view. On-site amenities include the 31-room inn, a fully equipped conference center, and an onsite banquet room equipped to handle large-scale events. There is a first class practice facility with a driving range, practice bunker and putting green.

“Our goal is to provide a world-class resort to the nearby community,” said Morello.

Monmouth County’s Colts Neck Golf Club is Special

By, JOHN TORSIELLO

One of the sweetest courses in the Monmouth County area of New Jersey is Colts Neck Golf Club.

This is a first class track, one that is kept in pristine condition and presents a challenge for the best golfer. Yet, is also not so difficult as to overpower recreational players and those with modest ability. It was designed by the firm of Cornish, Silva and Mungeam of New England. The company is known for designing courses that are fun to play and are approachable for all golfers, with several ways to play a hole.

Spirit Golf Management has taken over operations at the club, located in Colts Neck.

“We looked forward to the opportunity to elevate the courses and make sure it’s on every avid Mid-Atlantic golfer’s must-play list,” said Mike Attara, Principal, Spirit Golf

Management.

Spirit Golf’s partnership with the semiprivate Colts Neck Golf Club began last August, when the firm was hired to oversee golf operations and sales for the club. Spirit Golf’s role expanded in 2023 to include course maintenance.

“Spirit Golf immediately provided the professionalism we were lacking and managed to quickly turn around a challenging situation,” said Steve Schneider, Chief Operating Officer for Colts Neck Golf Club. “Within a few months, we signed a record number of new members for a year and, in the process, turned 2022 into one of the club’s most prosperous years to date.”

The club offers numerous membership options including the all-inclusive Kentucky Derby Membership, the Preakness Membership designed for walkers, the Haskell Membership for junior golfers, and others, said Dean Halterman,

Head Professional. “This year we have introduced two new memberships. The Polo Membership allows guests to experience some of the benefits of full membership at an introductory price. A Tuesday Ladies League and Thursday Men’s League Memberships are designed to allow members the opportunity to enjoy the amenities that the club has to offer. One of our most popular amenities is our grill room and dinner/ballroom which host events for both our members and outside events such as parties, baby showers, and graduations.”

Colts Neck Golf Club has multiple PGA Professionals on staff that offer private and group instruction, as well as camps and clinics for junior golfers. “We have four teaching professionals that are available to give lessons based on your needs,” said Halterman. “The Golf Academy of New Jersey, overseen by our PGA Director of Instruction, PJ Ulanich, offers full-day

junior golf camps in the summer from June to August and clinics in the spring and fall.”

Halterman brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Colts Neck. He has worked at many prestigious clubs in the New Jersey and Philadelphia PGA Sections, including Galloway National Golf Club, the Philadelphia Cricket Club, and Bidermann Golf Club.

The front side at Colts Neck GC is a bit more open than the back nine, which has most of its holes bordered by trees. The course plays 6,262 yards from the back markers and features an eclectic mix of five par-fives, five par-threes and eight par-fours. Accuracy is more important than length to score well here. The greens are on the large size and are surrounded by Scottish-style bunkers and tall fescue rough areas. The layout is not long, playing just over 6,400 yards from the back tees. There are several other teeing options to meet the ability of all golfers.

The 340-yard par-four first hole is a nice way to start a round. It’s straightforward and has a bunkers off the fairway landing area with a green that is flanked by bunkers.

The 385-yard par-four second hole has a fairway bunker near the landing area and a large bunker that wraps around the green from right to center.

The third hole is a 486-yard par-five that can be attacked by long hitters, but there is water that must be avoided to the left. There’s a bunker near the layup area and two bunkers near the green.

The 170-yard par-three fourth hole has large bunkers guarding a wide green.

The 316-yard par-four sixth hole’s green is approachable by long hitters off the tee. There’s a waste area on the right side of the fairway and the green has two bunkers that guard the approach to the green to catch missed drives. There’s also a bunker to the left of the green.

The seventh is a sweet little, 133-yard par-three that has bunkers guarding the green.

The eighth hole plays 560 yards from the tips and is a stout par-five that is lined by trees on both side. There’s a bunker near the fairway tee shot landing area although the layup area for the second shot is wide open. There’s a bunker on the right side of the green

The ninth is a 365-yard par-four that bends somewhat to the right. There are bunkers off the fairway landing area and several near an undulating green.

The 11th hole is another nice par-three playing 183 yards. There is a large bunker to the left of a sizeable putting surface.

The 11th is a beefy par-four, playing 431 yards. You will need two good shots to stay away from bunkers to the side of the fairway landing area and a pond that sits on the right side of the green.

The 12th is a beastly par-three playing 224 yards. Too long a shot will find woods to the back and left of the green, which has a large bunker guarding its left side.

Number 13th is another short par-four

that plays 318 yards. There is little trouble so big hitters can take driver out and go for the putting surface off the tee. There is, however, a large tree that guards the front side of the green that must be avoided.

The 14th is a 352-yard par-four where the tee ball carries through a chute of trees. There’s a bunker on the left side of the green.

The 496-yard par-five 15th is another hole where the tee shot must be hit through a chute of trees. There’s a waste area to the left side of the fairway that needs to be avoided and four bunkers near the green.

The 163-yard par-three 16th has a waste area to the right of the green, which is small, and woods to the rear of the putting surface.

The 17th is another par-five that measures 464 yards and can be attacked in two by big boppers. There’s a pot bunker to catch shots in the middle of the fairway landing area and another bunker to the right. There a bunker on the right side of the green.

The 18th is indeed a memorable hole to finish with. It’s 233 yards from the back and the par-three has water in front that has to be cleared with a long iron or hybrid off the tee. The green is large and protected by bunkers on its right side.

Colts Neck Golf Club

Colts Neck, N.J.

www.ColtsNeckGolfClub.com

732-303-9330

Ship Sticks Takes the Worry out Of Taking Your Clubs on Trips

By, JOHN TORSIELLO

From the centuries-old fairways of Scotland to the sun-kissed links of California, golf knows no bounds. Finally, your travel game can be just as freeing thanks to Ship Sticks.

Ship Sticks is a door-to-door shipping service designed to make traveling with golf clubs and luggage hassle-free to top destinations worldwide. By shipping ahead, golfers can alleviate the pain of carrying, checking, and claiming bags at the airport. Customers can get a quote, schedule a shipment, or track their package in real-time with just a few clicks.

Ship Sticks provides different shipping speeds to satisfy the needs of any traveler and they have a dedicated support team available seven days a week by phone, email, or live chat. Their service comes directly to the customer on their scheduled shipping date to collect their clubs and luggage. This makes it easy to ship directly from your residence, business, country club, or hotel.

With an unbeatable on-time delivery guarantee and complimentary insurance, their service allows customers to sit back and truly enjoy their travel day. Ship Sticks is partnered with hundreds of golf facilities and resorts across the globe. Through these partnerships, customers can ship their clubs and luggage to and from their destinations both affordably and efficiently. From avid travelers to weekend warriors, Ship Sticks has been able to improve the overall travel experience for all golfers.

As if the service wasn’t already convenient enough, Ship Sticks also offers an iOS app. Here, you can get a quote, place an order, or track your golf clubs and luggage in realtime all in your back pocket.

The company’s Founders, Nicholas Coleman and Jonathan Marsico, knew that

there was a need for this type of service for traveling golfers like themselves. After one of their friend’s clubs didn’t arrive at its final destination on a long-planned golf trip, they knew they were not the only ones who have gone through this situation before. So, Ship Sticks was started.

items are in good hands. There is a dedicated support team available seven days a week by phone, email or live chat. The service comes directly to customers on their scheduled shipping date, so you can ship directly from your residence, business, country club or hotel to collect your clubs and luggage.

Ship Sticks offers worldwide shipping to top golfing destinations in the world. Every shipment comes with complimentary insurance allowing golfers to purchase additional coverage if needed. The company provides different shipping options to meet the needs of any traveler. With an on-time guarantee and shipment protection plan, customers are able to travel confidently knowing their

Ship Sticks has grown significantly year after year. The company works with a variety of partners across the globe. Through these partnerships, all golfers and travelers are able to ship their clubs and luggage to and from their golf destination both affordably and efficiently. From avid travelers to weekend warriors, Ship Sticks has been able to improve the overall experience that a golfer should have when spending money to go away on a golf trip.

The company runs various promotions throughout the year that its customers can take advantage of. Signing up for their newsletter is the best way to be in the know for travel tips, company news, and current offers.

www.ShipSticks.com

Ron Jaworski Golf

Hosts Freedom Day Benefiting Folds of Honor

Over750 golfers, 117 holes of golf across all six Ron Jaworski Golf properties

Folds of Honor, a national nonprofit organization that creates life-changing scholarships for the spouses and children of fallen and disabled military service members and first responders, is excited to announce Ron Jaworski Golf is hosting a Freedom Day outing on July 3 to benefit Folds of Honor’s scholarship programs.

More than 750 golfers of all skill levels will participate in playing 117 holes of golf in an exceptional golf experience across all six Ron Jaworski Golf properties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Net proceeds will create scholarships for the spouses and children of military members’ and first responders’ families in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

“It’s very exciting to partner with an organization that shares our commitment and passion to recognize the service, contributions, and sacrifices of those who have and continue to serve our great nation,” stated Beth Simmons, President of the Eastern PA/NJ Chapter of Folds of Honor.

“Golfers, sponsors, and volunteers are helping us make a difference in the lives of family members impacted by the life-changing and long-lasting effects of the loss or disability of a loved one.”

Each course will feature a celebrity athlete host, special tee gifts, prizes, unique auction items, and much more. The format will be a 4-person scramble that kicks off with a 9 a.m. shotgun at all six Ron Jaworski Golf courses. Registration is $840 per team ($210 per player) at Running Deer Golf Club, RiverWinds Golf and Tennis Club, Blue Heron Pines Golf Club, and Downingtown Country Club. Registration at Ramblewood Country Club and Valleybrook Country Club is $740 per team ($185 per player).

“Nothing beats a day out on the greens unless you are also raising support for the families of our military members and first responders,” added Ron Jaworski, CEO of Ron Jaworski Golf. “With six unique properties, each club is designed to elevate players’ experience with magnificent golf conditions and provide a range of amenities from tennis to dining to the perfect atmosphere for weddings and private events.”

Folds of Honor’s 31 chapters host events that enable supporters to participate in a variety of activities while contributing to the creation of scholarships for the spouses and children of military service members and first responders living in their communities.

Ron Jaworski Golf properties has a lengthy history of supporting active military members and veterans and the Freedom Day golf event benefiting Folds of Honor is another opportunity for the organization to support active military and veterans. All six Ron Jaworski Golf properties offer free rounds of golf to active military members and veterans on Veterans Day. The organization also supports the Marines Toys for Tots program annually.

To register or become a sponsor for Ron Jaworski Golf’s Freedom Day, visit www.ronjaworskigolf.com/freedom-day and select your desired course. To learn more about the Eastern PA/NJ Chapter of Folds of Honor and the golfing, sporting clay, concerts, and other events, visit www.easternpanj.foldsofhonor.org.

Tiger By The Tail (no

not that Tiger!)

The Elephant Experience – Go Banana’s

By Claudio DeMarchi

Chiang Mai, the largest and most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand and situated amongst the highest mountains in the country, is a great mix of rich Lanna culture, savory foods, relaxed lifestyle, a cooler climate and fantastic golf. We have taken you the beaches of Hua Hin and Pattaya, and the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, it was the perfect time to take a get away into this exciting part of Thailand.

More on Bangkok later, as when visiting Thailand, a stop in the #1 most visited city in the world, BANGKOK is a must.

Arriving in Chiang Mai, golfers are spoiled with a wide variety of accommodation options to choose from. Be it 3-star comfort, to 5-star luxury, there is something for everyone. The main area of Chang Klan Rd is a vibrant section of town, home to recommended hotels such as the brand new 5* Intercontinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping Hotel, or the 4* Movenpick Suriwongse Chiang Mai, to even the 3* Duangtawan Hotel Chiang Mai. Golfers cannot go wrong by picking any of these options, and will be just steps from a bus-

tling market, excellent local and international dining options, as well as a few bars to soak up the local beverages.

Let’s be honest – we’re not going to be up in Chiang Mai to spend much time in the hotel, where there is a wealth of activities to do and golf to play.

One of the first stops in my trip to Chiang Mai was to the Tiger Kingdom. This experience allows people to get up close and personal with these majestic animals, and learn how they are being taken care of and rehabilitated. This includes get-

ting accustomed to their natural habitat and the issues they face when in the wild. The Tiger experience is a more commercialized experience than some of the other animal interaction experiences in Chiang Mai. OMG we were in very large cages sitting and playing with big cats. Admittedly I was a little nervous at first but it was very much an experience of a lifetime. Where else can you hold the tail of a tiger?

Another must-do for golfers when on a non- golf day is a trip up the Doi Suthep mountain to the famous temple that overlooks the city, and a trip further into the jungle to meet an authentic Karen Long Neck Tribe.

The Doi Suthep temple, rising 1,073 meters above the city, is a sacred temple for the Thai Buddhist population and is home to a shoulder bone relic of Buddha. Buddhists regularly come here to pray and to ask for something good to come to them in their life. Additionally, once that good thing is realized, they will come back and pray and provide a gift which was promised to the Buddha during the original prayer. The views over Chiang Mai from the temple are spectacular, and it gave me a true sense of the size and beauty of Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort

Into the jungle we go, an experience unto itself, visiting an authentic Karen Long Neck Tribe’s village. This was a fantastic experience where we got to interact with this unique tribe and see how they live their daily lives, and the handmade crafts such as

brooms and wicker baskets that they make in order to sell on and support their day-today lives.

What makes this tribe the most interesting and unique are the brass coils that the women of the tribe place around their

necks. The tradition starts when they are approximately 5 years old and once the ring goes on their neck, it doesn’t come off. The brass rings are replaced as the girls get older. In actual fact, the brass rings do not extend the neck, rather push down the collarbone to give the look of an extended neck. It is definitely a sight to behold and is something that is only common in the northern part of Thailand and into Myanmar.

There are many more spots to visit such as the temple walking tour around the Chiang Mai Old Town or the Bor Sang Umbrella Village, but a visit to Chiang Mai is just not complete without a visit to an Elephant sanctuary. The Elephant is Thailand’s national animal, and has a steep history in helping shape the kingdom as it is today. Used by kings down to soldiers, the Elephant was used in wars, infrastructure development and farming amongst others. So, it’s only fitting to learn how these Thai icons are taken care of, how they live their lives in their vast expanses, and the little things that make them tick! I was lucky enough to experience this while

Gassan Khuntan Golf Resort

Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort

in Chiang Mai, being able to bathe an Elephant in the river and feel the pure power the Elephant has, along with crating it’s meals, and of course getting to feed them some Bananas which I can tell you from experience, is definitely their favorite!

….. And Now to The Golf

First off, when you think of Thai golf you generally think of playing in the heat. Being in the mountains gives you more moderate temperatures. Secondly, another iconic Thai tradition is having the company of a female caddy – she will be very knowledgeable and helpful to your round!

We played 4 of the 9 top courses in the area, in my humble opinion Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort was the champion of the group. Warm greeting to a cozy and comfortable clubhouse. Even playing in what was considered a drought the course was is superb condition and no doubt one of the reasons that it is always highly ranked in the country.

You can go back to about 7,200 yards if you dare but with water on at least 11 holes and more sand than Lawrence of Arabia had in his boots – why would you want too? Play the right tees and you will enjoy these rolling fairways right up to the uphill challenge of the 558-yard par 5, 18th taking you back to the clubhouse. This is a great collection of par 3’s. With 27 holes here, it’s even possible to get 2 rounds in here on a trip while still getting some excitement of new holes and new challenges.

Alpine Golf Resort, designed by my

old friend Ron Garl, might be considered a little more robust a test than most. The tips will take you back to 7,500 yards and there is water on just about every hole. The 11th, par 4 is a muscular 485 yards and save yourself for an Amen Corner style 14 – 16th holes. With the addition of 9 more holes, bringing the total number to 27, 2 rounds here on a trip is definitely something to consider.

You know when there is one course in a destination that you just don’t forget? Gassan Khuntan Golf Resort might just be that one that leaves a lasting impression. Intimidation might be the word we are looking for. Set next to the Khuntan

National Park, this course is widely known as one of the more difficult golf courses in Thailand. Bring your camera for this round, as the lush vegetation and vistas over the tree-covered hills make it one of the more picturesque courses in the north. From island greens to holes with wide panoramic views, there is never a boring moment at Gassan Khuntan. Another 27-hole complex with the 9 holes that were added in 2018, playing through the State Railway of Thailand tracks, includes the iconic white bridge over which the trains still rumble today!

Of course, no visit to Thailand would be complete without a short stay in Bangkok. After 2 weeks being immersed in Thai culture and cuisine spent some time in the capital and main arrival/departure port for the Kingdom. Whether continuing on to one of the beach golf destinations of Phuket, Pattaya or Hua Hin, or winding down your trip before heading home, a stop for a couple of nights in Bangkok is a must – especially when considering some of the fantastic Michelin restaurants and Michelin dishes that one can take in while in the city. We will focus here next time around.

If you have never been to Thailand, you don’t know what you’re missing. My friends. AJ & Ian from Asia Golf Experiences can help you out with planning an unforgettable Thailand golf holiday. www.AsiaGolfExpeirences.com

For more information on Thailand, visit www.ThailandInsider.com.

Alpine Golf Resort

Doi Suthep temple

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