Now Playing
One Summer while I was in college some of my buddies started playing golf and told me I should give it a try as they were convinced I would like it. I had never even thought of playing golf as it was something I had absolutely no interest in as I always felt it was a sport played by the rich. One of my uncle’s gave me a VERY used set of clubs with persimmon woods and along with my friends we headed to Weequahic Park GC in Newark for my first round of golf. To say that day changed my life would be a complete understatement…I was absolutely hooked after the first hole. That Summer and the Summers to follow I must have played hundreds of rounds at both Weequahic Park and Francis Byrne in West Orange as my love for the game exploded.
It is with great pride that we are featuring Essex County Golf with its three courses; Weequahic Park, Hendricks Field and Francis Byrne in this issue. All three courses have never been in better shape as they have all gone through major renovations over the years.
“We are very proud of our efforts to restore, actually more like rebuild three historically significant golf courses in Essex County,” said Essex County parks Director of Operations Tim Christ. “We first did a rebuild/renovation of Hendricks Field Golf Course. This was a significant undertaking since we designed several new holes and built a First Tee facility second to none”.
“Hendricks Field Golf Course was a significant investment for Essex County, but when you have a visionary such as Joe DiVincenzo, Jr as your County Executive, he knows how important recreational open spaces can be. After we finished Hendricks Field with great success it was time to move to our other Charles Banks/Seth Raynor golf course Francis Byrne Golf Course. This Golf Course will host the State Public Links Championship this year”.
If you have not played these courses, or haven’t played them in a while, make it a point to check them out ASAP…. you won’t be disappointed.
Here’s to nothing but Fairways and Greens!!
Cheers,
Sean Fitzsimmons Publisher
New Jersey Pennsylvania
Elevated above the rest...naturally
Golf on 45 acres of pristine forest
Lessons for all skill levels 7 days a week
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Practice on driving range, putting greens, and bunkers
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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.
Makefield Highlands Golf Club Celebrates 20 Years
By, Sean Fawcett
Makefield Highlands Golf Club is one of the most exciting, and challenging, and fun golf courses I have ever played, and if you’ve never been, you just gotta go and tee it up there and see it for yourself. It’s a definite “must play”.
Now 20 years old, Makefield Highlands, located in Yardley, Pennsylvania, is a golfer’s happy place. I live more than an hour away and I play it two, three and sometimes four times a year. It’s that good.
Just miles north of where Washington made history, and turned our Revolution around by crossing the Delaware, Makefield’s gambling-style golf begins with its short, downhill Par 4 Fourth Hole.
the green from 200 yards or less. A 3-shot hole for medium length hitters like myself, good golfers will usually have a wedge in hand firing for the pin to get a look at 4 r score a comfortable 5.
A links design in Pennsylvania farm country, Makefield has it all offering pristine rolling fairways, impeccable food service and drinks in their stateof-the-art clubhouse and service that is both friendly and professional.
Rated 9th in Golf Week magazine’s 2013 “Top Places You Can Paly in PA”, and a 2015 US Open Local Qualifying Site, the theme of Makefield Highlands is RiskReward, and if you like playing R&R holes, like me, you will absolutely love playing Makefield Highlands.
Reachable for most long hitters, even from the Back Tees, No.4 plays only about 300 yards to a severely, but helping, sloping fairway going down and left with only a fairway sand trap down the right less than a hundred yards from the green to avoid.
Another terrific birdie, and maybe even eagle, opportunity awaits you at the Front Nine closing 9th, a downhill Par 5. Aim left to avoid the water down the right, and hit the speed slot to gain an extra 50 yards of roll and big hitters will get to have a go at
My favorite two holes on the course are back-to-back at Holes 12 and 13. Twelve, though measuring around 500 yards, plays downhill and to the left. Good, solidly struck drives can gain up to a hundred yards of roll off the tee setting up second shot chances from 200 yards, or less, to a green that is still another 30-40 feet below your feet.
There isn’t a bad hole on the whole course. One great example is Hole No. 2, the favorite Hole of Makefield’s Assistant Golf Professional and Lead Junior Golf Instructor, Joe Garstka.
“ Hole #2 is the 7th hardest hole on the course,” said Garstka. “ From the blue tees, it’s 412 yards. It’s a fairly short hole at that handicap, but the second shot to the green can be difficult as it is kidney shaped and longer than it is deep. The green is perched up much higher than the fairway, and it is protected in the front by 2 large sand traps.
I chose to describe this hole because of its importance for my round. It’s an underrated hole in my opinion. It’s likely I think that because it suits my eye and swing. There are plenty more gems out on the course, but I wanted to bring some attention to this one. We hope to see you at Makefield Highlands where our tag phrase is “Redifining Public Golf”.”
Like No.2, Thirteen is a defining hole at Makefield Highlands, as well. Playing only 250 yards from the Whites, and up and over a hill to a putting surface below the tee box, good players have a better than average chance of putting, or chipping, for eagle. I have played with two people, already, in just about 20 rounds, so far, who’ve had eagle putts of ten feet, or less, at 13. It is definitely one of the most thrilling tee shots you will ever get a chance to try. Trust me.
Another thrilling tee shot comes a hole later at Highlands’ Signature Hole, the dogleg left Par 4 Fifteenth. Hit a long draw around the corner and you’ll have a chance to carry the water filled quarry to get a look
at 3. A straight drive, or one that is blocked just a little to the right, can make the hole play like a short par 5 with an approach of more than 200 yards over the water with the ball above your feet on a sidehill lie not such a good idea.
But that’s the charm, and the challenge of playing a round around Makefield Highlands.
The Par 4 Closing Hole, 18, adds to the fun with a downhill, narrow, tee ball to play short of a creek about 220 yards away, or risk driving it over to the fairway on the other side. The Eighteenth Green sits perched above you, guarded by some massive traps right and in front, making putting in for par a real accomplishment.
“Makefield is a great facility,” said Spirit Golf’s VP of Golf Operations Kevin Bierne. “ Early on it adopted the phrase “Redefining Public Golf”. That is literally what we are trying do every day, as part of the Spirit Golf network of managed facilities.
“ The golf course is a links style course with very few internal trees and can be
stretched over 7000 yards from the back tees and just about 5000 yards from the forward tees. The golf course usually plays firm and fast especially during the long hot summer, so that long yardage isn’t as severe with all the roll you can get when you keep it in play… It is definitely a public golf course worth playing and will provide a stern test of golf for any handicap. This course will provide the OPEN Championship or Pinehurst feel where it is a little brown around the edges and allows for many different types of shots into greens.
“Makefield does 50,000 rounds a year and is a proudly owned by Lower Makefield Township.”
A great round, and a great day, is yours to be had whenever you tee it up and let it fly at Makefield Highlands. Make sure to play it as soon as you can.
Makefield Highlands Yardley, PA 215-321-7000
www.makefieldhighlandsgolf.com
KemperSports Launches Tour of the Turnpike Loyalty Program
KemperSports, a leading golf, sports, entertainment and hospitality company, announced today the launch of Tour of the Turnpike – a proprietary loyalty program that gives golfers in the New Jersey area a chance to earn prizes for playing a mix of courses that they already enjoy on a regular basis. The awards increase in value based on the number of times a golfer plays throughout the year with each round being tracked on the Tour of the Turnpike app.
“Tour of the Turnpike is a great opportunity for New Jersey golfers to experience new KemperSports-affiliated golf courses throughout their area,” said KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner. “We are excited to showcase so many of the best courses in the New Jersey area.”
With each round of golf, golfers receive a “stamp” on the app. Each stamp increases the value, including:
2 stamps – Sleeve of tour-proven Titleist ProV1 golf balls
3 stamps – Golf cart reward
4 stamps – KemperSports Tour of the Turnpike Titleist hat
5 stamps – Entry to win a round at The Village Club of Sands Point
6 stamps – Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedge Participating KemperSports golf courses include Ash Brook Golf Course, Heron Glen Golf Course, Galloping Hill Golf
For more information on KemperSports Tour of the Turkpike, please visit www.kempersports.com/frequent-fairways.
About KemperSports
KemperSports is a leading sports, entertainment and hospitality company that delivers operational excellence in property and experience management. Headquartered in Chicago with regional offices throughout the U.S., KemperSports manages more than 140 golf courses, private clubs, sports venues, and destination resorts nationwide. It has 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. For more information about KemperSports, visit www.kempersports.com.
1 stamp – KemperSports Tour of the Turkpike poker chip
Course, Rock Spring Golf Club, Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, and Skyway Golf Course at Lincoln Park West.
Join the KemperSports social media conversation at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Tee Off at River Marsh Golf Club
Located at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina, River Marsh Golf Club boasts one of Maryland's "Best Courses You Can Play" as designated by Golfweek magazine. Experience the 18-hole championship course and try out the brand new “The Cove” Golf Simulator, loaded with courses from around the world allowing for year round play.
a c c e s s t o t h e d r i v i n g r a n g e P l u s , i n d u l g e i n a s h o p p i n g s p r e e w i t h 1 5 % o f f r e g u l a r l y p r i c e d m e r c h a n d i s e a t t h e
R i v e r M a r s h P r o S h o p , a n d e n h a n c e y o u r g a m e w i t h 1 5 % o f f g o l f l e s s o n s . C r u i s e a r o u n d t h e c o u r s e i n s t y l e w i t h a c o m p l i m e n t a r y g o l f c a r t r e n t a l f o r t w o . T o t o p i t o f f , q u e n c h y o u r t h i r s t w i t h a r e f r e s h i n g 2 c a n s o f O f f T h e R o o k B e e r o r s p i k e d
A r n o l d P a l m e r . V i s i t o u r w e b s i t e t o b o o k y o u r u n f o r g e t t a b l e g o l f g e t a w a y !
* T e r m s & C o n d i t i o n s A p p l y B o o k b y D e c 3 0 , 2 0 2 4 . O f f e r C o d e U N L G L F
By, Sean Fawcett
TEssex County Golf
Better Than Ever
he Essex County Parks golf courses, Weequahic Park Hendricks Field and Francis Byrne are three terrific golf courses to go and play.
All three updated with new renovations, the Essex County courses are now even better, as well.
A beautiful rolling property, Essex County’s Weequahic Park Golf Course is a challenge with brand new bunkers that have greatly enhanced its strategic and visual appeal. Tucked in the corner of historic Essex County Weequahic Park, this is, also, the oldest public course in New Jersey, having been designed by Baltusrol Golf Club professional George Low in 1913.
While Weequahic measures slightly less than 6,000 yards, the course offers an ideal golfing landscape with its small greens make low scoring a challenge. Among the best holes on this lovely course are the uphill par five 3rd with two large bunkers carved in the hillside, as well as the long par four 16th that plays to the crest of this same hill and down to the green that is set in the base of its long slope.
Designed by architect Charles Banks, Essex County’s Hendricks Field golf course features well contoured putting surfaces and many interesting holes. Opened in 1929, renovations at Hendricks have included the reconstruction of tees and bunkers, as well as extensive upgrades in drainage that have significantly improved playing conditions. Hendricks has a number of classically designed holes, such as the par four 4th hole that has a cluster of Principal’s Nose bunkers in the center of the fairway. The par three Sixth, meanwhile, has a green that is, like the world-famous “Postage Stamp” Hole No.8 at this year’s British Open’s Royal Troon Golf Club, almost entirely surrounded by bunkers.
The narrow fairways and well-guarded greens at Hendricks require both accurate and thoughtful play to add to golfers’ enjoyment at this hidden gem located in Belleville.
Francis Byrne Golf Course, which dates back to 1926, was designed as a private country club course by Banks. Through the recently completed Renovation Project, many of the course features have been
restored to their classic roots, making Byrne one of the premiere public golf destinations in the state. The course features a number of holes are based on famous courses from Scotland, including the par five 1st hole that is modeled after the Road Hole at St. Andrews.
Among other classic holes on the Byrne Golf Course are the long par three Biarritz 2nd hole. The hole goes well over 200 yards from the championship tee and the short 14th that is similar to the Eden hole that is also found at St. Andrews, as well as many of the best private clubs in the United States. The back nine at Byrne includes several long par four holes such as the 12th and 15th. World Golf Hall of Famer, and golfing legend, Bobby Jones, considered 15 to be one of the most difficult holes in America.
This beautiful course in West Orange features deep bunkers, hills and rolling greens that combine to create a wonderfully challenging layout that measures nearly 6,800 yards and offers public golfers the rare opportunity to play a course from golf’s Golden Age of Design.
“ We are very proud of our efforts to restore, actually more like rebuild three historically significant golf courses in Essex County,” said Essex County parks Director of Operations Tim Christ. “ We first did a rebuild/renovation of Hendricks Field Golf Course. This was a significant undertaking since we designed several new holes and built a First Tee facility second to none. Originally the only ever golf course designed by Charles Banks specifically for public golf, Stephen Kay Golf Course Architect assisted us in the process to keep the integrity of the Charles Banks design. While keeping his design principles intact we took on the challenge of rerouting the course and building some new golf holes that included a Rail “Road” hole #11 575 yards. This hole runs along an old rail line and utilizes the strategy of the St. Andrews Road Hole. The other hole that we built is the #12 154 yard Wee “Biarritz”, that can vary from the back tee as little as 128 yards and as much as 172 yards.
“ Hendricks Field Golf Course was a significant investment for Essex County, but when you have a visionary such as Joe
DiVincenzo, Jr as your County Executive, he knows how important recreational open spaces can be. After we finished Hendricks Field with great success it was time to move to our other Charles Banks/Seth Raynor golf course Francis Byrne Golf Course. This Golf Course will host the State Public Links Championship August 15th this year. Originally built in 1928, it was purchased by Essex County from the Essex County Country Club in 1978. With the surge in golf popularity it was time to renovate/ restore some of the original intent of the design as well as improve upon many of the possibilities we had to make Francis Byrne Golf Course, our crowned jewel. It now has 6 sets of tee combinations and can accommodate golfers with all skill levels. For the Championships it can play a Par 70, 6,970 yards. We have two new finishing holes, # 17 is a 219 yard par three Reverse Redan that slopes to the Rahway River. Your best bet is to play it off the slope on the left and let the ball feed into the green softly. The final hole is what we call the “Executive Decision”. From the back it is 598 yard Par 5 and requires 3 good shots to make a very
large green.”
There are lots and lot of great places to get to golf in Central New Jersey, and the Essex County Golf Courses of Weequahic, Hendricks Field and Francis Byrne are among the very, very best of them. Go try your game at one, or all, of them if you can.
Francis-Byrne
1100 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ
Phone: 973-736-2306
Hendricks Field
220 Franklin Avenue, Belleville, NJ 973-751-0178
Weequanic
1 Thomas Carmichael Drive
Newark, NJ 07112
Phone: 973-926-2520
www.EssexCountyParks.org/golf
Heritage Shores Golf Course A Delaware Gem
By Sean Fawcett
If you are anywhere near Bridgeville, Delaware, make sur and tee it up at Heritage Shores Golf Course. You will be very glad that you did.
With six teeing grounds on every hole, and an array of strategically incorporated bunkers and undulating fairways, coupled with water obstacles, this par 72 golf course will challenge and test each and every player.
“Heritage Shores is a fabulous course, designed by Arthur Hills, with water on 17 of our 18 holes,” said Heritage Shore’s Head Golf Professional Shane Long. “We have six sets of tees, measuring anywhere from about 5,400 yards to about 7,000. We are set inside a wonderful 55 and over community. We offer memberships and are open to non-residents and public to play year round.”
company this year, is a well-maintained and fun-to-play golfing gem in the vicinity of the world famous Ocean City, Maryland golfing mecca.
“Heritage Shores is a premier semiprivate course set in a great community,”
ing. Water is everywhere on the course. Hills, who designed many golf courses in the South, like in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, brought some of that Myrtle Beach flavor north to Delaware, less than 30 minutes from most Delaware beaches. Avoiding these hazards is as simple as making good contact on the ball, but a handful feature splashdown opportunities right next to the green.
Built by Hills in 2007, Heritage Shores, added to the Kemper Sports management
Kemper Sports CEO Steve Skinner said. “We are excited to once again be working with Brookfield Residential and the Heritage Shores Homeowners’ Association to take Heritage Shores to new heights for members and guests through our passion for delivering first-class service.”
The course’s main feature is its pond-
A main example of this is Heritage Shore’s Closing Hole, No.18. A Par 5 measuring around 500 yards, water runs up the right side off the tee, and then down the left, with bunkers and a pond bordering the uniquely rectangular shaped 18th Green. A small inlet short of the putting surface requires a forced carry to the green, making going at it in just two swings a real challenge.
“ Eighteen is probably the Signature Hole of the course,” said Long. “ Water on both sides of the fairway, off to the right but mostly out of play off the tee, and water left, makes 18 a three shot par 5 for almost everybody. The rectangular shaped green is a rare highlight to the hole, as well. It’s a terrific Finishing Hole.”
Another favorite of Long’s is the par-3 Fourteenth. An uphill Par 3, 14 plays anywhere from a short iron to a hybrid or fairway metal.
“14 is a really challenging Pa 3,” said Long. It goes about 135 yards to about 80. It has an undulating green and a forced carry all over water. If you’re long, you will have a super delicate chip straight down the hill and back down towards the water.
“ We have everything at Heritage Shores,” said Long. “ We are a very active 55 and older community with so much to do. We have so many wonderful dining options for people to enjoy, and things like bicycling and kayaking, and, of course, golf.
“It’s a just a good community for people and a good course for people to play.”
www.heritageshores.com
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Golf Digest has given this beautiful, scenic course four stars.
Check out our many Stay & Play options.
Rejuvenate yourself in the beautiful mountains of Historic Wellsboro Pennsylvania and enjoy a scenic round of golf at Tyoga.
Head to Atlantic City For Stay and Play this Fall
By, JOHN TORSIELLO
Autumn is not far away and the fall brings with it some of the best and most relaxing playing conditions of the year. The crowds have thinned, tee times are easy to get, the temperatures are pleasant (warm days and cool evenings) and the courses are in superb shape.
The premier golfing destination in the Northeast is ready to welcome you to a weekend stay and play visit, and if you have the time an even longer respite from the worries of everyday living. Atlantic City features over a dozen splendid golf courses, ranging from the historic to the new age. There are plenty of first class accommodations to be found on the Atlantic City Boardwalk and beyond, and there is plenty to keep you entertained and well fed after golf.
Deb Stevenson, General Manager at Harbor Pines Golf Club, said fall weather is perfect for golfing. “The heat and humidity are behind us and the crisp morning air is a welcome change. Course conditions are impeccable. While Harbor Pines enjoys fantastic course conditions year round, the autumn season brings about changes in the weather and the maintenance rituals which allow for more lush conditions. Not only does it play well, it looks amazing.”
Stevenson continued, “Our rates drop after the peak summer season as does demand, making tee times more accessible and you are able to finish a round more quickly. While we don’t have any `official’ winter rules at Harbor Pines, we encourage those who visit to relax the rules a little--it’s time to come out and enjoy the game without all the stress. Our new restaurant ‘the Roost’, is open year round and here to serve you before or after your round.”
Tom Sullivan, General Manager at McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links said his course is special for many reasons. “It really is a true links experience. We have rolling hills, tricky winds and undulating greens. Like links courses in the motherland, with each season is a unique course. The course in the fall is much different than the hard and fast course of the summer. Fall might be the best golf of the season.”
Let’s take a brief look at the top courses and clubs in the Atlantic City area.
Ballamor Golf Club: Carefully carved out of gently rolling land and dense woods, Ballamor is a golfer’s sanctuary. Peaceful and secluded surroundings can be found at every turn, capturing the beauty of the 350 acre property. Designed by nationally renowned architects, Ault, Clark & Associates, the course features wide, easy to hit fairways and large greens for comfortable approach shots. Ballamor boasts exceptional conditions, fast greens and impeccably manicured fairways and tees. Once a private club, Ballamor retains much of that feel today to the delight of daily fee players looking to experience golf at its finest. www.Ballamor.com
Scotland Run Golf Club: Built in and around an old sand quarry, Scotland Run offers a distinctive blend of quarry and links-style holes. The most unique characteristics include expansive waste areas and an imposing display of cliffs. Located 45 minutes from Atlantic City, Scotland Run is open to the public year-round for daily fee play, group outings and banquets. www.ScotlandRun.com
The Links at Brigantine Beach: True to its historic Scottish roots, the seaside layout includes breathtaking bay views, native marshes, and gently rolling nearly treeless terrain. The berms, moundings and tidal water hazards found on 14 of the 18 holes offer a challenge to all skill levels. The greens roll smoothly and are noted as the finest in Southern New Jersey….a bump-and-run strategy is often the best for producing low scores. www.BrigatineGolf.com
Eagle Ridge Golf Club: Eagle Ridge Golf Club is a stunning 27-hole championship golf course open to the public seven days a week. Nestled within the lush natural pines of Northern Ocean County, you will feel like you are playing in the Carolinas not Central Jersey. Experience exceptional golf conditions on the course voted The Best in Ocean County, just minutes from the Jersey Shore and an hour from both New York City and Philadelphia. Complete your day in a fun and relaxed atmosphere while enjoying delicious food or perhaps lifting a pint of ale in The Hut, a recently remodeled pub. www.EagleridgeGolf.com
The Seaview Resort Bay and Pines Courses: The Bay Course opened in 1914 and was designed by Hugh Wilson and Donald Ross. The 6,300-yard layout is less a test of length, and more a test of imagination, accuracy and the short game. The Bay Course presents a Scottishlinks feel, dramatic seaside views, deep pot bunkers and small undulating greens. It
is the current h
The Pines Course opened in 1929 and was designed by William Flynn and Howard Toomey. Unlike the Bay Course, the Pines winds its way through New Jersey woodlands, presenting elevation changes and doglegs. The course measures 6,800 yards, and features large bunkers and expansive, sloping greens. The 16th hole was the site of Sam Snead’s miraculous 60-foot chip-in to win the 1942 PGA Championship--his first major. www.SeaviewGolf.com
Harbor Pines Golf Club: Serving the Atlantic City golf community and entire region for over 25 years, Harbor Pines Golf Club is a premier South Jersey golf course. Voted the number one Country Club in the area and a Favorite Place to Play golf, Harbor Pines offers outstanding course conditions, pace of play, and service that rivals any private country club. You will find impeccable conditions, beautiful surroundings and a challenging but fun course just minutes from Atlantic City. There are five sets and two combo tee options accommodate golfers of all skill levels. Distinctive bunkers, and large undulating greens are designed within the parkland style course. Harbor Pines Golf Club also offers three separate and distinct practice areas. www.HarborPines.com
Blue Heron Pines Golf Club: Blue Heron Pines opened in 1993 and was quickly recognized as one of the best courses at the Jersey Shore. Designed by Stephen Kay, it takes full advantage of the natural beauty of the pinelands, with majes-
tic tree lines framing breathtaking vistas. www.BlueHeronPines.com
Twisted Dune Golf Club: Annually recognized as one of New Jersey’s best public golf courses you can play, Twisted Dune Golf Club is like no other golf course in the Garden State. True to its name, Twisted Dune is a links style course with twisting landscapes, dramatic elevations, and contoured fairways, offering a challenging, yet playable, design. Course architect Archie Struthers moved two million cubic yards of earth to bring the course to fruition; creating a true taste of the Scottish Coast to the Jersey shore and near the popular attractions in Atlantic City. Deep ravines, towering grass-covered hills, and well
over 100 deep traps and bunkers, make Twisted Dune’s 7,200 yards a memorable golfing experience for all. With its many tee box options, Twisted Dune is also one of the most friendly to golfers of every skill level. www.TwistedDune.com
Shore Gate Golf Club: Shore Gate Golf Club has been perpetually ranked as one of the top public golf courses in New Jersey. Carved out of woodlands, Shore Gate allows each group to feel unbothered as they navigate the course from start to finish. Undulating fairways and strategic bunker placements call for precise shots, while five sets of tee boxes make the course inclusive for all skill levels. www.ShoregateGolf.com
Harbor Pines Golf Course
Cape May National Golf Club: Cape May National Golf Club is one of the most natural golf courses ever built. Nicknamed “The Natural”, the course surrounds a 50-acre private bird sanctuary. Cape May National started a new trend in environmental sensitivity in course design, while providing a classic turn of the century golf course. CMN goes back to its roots to the late 1800s and its predecessor, Cape May Country Club. www.CMNGC.com
Long Beach National Golf Club: Situated on over 155 acres of meticulously maintained grounds nestled within the wood-
lands of South Jersey, the newly named LBI National is being re-imagined and revived. The property’s 35,000-square-foot clubhouse features a restaurant, a pro shop, multiple private dining and event spaces, and an Atlantic City skyline view. www.LBINational.com
Vineyard National Golf Club: Vineyard National’s international draw stems from the fusion of pristine greens, challenging play, and a novel experience. The championship course provides the privilege of teeing off among the original vines the winery’s founder cultivated to create his famed American Champagne over 150 years ago. Here you cm
immerse yourself in a course that boasts historic prestige and championship play. www. RenaultWinery.com
McCulloughs Emerald Golf Links: Located just minutes from Atlantic City, McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links offers players a distinctly different Irish-Scottish golfing experience. With wide-open fairways, tricky winds, true undulating greens, and remarkable grass mounds and bunkers, players will be both challenged and fascinated. Architect Stephen Kay designed holes after famed those found on European courses. The signature 7th hole, is a tribute to famed turn of the 20th century architect Alistair Mackenzie, who won an award for the design in 1914, but never had the opportunity to build it. It features a three-acre waste area and an island fairway 160 yards wide. www.McculloughsGolf.com
STAY AND PLAY
Gary Shea, Regional Manager of the stay and play package business Golf ‘N Gamble, said the difference between AC and any other golf travel market from Myrtle Beach on up is that there is plenty to do when you are not playing golf. “You can play a round of golf at a quality golf course in the morning, hang out on the beach in the afternoon, have a world class dinner, and then there are top notch entertainment and night clubs.....all within a couple of miles of each other.”
McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links
Blue Heron Pines Golf Course
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.
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!
Shea takes pride in his approach where he meets his clients for their first round of golf, whether it’s the day they are arriving or the first day they are there. “This way, they know that there’s a person on the ground in the area and puts a face with the voice, name, text, etc. they’ve been dealing with up until that point.”
His customers “seem to be all over the spectrum these days” with a younger crowd moving in as well. “Basically, they are predominantly male, over 40 and even into the 80s, from a vast array of businesses, professionals and blue-collar workers. Golf trips are popular amongst public servants as well.”
Shannon Ott, a Partner of the package specialist GolfAC, said “Atlantic City has so many after hours activities for the golfer to
enjoy after their rounds of golf..dining, spas, gambling, shows, and much, much more.”
Since 1999, GolfAC has been “dedicated to providing clients with the finest service in an effort to deliver an Atlantic City golf experience beyond all expectations”. Ott said, “Our team of experts is available to help customers plan their next Atlantic City golf getaway.”
Ott said www.GolfAC.com is a one stop shop for golf vacation packages in and around Atlantic City. “Our features give groups of any size the ability to create a custom itinerary for their players to best fit their skill level and budget and combine lodging accommodations, tee times, dining and more, all in one place. With over 20 lodging options, 15 golf
courses, and endless restaurants, activities and transportation, there is simply something for everyone in Atlantic City.”
Ott continued, “After creating their desired golf vacation itinerary with the help of our golf travel experts, a simple online payment system allows golfers to individually join and pay their portion of a scheduled golf trip. No collecting money, and no hassle of booking tee times and blocks of rooms. Booking with GolfAC.com takes the stress out of planning Golf Getaways.”
GolfAC’s customers range from husbands and wives who just want to get away for a long weekend, golf leagues (men and women) who travel to different destinations to enjoy new and exciting courses, gamblers who are there
Renault Vineyyard National
Brigantine Golf Links
to enjoy everything Atlantic City has to offer in addition to golf, and old friends who come to the area to get together once a year for their annual golf vacation.
Packages to Choose From
Shea’s Golf ‘N Gamble has several interesting specials planned for the fall, all based around various hotels and casinos in Atlantic City. There’s a two weekend nights with three rounds of golf with the stay at the Tropicana Atlantic City Casino and Resort. The price is $595 per person, double occupancy. The offer is good until Sept. 15.
The Tropicana features luxury ocean view hotels rooms and suites, round-the-clock casino gaming, gourmet dining, live entertainment, the nearby beach and Boardwalk, and a wealth of shopping, a world-class experience awaits.
There is a two weekend nights, three rounds of golf special based at the Boardwalk at Resorts Atlantic City with the price being $579.
Resorts Atlantic City is known for its rich history and now for its groundbreaking edge. With the additions of the New Rendezvous Tower, 25 Hours Lounge, The Burger Bar and Gallagher’s Steakhouse, Resorts continues to redefine itself with sophistication and style. The hotel is located directly on the beach and boardwalk, connected via an indoor skywalk to the Hard Rock Casino. Here’s an indoor
pool and spa and a new “Margaritaville” mega complex and Landshark Bar & Grill, Atlantic City’s only Beach Bar.
Another special features accommodations at the Golden Nugget Casino with a two nights stay and three rounds of golf for $485 per person, double occupancy. For nonstop entertainment, you can head to the nearly 80,000 square foot casino. From the thrills and chills of a baccarat or blackjack tournament to the fun and excitement of the craps pit, the table games at the Golden Nugget have the hottest action in town. Accommodations at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City provide the ultimate in comfort and style and have been awarded the prestigious Five Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. The casino offers classic buffet dining and seafood and steakhouse dining as well.
A fourth fall special is based at Atlantic City’s upscale Courtyard by Marriott, conveniently located just one block from the ocean and the historic Atlantic City Boardwalk. The hotel’s location is ideal for easy access to the casinos, fine dining restaurants, shopping and entertainment. The stay is two weekend nights with three rounds of golf. The cost is $399 per person, double occupancy.
The specials are good until Sept.15. Pricing at some casinos and hotels is based on availability and subject to change. Single rooms with king sized beds may be priced
cheaper. Specials are not available on holidays. Visit https://www.golfandgamble.com/ AC/specials/ to access the Golf and Gamble offers.
GolfAC, said Ott, has a “The Play Through” package starting at $235. The offer includes one night midweek accommodations at the Tropicana Casino or Harrah’s Casino Hotel, a morning round of golf Blue Heron Pines Golf Club and a morning round at Twisted Dune Golf Club. The cost is based on two people sharing a room, midweek, Sunday through Thursday. The special starts Sept. 5 and runs through Oct. 15.
The One Under Today package starts at $465 and includes two nights midweek accommodations at Resorts Casino Hotel, an afternoon round of golf at Ballamor Golf Club, a morning round of golf at McCullough’s Emerald Links, and a morning round of golf at Harbor Pines Golf Club. The price is based on two people sharing a room, midweek, Sunday through Thursday. The offer starts Sept. 5 and runs through Oct. 15.
For more information, call 800-252-5866 or via email at shannon@golfac.com. You can also go to www.GolfAC.com to create your own customizable quote.
Dominican Republic Has It All
…..and the best Golf
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, our lush tropical island paradise boasts nearly 1,000 miles (1,609 km) of coastline, 250 miles (402 km) of the world’s top beaches, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options. Here you can dance to the pulse pounding thrill of the merengue, renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican gastronomy or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers, and beaches.
Renowned for having the most magnificent golf courses in the Caribbean and Latin America, the Dominican Republic is the undisputed leader of golf in the tropics. At least seven of the DR’s courses have consistently topped Golf Week Magazine’s
in the Caribbean
Top 50 courses in the Caribbean and Mexico, including Punta Espada in the top 10, Los Corales Golf Course, where since 2018, a PGA Tour tournament continues to be hosted, and Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo, in the number one spot since 2009. From La Romana to Punta Cana, Juan Dolio, Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata, the DR’s courses, counting 86 seafacing holes and 39 ocean-side, offer you tee time by the sea, or along lush inland courses designed by the most acclaimed golf course architects, including Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Gary Player, Tom Fazio, Nick Price and Greg Norman. www.GoDominicanRepublic.com
Reunion Resort
Exceptional Golf at Your Family-Friendly Resort in the Orlando area.
Experience a Florida lifestyle like no other. Reunion Resort offers an endless array of features to explore including three signature golf courses, a 5-acre water park, tennis center, and a variety of dining options. Reserve your stay with us and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!
Whether you arrive for an early morning tee-off, a weekend tournament, or an afternoon round of 18 holes, Reunion Resort’s three signature golf courses will offer an unparalleled golf experience in Orlando. Reunion is the only destination in the world featuring courses designed by iconic PGA legends Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus all in the same place. www.reunionresort.com
Nemacolin
Two Magnificent Pete Dye Courses
Highlight a Must-Visit Resort Experience
Nestled in the splendid Allegheny Mountains, Nemacolin is home to long views and Mystic Rock and Shepherd’s Rock, two imaginative championship courses designed by the legendary Pete Dye. Both courses take ample advantage of the area’s vast, rugged topography, lush terrain and majestic sweeping vistas. Just down the road from architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s acclaimed masterpiece Fallingwater and Fort Necessity National Battlefield. Set in an area steeped in rich American, architectural and agricultural history, Nemacolin is carving out its own distinctive legacy in the nature-rich Laurel Highlands. www.Nemacolin.com
Pebble Beach
Make Memories to Last a Lifetime
January 8 -12, 2005, 4-Night, 4 Round Package Options
Option #1 -The Lodge at Pebble Beach: $7,567.00 (Single Occ.) $6,768.00 (Double Occ.)
Option #2 – 2 nights at the Monterey Marriott + 2 nights at The Lodge at Pebble Beach: $5,727.00 based on double occ. Legendary Golf – Handicap tournaments at world famous courses, with a special couple’s tournament at Pebble Beach. Fine Dining - Award winning cuisine at Frandango voted one of the best restaurants in the Pacific Grove, California. Open Bar – After each round, enjoy the complimentary hospitality of an open bar. The perfect finish to each days rounds.
For more information contact Phillip Bellew at Let’s Go Golf Trips 833-271-5050 or email philip@LetsGoGolfTrips.com
Half Moon Resort Montego Bay, Jamaica
Half Moon stands amidst 400 acres in Rose Hall on the north coast of Jamaica and just 15 minutes from Montego Bay International Airport. Opened in 1954, Half Moon offers a private two-mile coastline, 210 rooms and suites. Offering a true lifestyle experience, guests have at their disposal the renowned Spa, a professional Equestrian Centre, 13 lit tennis courts with tennis academy, a state-of-the-art fitness center and Spinning studio and beautiful Anancy Children’s Village The golf course is an original Robert Trent Jones Sr. design and was opened in 1964. In 2005 it was superbly modernized by Roger Rulewich creating a true masterpiece and one of the best walking courses in the Caribbean. www.HalfMoon.com
