Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening—and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.”
Those words from the late, great Arnold Palmer ring true for many golfers, no matter if they are on the PGA Tour or those of us who are just trying to keep our ball on the fairway. With interest in the game at seemingly an all-time high thanks to the pandemic, we reached out to several area clubs, both private and public, from across the tri-county region and down the Shore to see what notable changes are taking place. While these advancements may not help with your swing or help you sink that 40-foot putt, they should at least provide a little more enjoyment the next time you plan to hit the links.
PRIVATE
Burlington Country Club
The club has hired Nicklaus Design Group and LaBar Golf Renovations to formulate a master plan to reimagine the course. With several renovation phases planned over the next few years, phase 1 began in March and will be completed in mid-May and includes a complete redesign and relocation of all bunker complexes. The club also has a brand new outdoor patio and bar with seating and a fire pit overlooking the 18th green.
Medford Village Country Club
Medford Village has been quite busy during the offseason having recently completed a complete restoration of its practice facility with the creation of a Fiberbuilt Synthetic tee line as well as rebuilding and expanding the grass tee decks. A small putting green was also constructed near the lower tee deck for players as they head to the first tee. Furthermore, new tees where constructed or expanded on holes No. 4, 6, 12, 13 and 16 to provide larger tee areas and a better overall surface.
Merchantville Country Club
Merchantville Country Club is currently marking a milestone as it celebrates its 130th anniversary this year. Helping usher the club into the future will be Doug Davis, the newly added superintendent who is spearheading a number of upgrades to the course.
Laurel Creek Country Club
While full golf memberships are currently waitlisted here, the club is still offering house and social options for the remainder of 2022. This Memorial Day weekend will mark the debut of the new poolside restaurant and bar, The Oasis. The space will feature a wood-burning pizza oven and an open kitchen concept. And the events schedule will be up and running with the popular Spring Fling taking place on May 13 with a theme of “Havana Nights” and a Santana tribute band, salsa dancers and food trucks.
Riverton Country Club
After starting a long-term renovation project back in 2017, Riverton is putting the finishing touches on things after breaking ground on the final seven holes of the restoration last fall. The club is also embarking on a new facility master plan project with the help of Kimmel Bogrette Architects and are currently in phase 1A, which includes a patio renovation which members will be able to enjoy by Memorial Day. This fall, Riverton will break ground on a new resort-style pool complex complete with cabanas, new locker room spaces and a splash pad. Also this fall, work begins on a new state-of-the-art golf center, pro shop and golf simulator lounge.
Moorestown Field Club
After obtaining a liquor license, Moorestown Field Club opened up its sports bar, enhancing social activities and dining experiences. Two professional bocce courts were installed and co-ed leagues are now playing in the spring and fall. And the club’s bunker restoration project is now complete for all holes and extensive landscaping work has been done across the course.
LIttle Mill Country Club
The club has installed new tee boxes on a few holes making the Little Mill—Stoney Mountain course rotation over 7,000 yards. Additionally, the golf shop has undergone a transformation and has expanded its selection of apparel and accessories. Over at the clubhouse, a new back patio is being built and the inside has been renovated with new carpeting and paint. For the third year in a row, Little Mill will host a NJSGA tournament with the 2022 Senior Four-Ball Championship taking place in July.
PUBLIC
Deerwood Country Club
Deerwood is installing a new driving range tee and has plans to open it swimming pool on Memorial Day weekend. In staffing news, Jason Fox has joined as the new golf course superintendent.
Pitman Golf Course
Golf Course Manager Orist Wells is excited for this season after seeing improvements made this offseason to help improve playing conditions. All the bunkers have been rehabbed with fresh edges and new sand, and tree work and drainage has been a focal point near the 8th green. Over at the clubhouse is where visitors will find the beer garden along with a new pavilion area and deck.
Rancocas Golf Club
Recent new hires at Rancocas include Garrett Montgomery as general manager and Greg Armbruster as superintendent. The two have overseen many renovations, including every single bunker on the course, the laser leveling of every tee box and the removal and planting of several trees. The club has also purchased new equipment across the board as well as purchasing equipment from the now-closed Old York Country Club.
Scotland Run Golf Club
Those who come for golf will want to stick around to sample new chef Artie Caldwell’s updated dining menu which can be enjoyed in the restaurant or outside on the patio area overlooking the course.
Town & Country Golf Links
The much awaited redesign of holes 10, 11 and 12 are complete and golfers are enjoying the additional distance and challenging shot making opportunities they demand. Continuing to top the list of amenities, the driving range powered by Toptracer provides a technology-driven experience in 10 of the 20 covered range stalls. The Creekside Inn restaurant continues to be a favorite gathering place among golfer and locals with homemade lunch and dinner entrées, weekend entertainment and a new modern look in the dining room and Bull on the 19th bar.
THE SHORE
Atlantic City Country Club
The club, which has transitioned back to a private golf membership, is marking its 125th anniversary in 2022. Visitors will notice many new additions including the new outdoor brick patio, a renovated ladies’ locker room and a 100-yard short-game practice area.
Ballamor Golf Club
Those who become members at Ballamor can enjoy year-round access to sister property Scotland Run Golf Club in Williamstown, allowing golfers to enjoy the game at the Shore and closer to home.
Harbor Pines Golf Club
Harbor Pines is in the middle of a major renovation that includes a new pro shop, a new tavern with an outdoor deck overlooking the course’s signature water feature and gazebo, an updated clubhouse as well as changes to the main dining room and banquet facilities. And on Friday evenings, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Hidden Creek Golf Club
The big news at Hidden Creek is the opening of three new mansion-style homes on site. The Dormie House has two floors with 12 bedrooms while the Coore House and Crenshaw House also offer 12 bedrooms each. All the properties boast big screen TVs, fire places and dining areas while the Dormie House also features private workspaces and steam showers.
Stone Harbor Golf Club
Stone Harbor continues work on their five-year master plan with renovations to holes No. 5, 10 and 14. Complementing the course work, a new irrigation system has been designed and installation has begun. Around the clubhouse, an extensive halfway house has been constructed complete with a full-service bar, kitchen and outdoor dining area. Finally, a new patio has been added overlooking the 18th green.
The Shore Club
The Shore Club has installed four new pickleball courts and is nearing completion on a new bocce court to help add to the social atmosphere. Around the clubhouse, renovations to the men’s and women’s locker room bathrooms and shower rooms are almost finished. The club is also converting what were administrative offices into a private dining space where members can host parties up to 10-12 people. They also moved the golf bag storage area to the north side of the clubhouse and that space is becoming a new member lounge area with a business center. The Shore Club has also relocated its halfway house, rerouted the course to change the order of the holes and renovated the driving range area with new tees, turf and target greens.
Vineyard National at Renault
Close to $1 million has been invested in revitalizing the course here starting the reconstruction of bunkers, the return of tees and fairways to original size and the installation of cart path borders. Further enhancements include a new fleet of golf carts with new beverage carts also in the works, upgrading of restrooms throughout, a new menu, and the addition of a post-round tent with new seating.
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Published and copyrighted in South Jersey Magazine, Volume 19, Issue 11 (April2022)
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