Blue Heron Pines GC
Cologne, NJ
West: 1993, Stephen Kay (Scotland Run)
From PHILA:
AC EXPRESSWAY
EXIT 12
LEFT off ramp,
Rt. 575
2 mi. To 1st light
LEFT @ light onto 565 NORTH
1 mi. To course on left across from Lennox China
Ranked #34, Top 50 U.S. Public Courses by Golf World 2010
Fat Guy Comments: Everything I've heard about the West links was very positive, and architect Stephen Kay is one of my favorites. The former East Course closed down in the mid-Ott's when the economy tanked.
Per T&L Golf, the West course has held it's own since starting the South Jersey daily fee boom in '93. Well-groomed and large greens. A few design nods to Pine Valley on the back 9 require a special type of ball, "made of brass". 3.5/5 stars.
Per Golf Magazine, the West is carved out of pines and hardwoods, a classically styled parkland spread marked by clever par-4's. The straightforward front 9 is repised by a tougher back, highlighted by the par-5 14th, its gaping fairway hazard inspired by "Hell's Half Acre" at Pine Valley. The facility hosted the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship in July '03.
Where To Grub Nearby: Per T&L Golf, check out the Ram's Head Inn (9 W Whitehorse Pike, Gallaway Township, $$). Serving contemporary American fare, new age dishes such as marinated Saki tuna with wasabi, pickled ginger, and mint cilantro olive oil mingle with traditional favorites like chicken potpie with dumplings. Jacket required at dinner.
Where To Booze & Grub, A.C.: See Fat Guy's Atlantic City NJ Golf Weekend