Brigantine GL
Brigantine, NJ (just outside Atlantic City)
1927, Wayne Stiles & John Van Kleek (1991 redesign, Garrett Gill & George B. Williams)
Blue 6540, 71.3, 123, 72
White 6213, 69.5, 120, 72
Tee times 5 days in advance (pro shop says call a week before and they'll work with you)
'03 Fees, April-mid-May: $50-$75
July $65 weekday, $40 twliight after 13:00
Golfcourse.com Review: This links-style course was built alongside the Atlantic Ocean, so the wind can sometimes be a major factor. Water hazards come into play on 16 holes. The signature hole is #15, a 175-yard, par 3, requiring a tee shot over a lake to an undulating green. Garrett Gill and George B. Williams redesigned this course in the early 1990's.
Fat Guy Comments: Several things I've read say this is a great seaside links where the pros used to warm up for the British Open back in the 1930's. Tidal inlets come into play on 14 holes. GPS on carts. Golfcourse.com player reviews said sand flies, mosquitos, and other bugs are bad, so wear pants and bring the Off!!
Per my buddy Sullivan, this place has some great lore including stories of Hagen playing here. However, the lore is somewhat detracted by the 1960's tract housing surrounding the course, and 6 hour rounds are typical on weekends. Not bad for a weekday round.
Per Steve B., housing may look kinda unsightly but it doesn't come into play. Bugs are only bad if there's a land breeze, although he knows guys who will only play here in pants. Great links layout, usually in good shape, and wind is a major factor in club and shot selection.
Per Mike R., great true links course, not long but tough with the wind up, strategy off the tee is key, he plays it semi-often and bugs are bad enough to warrant wind pants just about any time. Great value at the $25 Super Twilight rate.
Per Kevin V., the best time to play Brigantine is in October, after the throngs of vacationers have left and all the greenhead flies have died off for the winter.
From their website:
BRIGANTINE GOLF LINKS CELEBRATES 70 YEARS OF OPERATION
Built in 1927 by the Island Development Company/VanKleek
and Stiles Course Architects
Legend has it the "Old Pros" from the 1920's warmed up at what was then known as the Brigantine Country Club before setting sail for the British Open. It's not surprising with the authentic "Links" layout and prevailing sea breezes that are part of Brigantine's character.
This 18 hole championship golf course was part of the concept for the development of the barrier Island of Brigantine just north of Atlantic City, NJ. The Island Development Corporation which consisted of businessmen from Philadelphia and New York City planned the golf course and community around it so well, that they named the city streets in the golf course section after golf celebrities of the era. These include, Bobby Jones, Sarzen, Ouimet, Vardon and Hagen Roads, Mac Donald and McDermott Place, Fownes and Ray Aves. to name just a few. The course honors this history in the naming of the nines as Hagen and Vardon, two of the greatest professionals of the time.
The golf course was designed by two partners, John VanKleek and Stephen Stiles who were popular course Architects in New York and New Jersey during the 1920's often working with planned communities and municipalities. The City of New York hired them to construct four city courses, Pelham/Split Rock, Clearview and Dyker Beach as well as two on Staten Island, Silver Lake and South Shore. These courses are still in operation today under the Management of American Golf Corporation which also manages Brigantine Golf Links. Closer to home, VanKleek and Stiles were the course architects for Wildwood Country Club, a private country club located in Cape May County, NJ.
When designing the Brigantine Country Club, the natural flat and treeless topography lent itself well to an open links style course. These are the kinds of courses found in Great Britain and Ireland. The challenge for the golfer is in the mounding and water hazards found on fourteen of the eighteen holes. The greens are relatively small, where the bump and run shot is most effective for scoring well. The wind is always a factor at Brigantine, depending on which direction and how hard its blowing each round results in a new experience.
The history of the golf course over its seventy years has not always been favorable. There have been a multitude of owners, which resulted in the course often being in a state of transition and disrepair. In June 1989, American Golf purchased the property and began a five year, $2.5 million dollar renovation project [FAT GUY NOTE: By comparison, the USGA spent only $3 million to upgrade Bethpage Black for the U.S. Open]. This renovation included turf upgrades, new buildings and most importantly the restoration of the course to its original "Links" heritage as evidenced by the name change from Brigantine Country Club, which was private, to Brigantine Golf Links, which welcomes the public.
Best Bar Nearby: Check out the cool martinis, fine cuisine, excellent service, and unique ambiance (all on the beach) at Laguna Grill Martini Bar (1400 Ocean Ave, Brigantine Beach, 609-266-7731 x. 102, www.lagunagrill.com).
Where To Grub: Philadelphia Magazine recommends PT's Brigantine Bistro (3015 Brigantine Blvd, 609-266-7877, formerly Chic-e-licious) the takeout institution that changed the island's thinking about fried chicken. Choose from 8 chicken dipping sauces: Atomic, Hot & Mild Pepper, Sweet & Sour, Bourbon BBQ, and Honey Mustard. A new menu showcases 28 different wraps as well as specializing in Italian dishes like chicken picatta, parmigiana, or Florentine. OR, check out Aversa's Italian Bakery (3101 Atlantic Blvd). After 20 years of running the best Italian bakery in Turnersville, the Aversa family opened a new store in Brigantine. Check out the 8 varieties of stromboli, they're all fit for the gods. Also try the renowned Italian semolina bread, rolls, cakes, and cookies. Other Italian dishes include roasted peppers, baked ziti, eggplant parm, veal scalopini, lasagna, bruschetta, 7 types of pizza (best on the island), meatballs, and 8 kinds of pasta and sauce.
See Also: Fat Guy's Atlantic City NJ Golf Weekend