A Round with Donald Ross @ Seaview Resort and Spa – Bay Course

Seaview Resort and Spa – Bay Course

401 South New York Road, Galloway, New Jersey 08205
Yards: 6,011, Par 71 (White Tees)
Website: www.seaviewmarriott.com
Score: 93 (48 out, 45 in)
Date: December 23, 2007

Over the holiday ‘break’, my father-in-law and I played Seaview Resort and Spa, the Bay Course, a public access, Donald Ross designed links course which opened in 1914. This course is relatively flat, the greens were fast (even in the rain) and well guarded, thick rough and tight fairways, creating a mind melting round in the rain and wind which blows off the bay.

I shot a 93 in the windy and rainy conditions, which I was very happy with. The course was in great shape considering the time of year and the wintery weather conditions (only a few minor areas of ponding). The tee boxes were nice and green (missing the tee indicators), the fairways had no divots and the saturated greens were still fast, even as it rained.

From the web site: Since 1914 golf has been the heart and soul of Seaview Resort & Spa—and it always will be. For it is almost a century ago when Philadelphia utilities magnate Clarence Geist couldn’t get a tee-time at his home club and decided to build a world-class course of his own on some newly bought South Jersey property. The now-famous Bay Course opened shortly thereafter, created by Donald Ross, one of the all-time preeminent golf course architects. Rich in tradition and recently restored to Ross’ original plan, this links-style marvel has withstood the test of time, continuing to challenge both amateur and professional golfers alike.

The Bay Course and Seaview Resort is a great facility and easy to get to. Definitely a must play when visiting the Atlantic City area. The only complaint I have is the rude on-course employees. The kid who got our golf cart was very rude and seemed bothered since he had to get a little wet, maybe he started to melt later. Cart paths only, no problem I completely understand, it was raining. A course ranger in a truck, yes a truck, stopped and got out and was standing in the middle of the cart path. We slowed down and pulled over on the grass to speak with him. He starts talking with an attitude, ‘your not on the cart path, it is cart path only today.’ Our response was, ‘your standing in the middle of the cart path, shall we run you over?’ His smart ass response was ‘Yes!, stay off the grass.’

Asshole, get out of the way next time!

After the round, we had lunch at McGettigan's 19th Hole, which is across the street from the 1st tee and 18th green of the Bay Course. Cold beer, great burgers and food, and lots of large flat screen TV’s. A great spot to end the round or stop in for a drink.