Thunder Storms at Pine Hill Golf Club

Pine Hill Golf Club
500 West Branch Avenue, Pine Hill, New Jersey 08021
Yards: 6248, Par 70 (White Tees)
Course Architect: Tom Fazio
Built/Open: 2000
Website: www.golfpinehill.com
Score: 54 (46 out, 9 Holes)
Date: July 27, 2008

On a Sunday afternoon out with the boys, we played (tried) Pine Hill Golf Club this past weekend. Looking at the weather and flirting with thunder storm warnings in the area, we ventured out and attempted to sneak in a round of golf. While driving to the club, the sky was slightly cloudy with the sun peeking through every few minutes, no problem, we’ll get it in.

I shot a 54 on the front nine, driving up the ninth fairway, the ranger warned our foursome of a major thunder storm coming our way. Looking behind us, the sky was black, we rushed the last hole and headed for the club house. By the time I took my clubs to the car and heading back to the club house, it was raining. Within ten minutes, it was black out, thundering, lighting, heavy rain, the kind where you can not see 2 feet in front of you. As for my round, while playing the front nine, my driving was not very good, only hit one fairway and lost 4 balls (2 on hole 6). My putting was good since I like fast greens except on hole 9, which I four putted in a rush to get off the green before the rain started. Good thing was we got a rain check for the back nine, I will wait until fall to avoid the thunder storms.

From The Web Site: Set atop southern NJ's highest point, Pine Hill Golf Club will astound. World renowned golf course architect, Tom Fazio, designed a property that is both beautiful and challenging. With 18-holes boasting distinctly different characteristics, PHGC has received numerous national accolades and has rightfully taken its place among America's greatest courses. Built upon the site of a former ski resort, the 43,000 square foot clubhouse provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and Philadelphia city skyline.

Course Condition: The course was in excellent shape, tee boxes, fairways and greens. The greens were lighting fast, till the rain came. The rough was cut short so my wayward shots ran further into the woods. If you have never played Pine Hill, most of the sand traps have a 12”+/- border of fescue around them waiting to gobble up your ball or drop it right next to the lip of the trap, making your next shot almost impossible.
Facilities: As a former member, I love the club house, great architecture, nice outside deck/eating area, excellent members, staff and amenities. The bar is a little small, but the bar food and restaurant food is excellent. Since the course was built on a former ski ‘resort’, your view is unobstructed all the way to Philadelphia from the panoramic windows.

Shot of the Day: None, it was a really bad day!

Suggestions and Comments: Bring you’re A+ game! If you never get to play Pine Valley, this will be the closest test, so I have been told.
Golfnerdness: Played Pine Hill 8 times: 2 of 8 on finishing an entire round due to either weather or personal emergency. Walking back to the club house after the rain started, I mentioned to one of my playing partners, I’m 2 for 8 on finishing a round here, mostly due to rain. A fellow golfer heard me and said, “please call me next time you play, I’ll stay home”. Greens Fee Note: Paid $90, got a rain check for $55, not a bad deal!

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