Dodging the Thunder at Linwood Country Club

Linwood Country Club
500 Shore Road, Linwood, New Jersey 08221
Yards: 6019, Par 70 (White Tees)
Course Architect: Herbert Bertram Strong
Built/Open: 1921
Website: www.linwoodcountryclub.com
Score: 104 (53 out, 51 In)
Date: August 11, 2008

On a rare Monday tee time playing Linwood Country Club as guests of a member, Linwood Country Club is a private country club just a few minutes outside of Atlantic and Ocean Cities. Dodging the thunderstorms and greenheads (See Buggy Round at Atlantic City Country Club), we got all 18 in while watching storm clouds come and go the entire round with no rain.

I shot a disappointing 104 on this shorter but very difficult course. The shorter length of the course was protected by hidden surprises that first time players of the course like ourselves would not be familiar with. A few holes had sand bunkers and small creeks which could not be seen from the tee boxes or fairways which snatched up what we thought were nice golf shots. As an example, on one hole I pushed my drive a little right in the second cut, took an 18 degree rescue wood and smoked it right down the middle of the fairway…. and into a small creek that ran across the fairway. As for my round, my driving was average, hit a few fairways and lost 2 balls. My short game was a little off, I tweaked my swing a little, for the better, but I need to get use to hitting it more left, so I was pulling most of my iron shots. My putting was good since I like fast greens except on hole 3, which I hit the green and was about 8’ from the hole and looking at a birdie putt, then three putted on the slick green.

From The Web Site: Linwood Country Club is a place where continuity means something. Where long time members are the mainstay and with new members adding more character, it quickly becomes home to everyone. Add a long time staff who knows everyone by their name, it is no wonder that Linwood has earned the reputation of being the "Cheers" of country clubs. The course offers challenges for low handicappers yet provides an enjoyable experience for the high handicapper when played from alternate tees. Realizing that everyone expects something different from their club, Linwood manages to meet and exceed all expectations. The common denominator that everyone gets is first rate service. Great golf, great food, great staff and great members...it just doesn't get any better than Linwood. Ask the members what they like best about Linwood and most will say the course, which is always well kept and offers breathtaking views of the meadows, the bay and of course the Atlantic City skyline.

Course Condition: The course was in excellent shape, tee boxes, fairways and greens. The greens were slick and lighting fast even after a heavy thunderstorm the night before. The rough was cut short and easy to get the ball out of. The course was in excellent condition and the views over the meadows and the Atlantic City skyline were fantastic.

Facilities: The driving range and pro shop was all I really had time to check out. The pro shop was a little smaller than I expected, but fully stocked.

Shot of the Day: Hole 3, Par 3, 160 Yards, hit the green on the fly and the ball stopped within 8’ of the hole, then three putted on the fast, slick greens. Shot of the day, Sort of!?

Suggestions and Comments: This is a shorter course, but there are a few ‘hidden’ hazards, look at a yardage book while playing or check out the course on http://maps.live.com prior to playing.

Golfnerdness: Cash? Do we take cash? Most golf facilities frown upon 5-somes, we had a 6-some playing behind us, its nice to be private. ‘Cheers’ has not been relevant for years.

For all your local golf information, check out www.twooverpar.com!