Shore Gate Golf Club – A Special Place in South Jersey

Shore Gate Golf Club – A Special Place in South Jersey
By Marian Castner


Anyone who had played golf in southern New Jersey will attest to the superior golf course found at Shore Gate Golf Club in Ocean View, Cape May County. Carved out of a pristine forest among the pine barrens, Shore Gate stands out as one of the “must plays” courses in our state.

Designed by Ron Fream and David Dale, whose work stretches from California to Asia, but is not found anywhere else on the East Coast, the course brings together a smooth blend of both bold and dramatic.

“This type of course is quite unusual for Cape May County, because it has quite a bit of natural changes in elevation,” says Harry Bittner, general manager and head golf professional. “It’s a unique combination of parkland and links-style golf course. There are seven lakes on the course, and the whole atmosphere here is pretty special,”

Bittner has been a part of the Shore Gate family almost from its inception, and a respected figure in south Jersey golf for more than 20 years. His leadership and expertise along with the support of the owners Doug and John Turner, have combined to make Shore Gate a remarkably well-run golf course.

“There’s only one home site and one back road visible on the golf course,” said Bittner. “It’s just an unspoiled golf experience.” One of the highlights of that experience is undoubtedly the long and difficult 9th hole, which Bittner calls “maybe the most dramatic hole in all of south Jersey.”

Shore Gate opened in 2002 to rave reviews and has maintained its first-rate standards ever since. It is the only golf course at the Jersey Shore to have been named to both Golf Digest and Golf Magazine’s lists of best new public golf courses in the United States.

It was recently ranked as New Jersey’s number four public golf course by Golf Digest in the magazine’s biennial Best in State rankings for 2009-2010.

The golf course is a true test for any skill level. Often referred to as a “thinking man’s golf course,” it features forced carries, pinpoint accuracy, length and, of course, the numerous water hazards. If that isn’t enough, there are undulating fairways, large waste areas, plenty of fescue and dramatic bunkering. You will likely use most of the clubs in your bag when you play the course.

“This course poses a challenge for even the most skilled players,” says architect Ron Fream, “However, if played from the right set of tees, Shore Gate is very playable for golfers of all levels.”

With tees ranging from 5,284 yards to 7,227 from the tips, there are options to suit any level golfer.

One feature that makes the course even more attractive is that with its southern shore location, play is open 12 months a year. Not only that, the course conditions are kept up during the winter – no temporary greens or tees -- making it an excellent and convenient choice for those seeking winter golf.

If Shore Gate is a big-time quality golf course, the vibe of the club is decidedly small and intimate. Some may even liken it to the “Cheers” of golf courses – a place where everyone knows your name, and you shouldn’t be surprised if you walk into the clubhouse and find the general manager behind the counter greeting you.

While Shore Gate is open to the public, there are a variety of membership opportunities available. Visit www.shoregateclub.com for more information about the club.

Shore Gate is a truly a special place and worth the trip no matter where in New Jersey or neighboring states you may reside.