Galloway National Golf Club

Galloway National Golf Club
270 South New York Road
Galloway, New Jersey 08205
Yards: 6274, Par 71 (Blue Tees)
Course Architect: Tom Fazio
Website: http://www.gallowaynationalgolf.com/
Score: 108 (55 out, 53 in)
Date: October 8, 2008

Three of my golfing buddies and I had the privilege of playing the ultra-private, 74th ranked golf course in America: Galloway National Golf Club. This course has some natural elevations changes, a few holes with forced carries, super fast greens, bunkers guarding the greens on numerous holes, trees, water, bugs, and meadows ready to wreak havoc on wayward shots on every hole. This is by far the hardest course I have ever played.

I have played this course about 6 times in the past, and the course still amazes me every time I play there, I love playing this course. On a beautiful sunny day, I shot a round of 108 (4 lost balls), best round yet since my goal of the day was to break 110, which is a few strokes lower than my previous rounds played here. I wasn’t hitting the ball fairly straight off the tee which makes this long course, even longer and more difficult. My chipping was pretty good this day, I was getting the ball to stick to the slick greens since I hit the ball real high on all my shots. My putting was pretty good since I like fast greens, on a few holes my playing partners putting off the green a few times on the same hole.

After the front nine, we stopped in the club house for a drink and late lunch. The club house is modern and sleek with lots of picturesque views, the employees could not be more helpful, the food was excellent, the drinks were cold, and the views of the course and Atlantic City skyline are unforgettable!

FROM THE WEB SITE: Galloway National Golf Club is a private, world-class, 18-hole championship golf course designed for the serious golfer. World renowned architect Tom Fazio, meticulously crafted Galloway National’s 6900 yards out of a 200 acre tract of heavily wooded, gently sloping bayside property. “Galloway is one of my best ever,” said Fazio. It is a dramatic and fair golf course designed to bring joy to the serious golfer. Natural contour changes, pine forest, sand and water are the “tools.” Tees with breathtaking views, inviting fairways, challenging hazards, and beautifully situated greens are your reward.

The inspiration behind Galloway National Golf Club originated with a group of dedicated golfers who share a deep sense of commitment to the game. Management of the Club is being approached in the same way. Our facilities rival the finest in the world and are designed to enhance not detract from your unique golf experience. Our members enjoy an elegant, yet understated ambiance of quiet comfort. Golf Digest recently named Galloway one of America’s best private golf clubs.

COURSE CONDITION: The course was in excellent shape, as usual. No divots in the tee boxes or fairways, no pitch marks on the greens, and the greens were rolling super-super fast, like putting on glass.

FACILITIES: Galloway National Golf Club provides top notch practice facilities, pro shop, fore-caddies, locker room and restaurant.

SHOT OF THE DAY: Nothing real exciting, hit two of the long par three greens with my rescue wood.

SUGGESTIONS AND COMMENTS: If you get a chance to play this South Jersey gem, do not pass on this course! Bring you’re A+ game and extra balls, anything less – hang on and try to enjoy the ride and count on a good old fashion beating. There are refreshment stations between every few holes filled with free refreshments and snacks, very nice touch!

GOLFNERDNESS: I participated in the Stark and Stark golf outing a few weeks back, one of the golfers in our foursome has played everywhere, Pine Valley, Merion East, etc… real good golfer. I told him I was playing Galloway in a few weeks, his response was, and I quote, ‘I f%&@ing hate that place, way to hard, and the club house is ugly’. That is some funny stuff, not the response I expected.

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Trenton Country Club – Stark and Stark Golf Outing

Trenton Country Club
201 Sullivan Way, West Trenton, New Jersey 08628
Yards: 6127, Par 71 (White Tees)
Course Architect:
Built/Open: 1897
Website: www.trentoncc.com
Score: Golf Outing (Team -1)
Date: September 22, 2008

I participated in the Stark and Stark golf outing at Trenton Country Club this past Monday. On a warm, sunny day, our foursome shot a 1 under, we missed a lot of birdie putts. Our foursome birdied the first hole, bogeyed the second hole, birdied the third hole and pared out the rest of the holes. It was a great day out on the links, was introduced to three nice guys and good golfers, and got the opportunity to play an old historic private course.

The course was fairly tight, tree lined fairways with well protected greens. One of our players was a member at the club which was a huge help and we should have taken advantage of his knowledge of the course. Jeff has been playing TCC since he was 7, so he gave us all the reads on the greens and course management suggestions. With all his knowledge of ‘his’ course, we should have performed better.

FROM THE WEB SITE: Trenton Country Club's golf course, distinguished by its challenging fairways, fast greens and scenic locations, was designed in the late 19th century. We recently completed an extensive restoration project to retain its unique character and style. The configuration of our eighteen-hole course continues to challenge even the lowest handicap golfer, yet affords the intermediate or novice player with opportunities to succeed.

COURSE CONDITION: The course was in great shape, the tee boxes and fairways were void of any club marks and the greens were lighting fast. The rough was cut a little high, a few of our wayward shots were a little hard to find. Through 18 holes, we missed the fairway or first cut only once and didn’t have to hit out of any of the sand bunkers, and there was enough of them.

FACILITIES: Arriving just before tee time, I didn’t get to see the main club house. I did make it to the fully stocked pro shop which sits adjacent to the practice area and across the parking lot from the main club house. The club offers the following additional facilities: tennis courts, fitness center, and three spectacular swimming pools.

SHOT OF THE DAY: Hole No. 10, 160 yards, Par 3, Closest to the Pin Hole: Hit my 26 degree rescue wood, nice super high fade from left to right landing on the green which was protected by bunkers in the front, right and left sides. The ball landed about two feet left of the flag and rolled to a stop 21’-6” right of the hole. Checking the list, the closest was 22’-6”, I was not going to measure the distance but the member said we should check it anyway, beat it by a foot. I was thinking in my head, three quarters of the golfers have already come through and 21’-6” is the best, that would indicate a really tough hole or really bad golfers. Anyway, we finished the round and I had to leave, skipping the after party. I got an e-mail the following day from Jeff, the member, my 21’-6” held up, my first closest to the pin! Brad, another one of our playing partners won closest to the pin on Hole No. 5, 184 Yards, Par 3.

SUGGESTIONS AND COMMENTS: Great course, I hope to get back there and play a regular round of golf and check out the main club house.

GOLFNERDNESS: We played an elimination scramble format, very odd. Each player tees off, you pick the best drive for your next shot, but the player whose shot you’re playing does not get to hit the next shot. This system is in play until you hole out. It really makes you think about everyone’s strengths and weaknesses, shot selection, etc…

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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.

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A Great Day at Scotland Run Golf Club

Scotland Run Golf Club
Route 322 and Fries Mill Road, Williamstown, New Jersey 08094
Yards: 6138, Par 71 (White Tees)
Course Architect: Stephen Kay
Built/Open: 1999
Website: www.scotlandrun.com

Course Information provided by Ryan of PA
Score: 107 (56 out, 51 In)
Date: July 30, 2008

I arrived at the course around 7:30 for 8:10 tee time only to discover that I was entered in the system for the previous Wednesday at 8:10, not sure how that happened since I made the tee time at 12:30 p.m. last wed afternoon. Ok, so they fit us in at 7:50. Great, nothing like having to rush to the first tee box, thankfully not more than a foursome or two were waiting to begin their round shortly behind us.

Once the round began, it was a tale of two cities, the front nine was a mess between not getting off the tee box consistently and finding every bunker on the course to avoiding the constant (and I mean constant) flow of tracking from the on-course staff. I swear there was more traffic on the front nine then the Schuylkill Expressway on the ride into Jersey. The place is well staffed to maintain the beautiful grounds, but come on, for a midweek round of $95 (myself and my fellow golfer each paid $57.50 due to having the tee time golf pass). The on-course maintenance was nothing like you would expect, mowers, pesticide applications, etc.... you name it, it was going on. Nonetheless, I crankily ended the front 9 with a 56.

Second nine was much different, I began to get the ball off the tee and although the short game was tough throughout due to the layout of the links style course, it was much more enjoyable. Additionally, we were treated with the first and only appearance of a beverage cart on the 16th. The 9th hole, par 3 has one of the best views you can imagine with the clubhouse just off to the right. And although the 18th hole is ranked as the 5th most difficult on the course, I can't imagine a tougher hole. 500 + yards from the tee with a dramatic slope to the right, to make things worse along the entire fairway is a lake just waiting to swallow your ball one last time. It is a par 5 with a difficult elevated green and from my eyes it is by far the most difficult hole on the course.

Finally, we both went inside the pub for lunch and enjoyed a very good cheeseburgers along with a beer. The frosted mug was nice and the price was reasonable for the meal.

Overall, the staff wasn't the friendliest and the price of the round was steep, but the course itself outweighs all the negatives and leaves you with an enjoyable experience.

Thanks for the golf info Ryan!

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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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Rancocas Golf Club - ASCE Golf Outing

Rancocas Golf Club
12 Club Ridge Lane, Willingboro, New Jersey 08046
Yards: 6144, Par 71 (Black [Middle] Tees)
Course Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Built/Open: 1966
Website: www.rancocas.americangolf.com
Score: Golf Outing (Team -3)
Date: July 11, 2008

I participated in a golf outing at Rancocas Golf Club. On a stifling, hot sunny day, our foursome shot a 3 under, even though one of our players was the worse ‘golfer’ I have ever seen. We played par or under on every hole, no bogeys. It was a nice day out on the links just a tough way to play golf.

From The Web Site: Experience this Robert Trent Jones Sr. Masterpiece. Named after a local American Indian tribe, this Robert Trent Jones Sr. design strives to maintain its natural surroundings. With meticulously manicured fairways and fast, smooth greens, it's easy to see how this 18 hole facility ranks as one of the top public courses in South Jersey.

The front nine is will bunkered and requires accuracy and discipline off of the tee. The back nine features rolling hills and tight tree lined fairways. No matter what level of golf you play, you won't want to miss the chance to experience this classic layout.

Course Condition: The course was in good shape, the tee boxes, fairways and greens were in good shape. The rough areas were regular, not maintained grass like someone would have in their backyard, nothing special. This could be a really nice course with a little care, but currently very average.

Shot Of The Day: Our foursome had a few long drives and a few long putts.

Suggestions And Comments: I will not be running back here to play, for free it was great. To pay for the round, I would have been a little disappointed. The houses around the course are run down and are an eye sore to the club. The ranger was on our ass about riding on the rough and fairways. If they didn’t want carts on the course, make it cart path only. He was getting a little ridiculous with his repeated requests, we were warned about 5 to 6 times. Then after the round, we finished on the 6th hole, driving back to the club house, there is a guy on the putting green in a wife beater tee shirt. I can’t ride on the grass where I was told I could take the cart, but this dope can play golf at a facility in a wife beater shirt. They need to get their act together.

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Buggy Round at Atlantic City Country Club

Atlantic City Country Club
One Leo Fraser Drive, Northfield, New Jersey 08225
Yards: 6175, Par 70 (Middle Tees)
Course Architect: John Reid, Willie Park, Jr.
Built/Open: 1897
Website: www.accountryclub.com
Score: 90 (46 out, 44 in)
Date: June 29, 2008

On a rare day out with the boys, we played Atlantic City Country Club this past weekend. Looking at the sun and white clouds while driving down to the club, I was thinking, what a prefect day for golf. Upon arriving at the club, I opened the door to my truck and was attacked. I totally forgot it was greenhead season at the shore, within seconds of opening the door, my truck had about 15 of them flying around within my truck. I quickly got my stuff and retreated to the club house. (If you have never heard of a greenhead, also known as: salt marsh greenhead fly, it is a large fly about an inch long, green in color, is an abundant and bothersome summertime [June to September] pest along coastal marshes. If there are enough of them, they will pick you up and fly away with you. Because the females bite during daylight, and because they occur in large numbers, have a long flight range, and attack persistently seeking a blood meal, they interfere with the enjoyment of coastal areas throughout much of the summer). Once our foursome was in the club house, we set out for the driving range covered in deet spray. I have to say, the greenheads were constant throughout the round but were not as bothersome as we expected.

I shot a round of 90 on a sunny, slightly cloudy and occasional strong wind off the bay day. My driving has been getting better with my new grip, I hit 6 fairways and didn’t slice any out of bounds and only lost two balls. One lost ball was picked clean out of a sand trap and disappeared into the marsh and the other was a 174 yard par three, wind directly in our face, just could not carry the marsh area, my buddy didn’t reach the green with a three wood due to the wind. My second / approach shots were bringing down my game this week, hitting the ball short or in the sand bunks protecting the greens. My putting was real good since the greens were slick and fast, just what I like since I usually putt the ball short of the hole. I only 3 putted twice and one putted 7 times. My sand play was looking good, other than the one I hit OB, I had 3 sand saves, and the nice fluffy traps helped my sand play today.

From The Web Site: As one of America’s oldest and most prestigious golf clubs, Atlantic City Country Club has been home to many firsts, including being the "Birth place of the Birdie." The Course has a tradition of fast a firm greens with uncompromising playing conditions and its bayside setting is reminiscent of the historic links in Scotland and Ireland.

Since our founding in 1897, the Atlantic City Country Club has been at the forefront of the sport, both nationally and internationally. The prestigious and historic Atlantic City Country Club proudly carries the distinctions of "The Birthplace of the Birdie," as well as being the site where the term “Eagle” was coined.

Six USGA Major Championships have been played at this legendary course. Walter Travis won the 1901 USGA Amateur Championship, after taking up golf late in life at the age of 35. In 1911, our Club Professional, Johnny J. McDermott, became the first American to win the USGA Open Championship, at the young age of 19! Babe Didrikson Zaharias won the first of three USGA Women’s Open Championships at the Club in 1948. The $7,500 purse was put up by fifty-five Atlantic City businessmen and fans paid $2.50 to see the final round on Sunday. Don January captured the inaugural PGA Senior Tour event played at ACCC in 1980.

Many other legendary names have played our course, including Sammy Snead and Howard Everitt. Bob Hope was an Atlantic City Country Club regular, first becoming acquainted with the Club when he worked on the vaudeville circuit. Arnold Palmer played our course from 1951- 1952 when he was a relatively unknown Coast Guard enlisted man.

Ringing in Tradition: The Atlantic City Country Club Bell was originally used in the early 1900’s to remind golfers that the last trolley was about to leave for Atlantic City. Today, we once again ring the bell at the end of each day and invite you to “Play a Round With History!”

Course Condition: The course was in excellent shape, everything, tee boxes, fairways and greens. The rough areas were cut to a fair height, penalizing but not impossible to hit out of. The fescue was tall and only in areas were you should not be in anyway. The sand traps were fluffy and easy to hit out of.

Shot Of The Day: Par three 17th, 150 yards. I took out my 26 deg. rescue club trying to cut the ball through the wind coming off the bay, left to right. Hit the ball real high and the wind took the ball way off course, pushing the ball way right landing to the right of the cart path and left of a back yard of a house on the course. Standing at my ball looking at where the pin is, I am about 30 feet above the surface of the green with a hill of junk in front of me also. Ok, over the junk, onto the green, hope it sticks. I take my nine iron, open it up, aim somewhere left of where I think the pin is, and swing away. I hit it clean and run around the junk and start hearing my buddy yelling from the other side of the green. I must have either hit him or came close, turning the corner he was pointing to the pin, my ball was sitting 18 inches from the hole, tap in for par.

Suggestions And Comments: If playing in the summer, wear light colored long pants and long sleeve shirt, bring bug spray with deet, or a flame thrower. Reserve sometime after the round and walk through the club house, it is a museum! And stop by the bar and have one of their crab cakes, the best on the east coast!



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Win a free round of golf at Atlantic City Country Club

Atlantic City Country Club is donating free rounds of golf, enter to win, see below!

The next drawing will be September 15th! Tell your friends and golfing buddies, sign up now for your chance to win!!!

Link: http://www.twooverpar.com/index_files/Win_a_Round_with_History.htm

Some ACCC History

Since our founding in 1897, the Atlantic City Country Club has been at the forefront of the sport, both nationally and internationally. The prestigious and historic Atlantic City Country Club proudly carries the distinctions of "The Birthplace of the Birdie," as well as being the site where the term Eagle was coined.

Six USGA Major Championships have been played at this legendary course. Walter Travis won the 1901 USGA Amateur Championship, after taking up golf late in life at the age of 35. In 1911, our Club Professional, Johnny J. McDermott, became the first American to win the USGA Open Championship, at the young age of 19! Babe Didrikson Zaharias won the first of three USGA Women’s Open Championships at the Club in 1948. The $7,500 purse was put up by fifty-five Atlantic City businessmen and fans paid $2.50 to see the final round on Sunday. Don January captured the inaugural PGA Senior Tour event played at ACCC in 1980.

Many other legendary names have played our course, including Sammy Snead and Howard Everitt. Bob Hope was an Atlantic City Country Club regular, first becoming acquainted with the Club when he worked on the vaudeville circuit. Arnold Palmer played our course from 1951- 1952 when he was a relatively unknown Coast Guard enlisted man.

Ringing in Tradition: The Atlantic City Country Club Bell was originally used in the early 1900s to remind golfers that the last trolley was about to leave for Atlantic City. Today, we once again ring the bell at the end of each day and invite you to Play a Round With History!

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Pennsauken Country Club Golf Outing

Pennsauken County Club (formally Iron Rock Golf Club)
3800 Haddonfield Road, Pennsauken, New Jersey 08109
Yards: 5918, Par 70 (White Tees)
Course Architect: Unknown
Built: 1932
Website: www.pennsaukengolf.com
Score: Golf Outing (Scramble)
Date: June 25, 2008

I participated in a golf outing at Pennsauken Country Club for the Camden Schools Foundation. On a beautiful sunny day, our foursome shot a 6 under, which we thought was respectable, even through the winning score would be around 10 to 11 under. We had at least one drive in the fairway on almost every hole, only scrambling a few times after our drives or second shots. Our approach shots into the greens were on target and our putting could have been a little better, but we made some good long birdie putts. Except the one bogey on the first hole, we played par or under on every hole. It was a great day and a great golf outing for the Camden School Foundation.

From the web site: ‘The golf course at Pennsauken Country Club is characterized by its consistently excellent course conditions as well as its ease of play. The flat and fairly straight layout offers great opportunity for medium to high handicappers to make par. Of course this means low handicappers have the chance to really show their stuff and even set a personal record.’

The course was in great shape, which is saying a lot considering it is a municipal course and gets tons of play. The tee boxes were in good shape, the fairways were in fantastic shape with long second cut which was waiting to gobble up your errant shots, and the greens were in great shape and rolling a little slow which held a few chip shots a little short of the hole.

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Galloway National Golf Club

Galloway National Golf Club
270 South New York Road
Galloway, New Jersey 08205
Yards: 6274, Par 71 (Blue Tees)
Course Architect: Tom Fazio
Website: www.gallowaynationalgolf.com
Score: 112 (57 out, 55 in)
Date: June 5, 2008

I had the privilege of playing the ultra-private, 74th ranked course in America: Galloway National Golf Club. This course has some natural elevations changes, a few holes with forced carries, super fast greens, bunkers guarding the greens on numerous holes and trees, water and meadows ready to wreak havoc on wayward shots on every hole.

I have played this course about 5 times in the past, and the course still amazes me every time I get to play there. Shot a round of 112 on a beautiful sunny day which is within a few strokes of my previous rounds played here. I wasn’t hitting the ball fairly straight off the tee which makes this long course even longer, chipping was average since the greens were so fast, I couldn’t get the ball to stick on the green, putting was pretty good since I like fast greens.

From the web site: Galloway National Golf Club is a private, world-class, 18-hole championship golf course designed for the serious golfer. World renowned architect Tom Fazio, meticulously crafted Galloway National’s 6900 yards out of a 200 acre tract of heavily wooded, gently sloping bayside property. “Galloway is one of my best ever,” said Fazio. It is a dramatic and fair golf course designed to bring joy to the serious golfer. Natural contour changes, pine forest, sand and water are the “tools.” Tees with breathtaking views, inviting fairways, challenging hazards, and beautifully situated greens are your reward.

The inspiration behind Galloway National Golf Club originated with a group of dedicated golfers who share a deep sense of commitment to the game. Management of the Club is being approached in the same way. Our facilities rival the finest in the world and are designed to enhance not detract from your unique golf experience. Our members enjoy an elegant, yet understated ambiance of quiet comfort. Golf Digest recently named Galloway one of America’s best private golf clubs.

The course was in excellent shape, even a day after a horrible rain fall dumping inches of rain in the South Jersey area, no divots in the tee boxes or fairways, no pitch marks on the greens, and the greens were rolling super-super fast.

After the round (beating), we stopped in the club house for a drink and late lunch. The club house is modern and sleek with lots of picturesque views, the employees could not be more helpful, the food was excellent, the drinks were cool, the views of the course and Atlantic City skyline are unforgettable!

If you get a chance to play this South Jersey gem, do not pass on this course! We played with two – foursomes and we didn’t see any other golfers the entire round, it felt like we had the entire course all to our selves. The refreshment stations between every few holes filled with free refreshments and snacks is a nice touch!

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Valleybrook Country Club

Valleybrook Country Club
200 Golfview Drive
Blackwood, New Jersey
Yards: 6008, Par 72 (Middle Tees)
Website: www.valleybrookgolf.com
Score: 93 (48 out, 45 in)
Date: March 21, 2008

Played Valleybrook Country Club over the extended weekend, a public access, woodland style course. This course is very hilly (for south Jersey), has a few blind tee shots, and super fast greens due to the weather, bunkers guarding the greens on numerous holes, trees line about half of the holes.

Shot a round of 93 in the bitter cold wind, but the long 5 1/2+ hour round was exhausting, play was really slow considering the course was not that busy. For a nice change, I was hitting the ball fairly straight off the tee, chipping and putting was average, not a bad day out for the first time this year without any previous practice. Another odd thing, they re-routed the holes, you now start on the old 10th hole, but they didn't change the score card or hole indicators, very confusing.

From the web site: Ron Jaworski’s Valleybrook Country Club is an 18-hole Semi-Private golf club located in beautiful Blackwood, New Jersey. The championship golf course presents challenges to any level of golfer. The slightly rolling hills with wetlands and mature tree lines offer scenic panoramic views. Golfers will find water coming into play nine times throughout the round, as well as, some great elevation changes.

Considering the windy conditions, the course was in good playable shape for now, this course gets a lot of play and usually is pretty beat up by the end of the summer. Overall, the tee boxes, fairways and greens were in average condition. Complaints: they need to spend some (ESPN) money on upgrades, the new cups for the greens is just not enough. The two warnings I have to players (anytime of the year), playing conditions will change as the season goes on and the pace of play is slow, always!

We stopped by Riley's Pub after the round, the lunch was good, service was pleasant and friendly, lots of TV’s, cold beer and a good variety on the menu. Also spoke to Ron 'Jaws' Jaworski (Owner) in the Pub in a few minutes, nice and friendly guy!