Move over Myrtle Beach and Florida, there is a new Golf Mecca packed with fun for the entire family: shopping, fishing, casinos and of “course” great golf! Myrtle Beach and Florida Ain’t Got Nothing on Atlantic City.
Atlantic City Country Club
The Head Golf Professional at Atlantic City Country Club, Francis Mulholland, summed it up best. I caught up with Francis as he prepared for the shotgun start for The Ellison School Annual Golf Tournament. Asked what you would say to weekend warriors and golf enthusiast that travel South to play the in Myrtle Beach and Florida, he very confidently–and with matter of fact authority stated, referring to Atlantic City, “Its home of great courses and its history. It’s a No Brainer”.
The two words that every golfer, pro or beginner, longs to hear when he finishes his or her labor on a particular hole: “Birdie or Eagle”.
Yes Atlantic City Country Club is the home of both words, which, when adorned on your scorecard proves your golf acumen. The course also welcomes you with its Classic Bell. In the early days, this brass plated bell was chimed to signaled that the last trolley heading back to the city was about to depart. Those who missed it, well they were on their own to find their way back.
This well maintained course features 6,539 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70 . The course rating is 72.0 and it has a slope rating of 128. It has both a treasured history and the challenge that should delight every golfer who has the opportunity to play this once private course.
The Stockton Seaview Golf Club
The Stockton Seaview is is 6,300 yards. Brian Rashley, PGA, Director of Golf for the Stockton Seaview Hotel and Resort proudly speaks of the Shoprite LPGA which is played at Seaview.
“We have the ability to accommodate everyone”. He boasts about the Turtle Cove putting course they created which accommodates the young and the non-golfer.
Hole #1 sets the stage for your journey and remarkable golf experience. On my visit this day in October, it was a breezy 55 degrees and the course was packed with two shotgun outings. Quite impressive.
As I stepped up to the Tee and was determining how to manage the wind swirling from Reed Bay, I looked up and hovering over me was a majestic resident eagle, or hawk. The soaring bird allowed the wind to gently manipulate its flight, which showed me the way.
The Bay course is hosted by Reed Bay and accompany’s you through most of the layout, which offers PGA challenge and bragging rights if you can manage some birdies and eagles on hole 2 and 14.
Inviting Fairway’s–and their daunting pine tree partners, require focused and precise skill. However, Mother Nature was kind to me on hole 17 (pictured above).
Twisted Dune Golf Club
If you have never played a course in Nevada or Texas don’t worry, Twisted Dune Golf Club, 7,200 yards , will satisfy your curiosity and needs. The course features four par 5’s at over 500 yards, ten par 4’s, and four par 3’s. Designer Archie Struthers brought in 2 million cubic yards of earth, I say Bravo! This well-manicured, some might say carpet-fresh delight of a course spares no imagination.
As you meandered through the sand dunes, it is such a delight. Twisted Dune is everything the aspiring Amateur or Pro Golfer needs to prove their true skills. The course, which opens with a “I can do this par 4, 346 yards, carries you from there to water, hills, sand dunes and precious well thought out fairways that will capture your heart.
To sum it up, I found this course challenging yet playable enough for A, B or C players. Of course if you are a B or C player be sure to bring a few extra sleeves of balls.
Now, if you can manage to tear yourself away from the temptation of playing another 18 holes (if you can get back out onto this heavily booked course), stop by the club house restaurant. Order the Tuna Club or Philly Steak–O.M.G. it’s to die for! The cook is so familiar, you feel as though you are at home, he loves to cook and loves his job.
McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links
One of Atlantic City’s finer municipal courses is the McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links. This 245-acre elevated site presents a Cup type Challenge. Blind shots–blind shots into the sun, hilltop t-shots, and a 3 acre sand trap will test your skills and drive beginning golfers to think about another hobby sport. The 18-hole, 6,600 yard, par 71 layout is challenging.
If you have the opportunity to meet Bob, one of the course rangers, it will be an advantageous encounter. His knowledge of the course and his golf acumen is a perfect match for this links-style course. Each hole pleasantly represents many famed European holes, Hole 7 is designed by Alistat Mackenzie. Wow!!!
(left: Hole #7)
Hole 15: The Royal Dornoch. No. 5: Scotland. Each hole thorughout McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links is a true representation and tribute to many of the famed holes in Europe.
ACTIVITIES:
Champions of the Atlantic City
Your first night, second night, or last night while visiting Atlantic City must be spent at the Irish Pub.
Cathy Burke the owner is a treasure and “Darling of Atlantic City”. One could believe she birthed the place.
The Irish Pub Museum, as I like to call it, boasts so much original memorabilia, if you leave Atlantic City before spending some time with her you will have missed 50% of the value of your trip.
While there, I sat in the highly coveted booth that was Joe DiMaggio’s favorite spot whenever he dined at the Pub.
Room 100
Situated just above the historic Pub, was DiMaggio’s place of choice to bed down for the night when he was in Atlantic City. This 24/7 day-a-week gold mine is adorned with a ceiling plastered full of old Daily News newspapers. It is a must read. And, as tempted as I am to share the stories, I do not want to spoil the magic of your moment when you read them.
Beer connoisseur’s, will be in absolute heaven!
On tap at the Pub is a wide variety of domestic and imported beers. This 75-year old institution is a must stop for area visitors!!! Be Ready!!! Mike Charlton, managing partner of golfac.com, I believe said it best, “Atlantic City is the most underrated destination; yes we have Casino’s, but we also have fishing, golf, shopping, boating and oceanfront shows. The popular Tanger Outlets greet you as you exit the Atlantic City Expressway and enter the city”.
An obvious enthusiastic cheerleaders for Atlantic City, Mike makes it clear that this destination will be “bouncing back BIG” because of its trending positive horizon. Public safety, economic stability, job creation and family-style entertainment, he feels, guarantee a New Atlantic City that will be the envy of both Myrtle Beach and Las Vegas.
In my dinner discussion with Karen Martin, Manager, and Media Relations for the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, she is also very optimistic—but not as bullish as Mike, about the come-back of this East Coast destination. Martin, extols the family fun that awaits vacationers, weekend warriors or travelers looking for a short great escape. “We are nearly 1/3 of the country’s population and easily accessible for all those who want a relaxing, exciting or family getaway”. There is no want for fine dining, international cuisine or American delights. Angelo’s, Docks, Gallagher’s steak house are awaiting pallets, with reasonable prices that will not bust your wallet irrespective of the results of your casino visits.”
I must take a writer’s privilege here and say, I have played some of the best courses in this country and around the world. However, after my visit to Atlantic City I can honestly say, ‘move over guys there is a new Golf King to be crowned’ and it’s Atlantic City. “It’s a no Brainer”.
Author: Malcolm A. Smith is an avid golfer who resides in Queens, N.Y., who has traveled and played some of the most challenging courses in the United States and abroad, including China, India and the Caribbean Islands. He can be contacted by email.
