Private courses
Burlington Country Club, Mount Holly
Known for: The course, designed by Alexander Findlay, first opened in 1930, and was renovated in 2002 with an all new back nine and six new greens. Practice makes perfect: The club’s teaching program is one of only two Stack & Tilt Golf Academies in the country. What’s new: A top-of-the-line 3D golf swing and ball flight analysis radar system. (609) 267-1886, BurlingtonCCNJ.org
Laurel Creek Country Club, Mount Laurel
Known for: The links-style course was designed in 1988 by Arnold Palmer and also features amenities including tennis, aquatics and fitness facilities. What’s new: A new food and beverage manager is introducing events like chef tastings and Wine and Cheese Wednesdays. For the ladies: The club has added women’s tees for the first time. (856) 234-7663, LaurelCreek.org
Little Mill Country Club, Marlton (pictured)
Known for: The golf course is built on land with historical ties to both the Revolutionary and Civil wars. What’s new: Over the winter, crews reshaped several bunkers in their entirety and a bar renovation is planned for the spring. Reason to book a tee time: The variety that 27 holes brings. (856) 767-0559, LittleMill.com
Medford Lakes Country Club, Medford Lakes
Known for: The private club designed by the famed Alexander Findlay debuted in 1929. Old-school charm: Forget the need for carts here; you are encouraged to walk the course as the game intended. More than golf: Friday nights bring plenty of spirited live entertainment, kicking off this season on March 9. (609) 654-5108, MedfordLakesCC.net
Medford Village Country Club, Medford
Known for: Widely regarded as one of South Jersey’s most inclusive country clubs. What’s new: The club now offers new tennis and swim memberships for those not interested in golf and looking to take advantage of the $100,000 pool refurbishing, which includes a waterfall for the baby pool. Different look: The clubhouse, banquet room and restaurant have been redecorated since the end of last year. (609) 654-7541, MedfordVillage.com
Merchantville Country Club, Cherry Hill
Known for: Being one of the oldest golf clubs in the country, celebrating its 120th anniversary this year. What’s new: The club has waived initiation fees; rotating menus in the Grill Room and special events like cigar nights. (856) 662-7835, MerchantvilleCC.com
Moorestown Field Club, Moorestown
What’s new: The club just decreased their initiation fee, now half the annual dues, down from two times the annual dues. The bond can be paid over a period of three years with interest. Fresh look: A master improvement plan that has lasted seven years was recently completed and included expanding fairway areas around the greens and tree removal. (856) 235-1464, MoorestownFC.com
Old York Country Club, Chesterfield
Known for: The Gary Player-designed course was named Top 25 in the state by Golf Digest in both 2005 and 2006. What’s new: The club opens 2012 as a member of the Talamore Family of Clubs, allowing members full privileges at sister courses in Ambler and Downingtown, Pa., as well as the Talamore Golf Resort in Pinehurst, N.C. Under construction: Keep an eye out for a new mixed grill and adjacent patio area. (609) 298-3322, OldYorkCC.com
Riverton Country Club, Cinnaminson
What’s new: The club returns to its 1900 roots this season now that the greens have been expanded and returned to their original dimensions. Away from the course, a clubhouse renovation has taken place. Event watch: The best players in the Women’s Golf Association of Philadelphia will compete in the WGAP Championship here July 16-20. More than golf: Riverton also has their own bowling alley for those looking to get in a few frames in between rounds. (856) 829-5500, TheRivertonCountryClub.com
Tavistock Country Club, Tavistock
What’s new: After recent renovations to the lounge and banquet rooms, the club is currently undergoing a complete renovation of its clubhouse ballroom. (856) 429-1866, TavistockCC.org
Trump National Golf Club Philadelphia, Pine Hill
Known for: The former Pine Hill has gotten a $10 million overhaul since The Donald took over two years ago. Every inch of the 43,000-square-foot clubhouse has been renovated and the course has been altered. What’s new: The club will convert a portion of the parking lot to break ground in 2012 on a $1.5 million pool project, and they’ll look to add cottages for overnight accommodations. Better hurry: Membership here is almost closed, so act quickly. (877) 450-8866, TrumpNationalPhiladelphia.com
Woodcrest Country Club, Cherry Hill
What’s new: Trial memberships ($100) are now being offered, allowing non-members full use of the facilities for the day. Guests can take advantage of this four times a season. Something’s cooking: A dining membership ($250) has been unveiled to attract guests to the newly named Oaks Restaurant, where a former chef at Four Seasons in Philadelphia will be manning the kitchen. Added value: Members can enjoy reciprocal agreements with other clubs like Linwood and Atlantic City Country Club. (856) 429-4300, WoodcrestCC.com
Public Courses
Deerwood Country Club, Westampton
Known for: Considered a “Carolina style” course thanks
to its bent greens and fairways. What’s new: The club is now offering a 20-round package for $800. Socially speaking: Those looking to take advantage of the club’s amenities can opt for a social membership ($100) that provides guests with a reduced rate of $11 off per round of golf. (609) 265-1800, DeerwoodCC.com
Golden Pheasant Golf Club, Lumberton
Known for: Being situated in the dense woods bordering the Flying W airport. What’s new: The entire course is getting a facelift complete with tree planting, tee placement and reconstruction, new drainage, bunker placement and cart path improvements, to name a few. (609) 267-4276, GoldenPheasantGC.com
Pennsauken Country Club, Pennsauken
Known for: The course dates back to 1931, when it was known as Iron Rock. What’s new: Membership rates for
non-residents have decreased 25 percent for 2012. (856) 662-4961, PennsaukenGolf.com
Ramblewood Country Club, Mount Laurel
What’s new: A new chef and a new menu in the Bar & Grill where the main dining room will also be getting a facelift. Kid’s club: The Patriot Golf Membership ($130) allows a child 17 and under and a parent to pay $10 green and cart fees at selected times. (856) 235-2118, RamblewoodCC.com
Rancocas Golf Club, Willingboro
Known for: Golf Digest currently ranks the course with three-and-a-half stars out of five. Tough hole: Rancocas’ 13th hole is not for the faint of heart. The 570-yard, par 5 double dogleg is crowded by oak trees and strategically placed fairway bunkers. (609) 877-5344, Rancocas.AmericanGolf.com
RiverWinds Golf & Tennis Club, West Deptford
Known for: This Ron Jaworski-run course along the Delaware River boasts spectacular views of the Philadelphia skyline. What’s new: The club has put in cart paths and a putting green for the first time. Added value: The nearby RiverWinds Restaurant offers an upscale 19th hole option. (856) 848-1033, RiverWindsGolfandTennis.com
Scotland Run Golf Club, Williamstown
Known for: This links-style course is currently ranked as one of Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play in the country. Added value: Membership here affords you access to Scotland Run’s sister course, Ballamor in Egg Harbor Township. Reason to linger: Whether it’s Sunday brunch or happy hour, The Highlander Pub & Grill is always humming. Check out their special events like Wine Lover’s Thursday (50 percent off all bottled wine all day) or the rotating selection of cooking classes for as low as $38.50 per person. (856) 863-3737, ScotlandRun.com
Wedgwood Country Club, Turnersville
What’s new: Golfers can purchase five, 10, 15 or 20 rounds of golf at a time, saving 10, 20, 30 and 40 percent on the pre-paid outings. Event watch: The club will host the Middle Amateur Championship Qualifier in April. Registration beings March 15 and is limited to the first 156 entries. (856) 227-5522, WedgwoodCC.com.
Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Magazine, Volume 8, Issue 12 (March, 2012).
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