The Cool Clubhouses of Atlantic City Golf
It didn’t take long for this ‘understated’ first impression of Atlantic City to eventually show itself as a bold visual representation of seashore golfing along the coast of New Jersey.
The drive through Egg Harbor Township then onto the Twisted Dune golf course property and finally up to the venue’s clubhouse itself has been described by some as just that – “understated.” Yet after seeing it basking in the light of a soft morning glow and then at another time silhouetted against an evening sunset, the facility’s clubhouse eventually became the inspiration for the following pictorial of memorable golf course gateways to be discovered across Atlantic City’s extensive playing grounds.
Built and opened in 2001, Twisted Dune Golf Club with its traditional ‘down-the-shore‘ evoking clubhouse (featuring Cape Cod style wooden single shingle siding), is generally regarded as one of the best public course golf options in the region. A fascinating golf course creation history, a resemblance to true Irish links layouts and a clubhouse that fits right into its mind-bending, New Jersey pinelands surroundings are all the ingredients needed for an unforgettable golf adventure.
There are multiple others that should delight visiting public players to the Atlantic City region. In addition to the one at Twisted Dune located, grandiose ones reside at places like LBI National, Scotland Run and the newly upgraded one at Harbor Pines (owners there just completed a major three-phase renovation with phase one being a new pro shop and locker rooms, phase two being a new pub & grill called “The Roost” and phase three being the remainder of the clubhouse and banquet facilities) while history commands the attention of all golfers at Seaview Resort and The Links at Brigantine Beach. Other intricate clubhouses can be found at Renault National, Eagle Ridge, Blue Heron Pines, Ballamor, Cape May National and there are even plans for something new and exciting at Shore Gate.
While the following photo slide show depicts some of the variety of clubhouses and pro shops available within reach of Atlantic City’s boardwalk, the one at Seaview is perhaps the most historic in overall context. This destination’s clubhouse remains virtually unchanged from its original appearance during the 1970s and it remains to this day an opulent bayside retreat renowned for its pair of excellent golf courses (including the Donald Ross-designed Bay Course overlooking the AC skyline) and elegant hotel accommodations.
Others of Note: At The Links at Brigantine Beach (a close-in venue known as Brigantine Country Club for many years after the club’s original 1927 debut), there once stood a Spanish Mission style clubhouse adjacent to the bay at the Scottish links style course. In 1989 the property was sold and a new name and a new clubhouse were born. Following years of renovation and upgrades to the property, the Links at Brigantine (now owned by the City of Brigantine to preserve open space) offers a golfing experience that combines modern amenities with historic grandeur.
At LBI National, located in Little Egg Harbor Township, the totally reimagined property’s 35,000-square-foot clubhouse features a restaurant, a pro shop, multiple private dining and event space and a wonderful Atlantic City skyline view. It first opened in the year 2000 under the name of Sea Oaks Golf Resort.
Scotland Run, positioned about halfway between Philadelphia and Atlantic City (just off the AC Expressway), showcases a course built around an old sand quarry in 1999 with a remarkable two-story, 28,000-square-foot clubhouse. Inside you’ll find a fully stocked pro shop and a fun and casual 100-seat restaurant along with a 250-seat enclosed grand ballroom.
In all, Atlantic City is not just about golf, but the total gaming, dining and shot-making experiences – ones that begin at the various golf course gateways and don’t end until the last scorecard is filled and the last drop of drink or morsel of clubhouse food devoured.
Here is a slideshow of a handful of the cool clubhouses in Atlantic City: