The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and golfing season is in full swing. Cape May County is home to breathtaking golden sunset views, but what about the green? A number of par-3 and full golf courses throughout the area promise beautiful landscape scenery that rivals a beach sunset.
Sand Barrens Golf Club
1765 Rt. 9 N., Swainton
(609) GOLF-555, www.sandbarrensgolf.com
Proclaimed to be the closest thing to a desert course in this part of the country, the golf course at Sand Barrens was imagined and designed by Hurdzan/Fry of Columbus, Ohio – one of the nation’s top golf course architect firms. As the name suggests, the dominant feature of Sand Barrens’ course is SAND! 35 acres of sandy scrub waste areas meander throughout 27 holes, vegetated with all types of indigenous grass, plants and trees. Using nature as a back drop, this picturesque course demonstrates the diversity and beauty of the natural terrain. The unique personality and layout of Sand Barrens makes for a challenging game for golfers of all skill levels. The South Nine features the course’s most scenic views of the rolling fairways and sandy areas while the West Nine is considered the patrons’ favorite. Advanced golfers are encouraged to try the North Nine, considered the course’s toughest. Sand Barrens now offers FootGolf – a whole new way to play!
Cape May Par 3 & Driving Range
29 Fulling Mill Rd., Rio Grande
(609) 889-2600, www.capemaypar3.com
Conveniently located just minutes away from the major beaches, Cape May Par 3 & Driving Range offers an 18-hole, par-3 golf course that is perfect for the budget golfer on a time limit. This easy course allows those of all skill levels to have a successful game on well-manicured, full size greens. And don’t worry about a dress code – Cape May Par 3 welcomes those in beach attire to hit a round of golf before hitting the beach! Clubs, bags and carts are available to rent. If your swing needs some work, Cape May Par 3 is home to a great driving range and two practice greens. Rent a club, grab a basket of balls and go to town! Choose from baskets with 42 balls, 72 balls or 105 balls. If you need further instruction, Cape May Par 3 offers private lessons and clinics, as well as weekly summer camps for kids. Check Cape May Par 3’s website for details and rates, and you can improve your golf game in no time!
Avalon Golf Club
1510 Rt. 9 N., Cape May Court House
(609) 465-GOLF, www.avalongolfclub.net
Ignite your passion for the game of golf at Avalon Golf Club. Avalon Golf Club features an 18-hole championship course that artistically blends various hole personalities to create an experience that dazzles the senses. With holes measuring from 6,325 to 4,924 yards, the golf course at Avalon Golf Club can be considered a fair yet tough test for golfers of all skill levels. Players must contend with narrow fairways, an abundance of water and the course’s most prominent feature, the wind, which can be a help or a hindrance. While other local course layouts are based on target shots, the layout of Avalon Golf Club is more traditional. You’ll get nothing but a scenic game at Avalon Golf Club, with country-club conditions of the green, eight natural lakes and abundant wildlife.
Laguna Oaks Golf Course
600 Bayberry Dr., Cape May Court House
(609) 465-4560, www.lagunaoaksgolf.com
The greens of this 10-hole, par-3 course are pristine and beautifully laid out among 200 serene acres of meadow land, willow oak trees, ponds and waterfalls. Water and other hazards come into play at almost every hole, presenting challenges to even seasoned veterans. Designed and constructed by local architect Fred Langford, Laguna Oaks also has its own little island green. Surrounded by water on all sides, accessing the island green is an experience in itself, accomplished only by crossing the scenic bridge through the gazebo. In an effort to make golf less intimidating and encourage young or new golfers, Laguna Oaks offers the “Golden Golf” scoring system. Although the tee locations vary slightly with this innovative approach, the big difference is the par rating which depends on your skill level.
Heritage Links Golf Club
1375 Route 9, Ocean View
(609) 390-4500, www.golfheritagelinks.com
Heritage Links is Cape May County’s unique nine-hole challenge! What was once an old family farm in Ocean View has been transformed into a beautiful course with a secluded setting, perfect for both beginner and expert golfers. Open to the public and featuring excellent course conditions, Heritage Links specializes in family-friendly, affordable golf, and invites you to “play nine before beach time!” Enjoy a quick, rewarding and challenging round of golf by yourself or with friends, with time to spare to experience the joys of the shore. In addition to nine holes, Heritage Links also has a chipping and putting green, and offers lessons and clinics from professional golfers. Heritage Links is also home to a fully stocked pro shop featuring all the gear you’ll need to help your game.