What makes for a world-class golf experience? It’s the mystique that comes from playing the best … the sense of excitement on every one of Sand Barrens’ 27 championship holes at one of South Jersey’s premier golf courses and banquet facility – Sand Barrens Golf Club.
Sand Barrens Golf Club is most well-known due to the unique personality of its layout with more than 100 acres of sand in our bunkers and sweeping waste areas. All this golfing excitement came to be when the lead designer on our 27 holes, Dana Fry of Hurdzan/Fry, discovered a layer of sand while trees were being cleared for fairways in the winter of 1996. A more traditional course had been in the works on this site lined with evergreens and oaks. But suddenly Fry had a new idea.
The result was Sand Barrens and its dramatic bunkers and undulating greens. To ensure outstanding conditions, even the rough was sodded. A premium blend of bentgrasses adorns the tees and greens and the rolling fairways. Golf here is tough, but very fair. Most of the hazards are more visual than actual. You really don’t have to be a great golfer to get a good score here.
With its sandy stretches set against green fairways, Sand Barrens has won honors and high rankings from such publications as Golf Digest, GolfWeek, Golf Magazine, and the Zagat Golf Guide. There are five sets of tee boxes in order to ensure that players of all skill levels can be comfortable on the course. All that golfers can see from these tee boxes at times are the bunkers and waste areas, requiring strategic driving and putting. Sand Barrens offers a remarkable target experience that you will have a tough time finding elsewhere.
When considering which nines to play and how to play them, remember that as Director of Golf, Doug Delaney notes: “There is no signature hole at Sand Barrens, because EVERY hole is special with its own unique attributes. Each nine plays as a par-36. Total distance for 18 holes will vary between 6,960 and 7,116, depending on the combination of nines played.
But as most golfers in South Jersey know, the facilities are only one aspect of a great day, even more important are the people, and Sand Barrens has the top staff, from the rangers and starters right up to the pro-shop staff. And, as, those familiar with Jersey Shore conditions also know, their day can be made or broken by the grounds crew, and Sand Barrens’ crew is second to none. Led by superintendent Louis Pitcock, the team has all 27 holes in top condition.
Forgot some vital golf gear? The golf shop at Sand Barrens is staffed by a highly-qualified team who will get you outfitted and on the course in no time. Their team of PGA Professionals can do club fittings as well to ensure that your equipment fits your swing and your style of play. We have also created an exclusive private label Sand Barrens collection that make great gifts or prizes for your golf outing. See a new product in this month’s Golf Digest? If we don’t have it, we can quickly get it for you.
Elsewhere in this top-rated golf club, many local residents enjoy the fine food and ambiance of The Royal Oaks restaurant. When the weather is warm, there’s nothing better than relaxing outside on the restaurant’s porch, enjoying views of the lake and watching incoming shots land on the 9th green of the North Course. And couples from across the region choose Sand Barrens to host their wedding. Director of catering Cortney Geisinger and her staff handle all the details to make your special event—from 10 to 250 guests, an affair to remember.
The long list of honors awarded Sand Barrrens includes being a Four Star Winner by Golf Digest, and “Best Golf Course in New Jersey” by Zagat Golf Guide. The Sand Barrens experience must be golfed or seen to be truly believed.
1765 Route 9 North, Swainton, N. 08210
(609) GOLF-555, www.sandbarrensgolf.com