Challenge and skill development is ultimate and, many semi-private clubs are devoted to league opportunities, tournaments and clinics for women, teens and youth. For the social minded, grand or cozy facilities are par for the course, lending gracious style to milestone celebrations, from engagement parties, to business and wedding receptions.
Quintessential cuisine is prerogative at these “new country clubs for the day,” with on site chefs inventing the latest creations using market fresh ingredients. And yes, the traditional brew and burger still reigns, as does alfresco dining.
The Architects Golf Club
Lopatcong, New Jersey
908-213-3080
www.architectsgolfclub.com
Stats: Legacy meets design history to pay homage to famed architects of the game, circa 1865 to 1955. Signature holes represent British and American architects including A.W. Tillinghast, Donald Ross and Alister Mackenzie. The 6,863-yard, par 71 course features 18 unique configurations with backdrop of rolling hills, Marble Mountain, and nature’s bounty in New Jersey’s pristine Warren County.
History: Founded by a few loyal members with a passion for golf and a tiny trailer as a makeshift shelter. Today, the grand property earns rave reviews from a flight of golf publications and is anchored with a 16,000-square-foot clubhouse with grand ballroom, business center and restaurant.
Perks: Top-shelf ambiance spans casual to the distinctive, from the course to hospitality, with clubby locker rooms, plasma TVs, and elegantly appointed Thyme Restaurant & Bar, all staffed with country club experienced staff. Outdoors is a 6,000-square-foot blue stone patio for dining or other tented events. Busy year round, the calendar includes golf clinics, lessons, bookings for milestone celebrations and a weekly debut of singer songwriters.
The Club at Morgan Hill
Easton, Pa.
610-923-8480
www.theclubatmorganhill.com
Stats: Golf overlooking sweeping vistas of the Delaware River and picturesque river town of Easton on this sky high 6,749-yard course blending natural hazards, rolling fairways and a 150-foot elevation change for dramatic golf experience.
History: Celebrating its fifth year, family-owned Morgan Hill, designed by Kelly Blake Moran, has earned plethora of rave reviews including, “100 Top Courses You Can Play,” by Golf Digest. Local legacy includes “Greta” a 90-something Williams Township resident who visits the club house often and fondly recalls sledding down Morgan Hill as a child.
Perks: Golf community living surrounds the golf course at Morgan Hill, where tournaments, seasonal membership play, youth development, weddings and charity events keep the course abuzz all summer long. An adventurous guest may even opt to land via helicopter on a grassy knoll. Dine at Vintage, where award-winning cuisine, and wine list, complete the experience.
Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center
Callicoon, N.Y.
845-887-4880
www.villaroma.com
Stats: This granddaddy of golf courses is located New York’s Sullivan County and has matured into a favorite with commanding par 71, 6,499-yard run to challenge the expert, meanwhile, the 6,200- to 6,350-yard courses are well matched for beginners, women and juniors. Year-round activities, with hotel and conference center, is open to guests, as well as golfers who wish to play for the day or to join for flexible seasonal memberships.
History: Built in 1986, Villa Roma is one of the newest golf courses in the Catskills, and has been called "A little slice of heaven” by Golf Digest with the best fairways and greens in the region. The property recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation and face-lift to overcome fire and water damage.
Perks: Family-friendly, year-round activities both indoors and out, from pools and hot tubs, to youth activities, bowling to hiking, to clinics for youth and adults, even bus trips plus in the winter, there’s plenty of skiing, skating, and keeping warm by the fireplace.
