Anchor Golf Center Getting $1 Million Makeover
Since 1961, Anchor Golf Center in Whippany has meant many things to many people
From first golf swing to first date, Anchor Golf Center has been a social and athletic hub over 26 sprawling acres in Morris County.
Thanks to a new ownership group, Anchor Golf Center, which features 45 hitting bays (with more to come), a par-3 course, a miniature golf course, a putting green and a party area is getting a $1 million makeover.
“We are trying to create the best possible golf experience at a facility that is clean, safe, friendly, and fun,” said general manager Peter verDorn. “Golf is for everyone. We encourage families, groups, kids, ladies, men ... anyone that wants to learn or play the game to come out for a great time.”
verDorn, along with partners Anthony Esposito, Ed Shannon Sr., Ed Shannon Jr., and Tom Guy, took over the facility on May 15, 2014, and have already invested $50,000 in making over the miniature golf course.
“We have an 18-month total capital plan to finish all of the projects here. By the end of that time, we will have invested about $1 million or more for the facility,” verDorn stated.
Among the new amenities already added are new balls and mats, automated power tees – no more bending over to tee a ball – new synthetic putting green, high definition golf simulator, new patio area alongside the mini golf course, and a new ball washing and dispensing system.
The dispensing system uses pin cards. Golfers can purchase loyalty cards and receive as much as 35 percent added value on the driving range.
The mini course has added new landscaping, painted figurines, painted stone, new turf and new features.
The full-scale makeover also has LED lighting throughout the facility, including the parking lot, individual stalls, mini golf, putting green, common areas as well as field lights.
Among the cosmetic improvements are new carpeting, a freshly painted building and stalls, new landscaping, new fencing and a new front desk. Soon to come is a new kitchen that leads out to the mini-golf course with an attached patio. Also, 10 electric heaters have been installed with more to come.
Anchor Golf includes a Learning Center with junior programs, private lessons, group lessons, camps, schools and clinics. Yes, there is a lot happening there.
“We some skeptics when we took over,” verDorn said. “The facility was in rough shape. But we’re showing them we’re serious about this place. Now, our biggest skeptics are our biggest supporters.”
The partnership of the two Shannons, Esposito, verDorn and Guy all have golf backgrounds.
“We complement each other well,” said verDorn,a native of Sparta who studied sports management at Ithaca College and worked five years as academy manager at New York’s Chelsea Piers. The Shannons have been long-time members at Fairmount Country Cub in nearby Chatham. Guy is CEO for ELIGO Club North America.
“I used to golf to Anchor Golf as a kid. A lot of people associate it with their childhoods. It’s been a landmark. We’ve heard many times that people hit their first golf shot here,” said Ed Shannon Jr. “As we’ve developed the property, people say ‘Thank you.’ We want it to be a place where people bring their families and we are proud to be part of it in its resurgence.”
