Esteemed Ridge At Back Brook Hosts Member Golf Day
With the month of July marking the 10th anniversary of The Ridge at Back Brook, 104 fortunate golfers enjoyed taking part in the New Jersey State Golf Association’s fifth Member Golf Day of the year at the Ringoes-based course on Monday, July 21.
Member Golf Day at Ridge at Back Brook was the fastest sell-out in the four-year history of the event, with the field full in 45 minutes. Guests played Monday at 6,300 yards on the par-72-yard course.
One of the day's highlights was a hole-in-one on the 102-yard second hole by Judy Winter of Plainfield West (see photo below), using a seven-iron.
"It's my first hole-in-one and I had to hit it over water, using a beat-up ball. I never expected it," said Winter, who is president of the Galloping Hill Women's Golf Association that plays on Saturdays and also 10 years ago organized The Tuesday Night Hyatt Hills Ladies League with playing partner Lavinia Ruby. Others who witnessed the ace were Karen Wedam and Robert Warren.
Nine years ago, Golf Digest magazine named The Ridge at Back Brook the second best new private course east of The Mississippi and sixth best private track in America.
"We knew we had a world-class golf course that was as good as any in the country and one that offered a golfing experience second to none. We weren't wrong," said developer and Princeton businessman Joel Moore of the Tom Fazio-designed course that plays 7,156 yards from the championship tees.
“When we initiated the idea of having Member Golf Days four years ago, it was about giving the everyday NJSGA member the opportunity to play outstanding golf courses such as this one,” said Rich Kennedy, NJSGA Director of Handicapping and Member Services.
“This is an opportunity, a goal to a lot of golfer, who are so excited to be here. It’s great to see their enthusiasm. The demand is obvious. A perfect example is Metedeconk National. Last year, it took 45 days to sell out. This year, it sold out in an hour and 20 minutes so the word is out.
“At this point, we’re thinking we’re coming up with ways to enhance the Member Golf Day experience for our membership. Member Golf Days are definitely here to stay,” Kennedy said.
Five more Member Golf Days remain on the NJSGA schedule: Rock Spring Club in West Orange on August 5; Metedeconk National in Jackson on August 18; Copper Hill in Ringoes on Sept. 17, Shackamaxon in Scotch Plains on Sept 24 and Hidden Creek in Egg Harbor on October 14. Metedeconk and Hidden Creek are sold out.
“I heard a lot of great things about this wonderful course,” said Pat Egan, who will play in half the Member Golf Days this year after plying in all six last year.
“It’s a very highly rated course and very difficult to get on. I’ve played in over 150 courses in New Jersey and Member Golf Days gives me a great opportunity to play courses I would never have an opportunity to play. I will continue to take advantage of Member golf Days and play as many courses I’ve never played as I can.”
Member Golf Days, which began with four events in 2011 and added a fifth in 2012, and a sixth in 2013, has jumped to 10 dates due to high demand at both classic and contemporary courses dotted throughout the state. The Member Golf Day season began on Monday, April 28, at Trump National-Philadelphia in Pine Hill and lasts until Tuesday, October 14 at Hidden Creek in Egg Harbor Township.
“It’s a chance to play phenomenal courses that you wouldn’t even think about playing,” said participant Joe Lennon, former athletic director at DePaul High School in Wayne. “This provides one of the great luxuries in golf. This is a fantastic golf course.”
To be eligible for Member Golf Days, golfers must keep their handicap through an NJSGA member club or golf course and have a handicap of 30 or below.
