Major improvements underway at Tamarack Golf Course

December 14, 2020 - Middlesex County golfers are in for some great news. An extensive renovation of the East and West Courses at Tamarack Golf Course in East Brunswick is currently underway. The 36-hole facility is situated between exits 8A and 9 on the New Jersey Turnpike, and is visible from the southbound lanes of N.J.’s busiest highway.

“Our golf courses in Middlesex County have undergone a dramatic transformation since the County retained the services of a nationally recognized golf management firm in 2019 to oversee operations,” said Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios. The courses are managed by Indigo Golf Partners, formerly known as Billy Casper Golf.

“It’s thrilling to see immediate improvements in the level of service and the quality of experience our courses offer players. Our investment in upgrading Tamarack is part of a larger strategic vision for the County to enhance the quality of life for our residents and attract new visitors to ultimately become a leading destination for recreation.”

Labor is ongoing on the East Course, which is expected to conclude by Spring, 2022. At that time, upgrades on the West Course are expected to begin. Throughout the course, there is a major effort to address irrigation and drainage, while other work will bring about new tee boxes, renovated and additional bunkers, and an overall focus on course conditioning. Costs for the current project on the East Course include $1.6 million for irrigation and $943,000 for drainage.

Noted golf-course architect Hal Purdy designed both courses at Tamarack. The East (Gold and Blue) course is a par-71, 6,226-yard venue while the West (Red and White) plays at par-72 and 7,025-yards. Tamarack also features locker rooms a driving range with 34 stalls and five target greens. The courses were opened for play in 1971. In addition to a bustling golf scene, many First Tee of Raritan Valley clinics are conducted at Tamarack.

According to a county spokesman: “Course conditioning will be improved and made more sustainable through installation of miles of new drainage pipes; a new and more efficient irrigation system with expanded coverage at course edges; and the removal of some trees and underbrush which slow play, reduce sunlight, and impact needed air movement.”

Besides new teeing areas, areas adjacent to each green will be reshaped to introduce more variety and options. In some areas, bunkers will be removed and replaced with expanded chipping areas of undulating and lower-cut turf.

Several fairways will be widened to create space to play around bunkers, and many greens are to be expanded to restore their former shape.

Funding for the extensive project is coming from the County’s Open Space Trust Fund, which provides grants to recreation facilities for the benefit of the community.

“The County continues to work hard to create an ideal place for residents to live, play and work,” said Freeholder and Chair of Infrastructure Management, Charles E. Tomaro. “These renovations will make a dramatic impact on the quality of experience and service at Tamarack golf course, enticing current members and welcoming more visitors to our great County.”