Member Club Spotlight: Cedar Hill Country Club

Editor’s Note: This profile is the fourth in a series which showcases NJSGA member clubs and their unique story. If you would like the NJSGA to consider your club for a future article, please contact us.

While 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of Cedar Hill Country Club in Livingston, its terrific amenities and vibrant atmosphere are positioned for success this year, and for many more to come.

Thanks to an ambitious effort over the past five years to improve upon Cedar Hill Country Club’s many attributes, the club has become a haven for a thriving membership that has increased by more than 30 percent during that time frame.

Membership now stands at 345 families who enjoy a wide variety of social activities, highlighted by an immaculately conditioned and challenging golf course.

“Cedar Hill is hitting on all cylinders right now. The golf, the practice facilities, the tennis department, and the clubhouse, including food and beverage, are all at their best,” noted head PGA professional Ron Korn, now in his 31st season at the club.

The hiring of general manager Weisser Millien in 2016 has added a new dimension to the club. President Gregg Melnick credits Millien with “Having a vision for our club, making it a modern-day country club while maintaining our traditions.”

Said Millien: “When I arrived, I saw a young membership that needed a new perspective, some new, fresh ideas.”

This past year during the pandemic, the club - like most others - experienced a dramatic increase in play, as members flocked to the club seeking safe recreation opportunities. With that, adjustments had to be made to course maintenance practices. These were overseen by longtime superintendent Dennis Wrede, who has worked at Cedar Hill Country Club since 1981. Despite a marked increase of usage, Wrede and his team maintained the course’s excellent conditions. In addition, the creation of multiple tee boxes on each of the four par-3 holes were handled by Wrede and his staff.

“I’m very fortunate, I’ve had a good crew working with me a long time,” Wrede noted.

Architectural consultant Robert McNeil has worked with Wrede over the past several years in rebuilding greens on Holes 3, 5, 9, 12, 13, and 15 to allow for contemporary greens speeds. Other recently completed projects include a 6,000-square-foot practice green, plus a major bunker renovation (completed in-house) which encompassed all 70 bunkers on the course.

At the par-71, 6,447-yard venue, golfers are immediately greeted when exiting the pro shop by the club’s signature hole, the picturesque No. 17. The par-4, 369-yard hole demands an approach shot over a pond abutted by a beautiful fieldstone wall. A pair of fairway bunkers and four greenside bunkers add to the scene.

A full practice area that can accommodate 20 players includes a 275-yard driving range with target greens. The expanse also has a short-game area with a bunker, a practice putting green, and a practice fairway bunker – a somewhat rare amenity among area clubs.

Besides golf, members enjoy three tennis courts and can receive lessons from on-site professional Larry Katz.

There are multiple activities for children. Members enjoy watching football games on multiple outdoor TVs while taking part in the popular tailgate parties. On occasion, the arrival of a food truck is a bonus.

The impressive clubhouse has been recently renovated to include a 19th Hole sports bar in the grill room, a new outdoor bar, and an expanded patio. The 19th Hole Bar has proven to be a popular spot for post-round relaxation.

Also, the highly popular pool area has been renovated with a new bar and outdoor televisions.

Cedar Hill Country Club is proud of its reputation as a must-see for young brides planning their weddings. The newly renovated ballroom and recently added outside wedding ceremony area add to the attraction. The club is also known for its exceptional food and service.

“We receive great reviews from people attending our events,” Melnick said. “Cedar Hill is a family club with a friendly atmosphere. We speak to all of the generations and provide membership an encouraging and educational place.”

To further explore Cedar Hill Country Club, visit its social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook. Also, visit the club’s home page www.Cedarhillcc.com.