NJSGA Conducts Play9 Day At Skyway Golf Course In Jersey City

On June 14, the NJSGA organized a PLAY9 Day and U.S. Open Championship watch party at the nine-hole Skyway Golf Course at Lincoln Park West in Jersey City.

Some 20 NJSGA members attended the event which included nine holes of golf on the three-year-old facility that is set in the shadow of the Pulaski Skyway and includes views of the Manhattan skyline. The challenging venue features fescue, dunes and rolling fairways.

“It’s great to be a part of the PLAY9 initiative. We are pleased to promote USGA programs that encourage the growth of the game,” said Rich Kennedy, NJSGA Director of Handicapping and Member Services. “We anticipate conducting more PLAY9 events. The golfers who took part were very excited about being part of the fun day.”

“Having a PLAY9 Day here is perfect for us, since we are a nine-hole facility,” said Skyway head professional Steve Mills. “In today’s age, keeping someone occupied for more than two hours is a challenge. In an urban atmosphere like this, nine holes are perfect.

“People coming here from Manhattan and Hoboken comprise about 45 percent of our golfers. They are the young executives who can barely spare two hours. We are installing showers so people can come here and play nine holes before work.”

The USGA's PLAY9 program recognizes and celebrates the many virtues of the nine-hole round. Playing nine holes is a way to fit the game into a busy schedule and introduce new players to the game.

Mills conducts evening clinics for new golfers at Skyway.

Yesterday’s event for NJSGA members at Skyway was individual stroke-play net with Stableford scoring. Prizes were awarded.

Kennedy mentioned that the NJSGA will likely host another PLAY9 Day and watch party for the first round of the British Open on July 19 at Scotch Hills Golf Course in Scotch Plains. Scotch Hills was known as Shady Golf & Country Club at the time that NJSGA Hall of Famer John Shippen served as head professional there.