USGA Host Hidden Creek Welcomes NJSGA Member Golf Day
The NJSGA’s 10th of 11 Member Golf Days came to spectacular Hidden Creek Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township on Tuesday, Oct. 5, just five days after it hosted the U.S. Senior Amateur, won by Chip Lutz of Reading, Pa.
Some 110 golfers were on hand for another sold-out Member Golf Day and the day was a beautiful as the course, with temperatures hitting the lower 70s.
Also on hand were Hidden Creek owners Edwina and Roger Hansen. It was Hansen, former owner of Blue Heron Pines, who enlisted renowned golf architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw to build the Atlantic County course less than two decades ago. Today, Hidden Creek is rated No. 72 by Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 Courses in the U.S.” and No. 71 by Golf Week Magazine's "Top 100 Modern Courses in the U.S."
“We had a great experience with the USGA and in hosting the U.S Senior Amateur. They were so easy to work with. We only had four rounds under par in the two days of stroke-play qualifying. It was windy all week, but it was a great time to have it,” Roger Hansen said.
“We sent an e-mail survey afterwards to all the golfers to rate the course on a scale of one to five and the ratings came back at 4.7. We wanted their honest opinions. One golfer wrote: ‘Don’t Mess With Perfect.’ “
Hansen welcomed the NJSGA members on Tuesday who took over the course at Hidden Creek for the third consecutive years. Plans are to return in 2016 as well.
“I think Member Golf Days are great. We like to show off the course. We’re a private club, so you can’t just come and play the golf course. We’re looking for golfers from that North Jersey market, but it’s hard to get,” Hansen said.
Blue Heron Pines and Hansen hosted the U.S. Men’s Public Links Championship in 2003.
“The difference was the U.S. Public Links was all young kids and they walked. We had players like Brandt Snedeker, Ryan Moore and Chris Stroud. For this event, we needed 140 carts and we got them from The Barclays and other area courses.”
Edwina Hansen noted that 350 volunteers were called upon during the week of the U.S. Senior Amateur. Many of them were volunteers who also worked the nearby ShopRite Classic at Seaview Resort in May. Each group of golfers required a three-person pod, one for live scoring and two as walk-ahead marshals.
“We required 156 volunteers each day for the player pods,” she noted.
The Member Golf Day competition on Tuesday was played over 6,413 yards and was individual Stableford net. The final Member Golf Day of the year in Year Five of the program is set for next Thursday, October 15, at Alpine in Bergen County. Cost of Member Golf Days is $125 with prizes, lunch and post-golf reception included
“Member Golf Days have become what we visualized they would become, all virtual sellouts. What I really like about them is the social aspect . It’s about meeting people, solo golfers meeting new golf buddies and playing with them later on at another Member Golf Day,” said Rich Kennedy, NJSGA Director of Handicapping and Member Services.
“I’ve seen a lot of old friends reconnecting at these events as well. To be able to facilitate the social side of golf is nice,” he added.
Mark Stankiewicz of Neshanic Valley, who played in qualifiers for both the State Amateur and Mid-Amateur, planned to enjoy the day.
“This is for the no-pressure golfer. The three-footers here are a lot easier.”
Linda Cole of High Bridge Hills and Karen Hansard of Neshanic Valley, are coworkers at ADP.
“Member Golf Days have always been great. You would never get a chance to play these great courses. If work didn’t get in the way, I’d play in a lot more of them,” Cole said.
“I love the courses in South Jersey,” said Hansard, who lives in Bernardsville and has played in three NJSGA this summer. “I’m excited about playing on a championship set-up. I’ve always wanted to play here.”
“Member Golf Days are spectacular,” said frequent participant Bruce Hogg of Hawk Pointe. “It’s a great opportunity to play a fabulous course you wouldn’t get a chance to play and it’s a great value. I love the NJSGA.”
‘I don’t mind playing a premium and getting a chance to play a championship course like Hidden Creek,” said Chris Serafino of Mercer Oaks. “I like the lunch and the leaderboard and the e-mails from Rich Kennedy that come well in advance of the event. Plus the fact that the event includes the locker room and the practice facilities makes Member Golf Days a tremendous deal. You’re always treated great at these clubs.”
Ralph Gonzalez. Vice-president of the South Jersey Golf Association, which partners with the NJSGA for select events, was in the field.
“The partnership bodes well for both parties. It opens up courses for both sides. I’m excited to play Hidden Creek. “
