New Jersey 7/23-7/31

[Adam Hassett]

I'm going to be down in Ocean Grove (near Asbury Park) for a week. I've heard about the new course at Ocean County Park which I plan on playing a few times- anything else the locals recommend? On that note, any locals want to give a Massachusetts boy a tour of their favorite course?

[Charles Edman]

Live in MA now, but originally grew up in that area. Played the Ocean County course a few times. Its fun, and pretty easy to get to from Asbury. They just put in the full 18 holes. It was a 9 hole for aw hile. One of my oldest friends is very heavily involved in the course and plays several times a week. I can ask him to get in touch with you about giving you a tour.

Unfortunately, most of Central Jersey is fairly desolate when it comes to quality courses. You'd need to drive a bit to get anywhere else. Solid options to check:

Course at Rutgers University Douglas campus. Short course. Not amazing, but the course was built in like 1977, so its kind of nifty playing on one of the first courses on the East Coast.

Stafford Woods in Vorhees. Really really nice set up with a good local scene.

Anything other than those, and you're looking at easily an hour drive.

Hope this helps.