County Courses Keeping Busy in Winter Months
3/15/2012

MILD WINTER weather has not only kept snow and ice off of Ocean County's roadways but it has enticed golfers to hit the county links.

Ocean County Freeholder John C. Bartlett Jr., who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation, noted the County has seen a significant increase in play in the first two months of 2012 as compared to the three-year average.

"The beautiful weather we have experienced in January and February of this year has been great golfing weather," Bartlett said.

Bartlett said that during the months of January and February, the Forge Pond County Golf Course in Brick Township, brought in $36,980 compared to the three year-average of $9,263 for the same time frame.

"Essentially we have seen play totaling four times the amount of the three-year average," Bartlett said. "The use of the Ocean County Golf Course at Atlantis has also increased substantially in January and February."

Bartlett said play at Atlantis in Little Egg Harbor Township totaled $40,000 so far for 2012. The three-year average there for January and February is $16,000.

"Play at both courses has increased tremendously," Bartlett said.

Golfers played 1,400 rounds of golf at Forge Pond and 1,250 at Atlantis so far this year.

"People are out enjoying the nice weather," Bartlett said. "This lets us meet our goal which is to let the course pay for the operating expenses."

Freeholder Director Gerry P. little noted that the County operates two outstanding golf courses.

"The golf courses are a draw for people who come here," he said. "Both courses are exceptional, well maintained, and play is reasonably priced."

Ocean County Golf Course at Atlantis, located on Country Club Boulevard in Little Egg Harbor, is an exceptional par-72 championship course designed by George Fazio. It is meticulously maintained and has many challenging holes, such as the scenic but tricky par-three sixth hole, where the golfer must negotiate a pond in the middle of the fairway in order to reach the green.

Ocean County Golf Course at Forge Pond, located in the Northeastern region of Ocean County in Brick Township, is a well manicured par-60 executive course tucked into a 300-acre conservation area. These fairways offer a challenge to even the most experienced golfer, yet allow the novice to perfect their game. Here too, rates are very reasonable, especially for resident senior citizens.

More information on the Ocean County operated golf courses and parks can be accessed by visiting http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/OCParks.