The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks- First Flight

By Nick Ciattei

I’m actually a bit embarrassed to say that this past Fall was my first venture to an East Coast destination well known for a laid back lifestyle and a three letter moniker that has become synonymous for the area. My many friends who make an annual pilgrimage to the Outer Banks of North Carolina get all gooey when they talk about it. At the top on their lists of reasons traveling there is always the fact that the Outer Banks, henceforth OBX, remains an ideal place to really kick back, soak in the sun and just chill. Compared to other seaside destinations, this thin strip of sandy coast has remained consistent and is not overwhelmed with progressive growth. Sure, the region has seen its fair share of development but most of that has been on the residential end. You won’t see an glut of hotels here and a majority of the restaurants are locally owned institutions. Little did I know that my initial excursion to the OBX would not only be for a bit of relaxation, but for some quality golf.
The golf selections are concentrated at the North end of Currituck County. This is a convenient feature for the golf vacationer in getting to and from courses. It never seemed like a far drive for any of the facilities that we played. I was joined by five other golf writers for this tour which always provides considerable debate as to which course we like the best. Compared to other journalists, I tend to lean toward the notion that there is always something good about EVERY golf course. The buffet of courses that the OBX featues all have one common trait. Defined by the forces of nature, the OBX is a golf destination like no other. The chief challenge that you’ll face is the wind. This is the same area in which Wilbur and Orville chose to make aviation history because of the uniform winds that blow here. The Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kitty Hawk recounts and dramatizes those first flight events. Accordingly, you will have to adjust your game to the unwavering wind and the sea-level elevation.
Three courses actually call the barrier island home, and here, the breezes and gusts will constantly test your game. The granddaddy of Outer Banks golf is Sea Scape Golf Links in Kitty Hawk. Designed by former Masters champion and hole-in-one legend Art Wall, Sea Scape opened in 1965 and is a delightful Scottish links style course with surprising elevation changes due to the many sand dunes and bluffs you will play over. Measuring just over 6,100 yards from the tips, the par 70 plays longer with it’s GPS location just a block from the ocean. The Scottish flair continues at Nags Head Golf Links, a Bob Moore design from 1998 that is highlighted by several holes right on the Albemarle Sound. Nags Head is another course that is somewhat shorter in today’s golf standard, but will commit every players game with constant coastal winds and 12 holes with water in play. Built through hundreds of beach homes, the ample fairways provide plenty of breathing room. The par 3 fifteenth will blow you away, literally, with its window seat location along the water. The last course that calls the island home is The Currituck Club located just up the main drag (Highway 12) in Corolla. The U.S. Open Doctor, Rees Jones carved out a real beauty at Currituck. Immaculate conditions are one of the main reasons this layout has secured many awards. No less than seven holes play along the Currituck Sound, with the usual suspects of sand dunes, wetlands and maritime forests adding to this exhilarating course.
We navigate inland West over the bridge where three more courses compliment the OBX golf landscape. You’ll still find natural aspects here similar to those found along the shore, but just not as extreme. Locals will tell you The Pointe Golf Club may have the most player-friendly layout. Architect Russell Breeden’s easy flowing design glides along superb bermuda fairways and terrific A-1 bentgrass greens. The Pointe, like a majority of the courses, fits quite well into the category of resort courses. Each course in the OBX area has comfortably positioned tee boxes for all skill levels, especially cognizant of seniors and ladies. Breeden and Moore teamed up in 1998 to create The Carolina Club, noted as the longest course of the lot and signatured by a par-3 island green. The Carolina tips at 7,000 yards from the championship tees, and has just the right mixture of hazards to challenge you without beating you up. I like that in a resort course! The last thing I want to do on a golf vacation is lose a ton of golf balls. Exquisite would be my one word description of Kilmarlic Golf Club, consistently lauded as one of the top courses in the entire state of North Carolina. Situated on a massive 605 acre site with 15 acres of coastal ponds and lakes, Kilmarlic mixes towering hardwoods and wetlands to create a scenic golf adventure. Architect Tom Steele uses five par 5's and five par 3's to provide loads of scoring opportunities. Since its 2002 opening, Kilmarlic has added an on-site golf cottage that sleeps up to 8. This roomy bungalow is dead solid perfect for a buddies golf trip.
The Outer Banks is home to 130 miles of the wildest, most natural and undeveloped beaches in the country. Sure, you can relax there, watch some unbelievable sunsets, and dine at some local seafood fish houses. But, you can’t forget the sticks. OBX is a terrific seaside golf destination. The wind and water await your beach golf adventure.

The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks- First Flight

By Nick Ciattei

I’m actually a bit embarrassed to say that this past Fall was my first venture to an East Coast destination well known for a laid back lifestyle and a three letter moniker that has become synonymous for the area. My many friends who make an annual pilgrimage to the Outer Banks of North Carolina get all gooey when they talk about it. At the top on their lists of reasons traveling there is always the fact that the Outer Banks, henceforth OBX, remains an ideal place to really kick back, soak in the sun and just chill. Compared to other seaside destinations, this thin strip of sandy coast has remained consistent and is not overwhelmed with progressive growth. Sure, the region has seen its fair share of development but most of that has been on the residential end. You won’t see an glut of hotels here and a majority of the restaurants are locally owned institutions. Little did I know that my initial excursion to the OBX would not only be for a bit of relaxation, but for some quality golf.
The golf selections are concentrated at the North end of Currituck County. This is a convenient feature for the golf vacationer in getting to and from courses. It never seemed like a far drive for any of the facilities that we played. I was joined by five other golf writers for this tour which always provides considerable debate as to which course we like the best. Compared to other journalists, I tend to lean toward the notion that there is always something good about EVERY golf course. The buffet of courses that the OBX featues all have one common trait. Defined by the forces of nature, the OBX is a golf destination like no other. The chief challenge that you’ll face is the wind. This is the same area in which Wilbur and Orville chose to make aviation history because of the uniform winds that blow here. The Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kitty Hawk recounts and dramatizes those first flight events. Accordingly, you will have to adjust your game to the unwavering wind and the sea-level elevation.
Three courses actually call the barrier island home, and here, the breezes and gusts will constantly test your game. The granddaddy of Outer Banks golf is Sea Scape Golf Links in Kitty Hawk. Designed by former Masters champion and hole-in-one legend Art Wall, Sea Scape opened in 1965 and is a delightful Scottish links style course with surprising elevation changes due to the many sand dunes and bluffs you will play over. Measuring just over 6,100 yards from the tips, the par 70 plays longer with it’s GPS location just a block from the ocean. The Scottish flair continues at Nags Head Golf Links, a Bob Moore design from 1998 that is highlighted by several holes right on the Albemarle Sound. Nags Head is another course that is somewhat shorter in today’s golf standard, but will commit every players game with constant coastal winds and 12 holes with water in play. Built through hundreds of beach homes, the ample fairways provide plenty of breathing room. The par 3 fifteenth will blow you away, literally, with its window seat location along the water. The last course that calls the island home is The Currituck Club located just up the main drag (Highway 12) in Corolla. The U.S. Open Doctor, Rees Jones carved out a real beauty at Currituck. Immaculate conditions are one of the main reasons this layout has secured many awards. No less than seven holes play along the Currituck Sound, with the usual suspects of sand dunes, wetlands and maritime forests adding to this exhilarating course.
We navigate inland West over the bridge where three more courses compliment the OBX golf landscape. You’ll still find natural aspects here similar to those found along the shore, but just not as extreme. Locals will tell you The Pointe Golf Club may have the most player-friendly layout. Architect Russell Breeden’s easy flowing design glides along superb bermuda fairways and terrific A-1 bentgrass greens. The Pointe, like a majority of the courses, fits quite well into the category of resort courses. Each course in the OBX area has comfortably positioned tee boxes for all skill levels, especially cognizant of seniors and ladies. Breeden and Moore teamed up in 1998 to create The Carolina Club, noted as the longest course of the lot and signatured by a par-3 island green. The Carolina tips at 7,000 yards from the championship tees, and has just the right mixture of hazards to challenge you without beating you up. I like that in a resort course! The last thing I want to do on a golf vacation is lose a ton of golf balls. Exquisite would be my one word description of Kilmarlic Golf Club, consistently lauded as one of the top courses in the entire state of North Carolina. Situated on a massive 605 acre site with 15 acres of coastal ponds and lakes, Kilmarlic mixes towering hardwoods and wetlands to create a scenic golf adventure. Architect Tom Steele uses five par 5's and five par 3's to provide loads of scoring opportunities. Since its 2002 opening, Kilmarlic has added an on-site golf cottage that sleeps up to 8. This roomy bungalow is dead solid perfect for a buddies golf trip.
The Outer Banks is home to 130 miles of the wildest, most natural and undeveloped beaches in the country. Sure, you can relax there, watch some unbelievable sunsets, and dine at some local seafood fish houses. But, you can’t forget the sticks. OBX is a terrific seaside golf destination. The wind and water await your beach golf adventure.

The Wildwoods- Jersey Sure!

By Nick Ciattei

It is safe to say that when most people think of the coastline of New Jersey, their initial focus would be on the glitz and glam of Atlantic City. AC’s history of the Miss America Pageant, the Steel Pier and the present day gambling and entertainment head liners earn this city the "Vegas of the East’ tattoo. What seems a world away but is just a long drive and four iron south of New Jersey’s tinsle town is the charming area known as The Wildwoods. This area was actually my virgin beach exposure back in my youth. The Wildwoods today is a modern, yet nostalgic family destination that also boasts several outstanding golf courses that place it on the radar for your links travel plans. The Golf Guide’s invitation there proved to be an enlightening experience to a unique Oceanside community.
The Wildwoods is actually a five-mile island located at the southernmost tip of the Jersey shoreline. The year round population is just over 5,000, but during the summer months, you’ll find a quarter million inhabitants calling The Wildwoods home. Because of this, the core of the locals are all in the same business...tourism..and they are there each and everyday to greet you with a smile and welcome. During my visit, it seemed like everyone knew each others name. Kind of like a real big Cheers bar. As is the case with all locations like this, the main draw is the ocean. The Wildwoods’ beaches, unlike most in the United States, actually grows each year. The beaches are huge, and have been recognized as one of the best on the east coast. The two-mile boardwalk that laces through the sand has the distinction of boasting more rides than Disneyland. This top ten voted American Boardwalk is one of the main reasons The Wildwoods is a family favorite. A majority of the attractions along the boards are located on the ocean side, a rare feature not found at most resorts. This includes the Wildwoods Convention Center, a focal point to the resurrection of the regions tourism needs. This modern facility hosts many of the seasonal events held here.
Before I delve into the terrific golf selections at The Wildwoods, I must discuss something near and dear to my heart that makes this locale tick like no other. The area was going through an identity crisis some 25 years ago looking for something that would make them unique compared to other ocean towns. It turns out it was under their nose the entire time. In the 1950's, many of the open air motels that grace the strip were donned in an architectural style known as "Doo-Wop". Rather then change, the powers that be decided to embrace the style, and run with it. Today over 100 50's-style hotels splash the roads with neon colors, exaggerated angles and plenty of plastic! A director at the Convention Center quoted, "we have more plastic palm trees that anywhere on earth". The irresistibly tacky decor is now a rage and fits in harmony with the music history of The Wildwoods. It was here that Bill Haley and Comets launched "Rock Around the Clock", and Chubby Checker introduced a new dance craze called "The Twist". The boardwalk also draws off the Doo Wop society, using the Tram Cars from the 1939 New York World’s Fair as their eco-friendly transportation for visitors along the entertainment stretch.
You won’t find any plastic pink flamingos, but you will find some quality golf courses that call The Wildwoods and Cape May County their home. Tops on the list has to be Shore Gate Golf Club which opened to critical acclaim in 2002. Designed by notable west coast and overseas architects Rod Fream and David Dale, the raw beauty of this gem is worth the ticket alone but the challenge and breathtaking design will test everyone’s game. Dominated by creative and imaginative bunkers (88 of them) and vast natural sand areas, Shore Gate has a bit of Pine Valley and a dash of Royal New Kent. I think even Dustin Johnson would be checking the local rule book when playing Shore Gate. The par 5 ninth is one of the toughest holes I’ve ever had to lace up my golf spikes for. Measuring 648 yards from the tips, this monster encompasses everything that makes Shore Gate one outstanding course. One of the premier golf courses in the region is Sand Barrens Golf Club. The design team of Dr. Mike Hurdzan and Dana Fry carved out 27 holes through the evergreens and oaks using the lands natural sandy soil to create a layout that fits its name. 35 acres of sandy waste areas are used to border many of the fairways, which we found very wide and inviting. A cleverly routed layout that helps speed of play, Sand Barrens was voted one of the top new courses in America in 1997. All three nines are pure fun to play. At the southern end of the county is Cape May National, another lovely course that used the existing land features to embellish rather than detract. Surrounded by one of the largest bird sanctuaries in the state of new Jersey, expansive wetlands are the dominating characteristic at Cape May. The layout has been dubbed "The Natural", and was one of the first to address environmental sensitivity when it was built. From it’s rustic "Bird Education" tee signs to it’s historic ties to its predecessor, Cape May Country Club, National fits the bill as an area must play. One of the most popular course among the locals is Avalon Golf Club, a par 71 course that won’t beat you up in length, but focuses on keeping the ball straight on the narrow fairways bordered by an abundance of water hazards. Several other courses are also available for play on golf packages.
Another key ingredient for golfers is the proximity of Atlantic City to the Wildwoods. A forty minute drive north will put you in Texas Hold’em heaven. But you don’t have to make that trek to be entertained. There’s plenty to do after a day on the links. An eclectic mix of Irish Pubs is the mainstay of the Wildwoods after dark. The area promotes itself well with over 180 special events each year. Baltimore and Washington area golfers should take note. The Wildwoods is a sure bet for a rewarding golf vacation.

Carroll Valley

Carroll Valley Golf Course - King of the Mountain


Nick Ciattei



One of the long-time staples of the Mid-Atlantic golf scene has been Carroll Valley Resort in Fairfield, PA. For those of you who have not heard, the Carroll Valley Resort and the golf course are now under the ownership of the adjacent Liberty Mountain Resort. You have to go back to the early 1960's to find the origination of the Carroll Valley Golf Course. In the late 1960's, an era of the residential communities, a major one was being planned in the Fairfield area. The project would include single family housing as well as a golf course and skiing. The community was to be called Charnita, dubbed that after the first names of the developers, Charles and Anita Rist. Even though the entire project never came to fruition, you can credit the Rist’s for the Carroll Valley Golf Course and adjoining ski resort as well. The course opened in 1968 and was designed by Ed Ault, and architect responsible for many of the classic courses in the Northeast. The skiing operation was taken over by Snow Time Inc. in 1974, and renamed Ski Liberty. Even though the two have been separate operations, most of the public has always thought they were one and the same. Well, now they are. Director of Marketing Anne Weimer said the ultimate goal of Snow Time is to blend both facilities into one coherent unit. “We have 99 rooms now between the two, and are looking to updating the buildings and infrastructure of what was the resorts hotel.” So, with that said, let’s look at the Carroll Valley Golf Course at Liberty Mountain Resort!

The golf course is one of the few you will ever find with this unusual combination of holes. At Carroll Valley, you’ll encounter six par 3's, and five par 5's, along with the remaining par 4's to complete the par 71 layout. Stretching from nearly 6,700 yards from the blue tee to a very woman friendly 5,000 yards from the red tees, this rare collection of holes gives you more scoring opportunities than the traditional course breakdown. The ladies will also enjoy an additional par 5 in the mix giving them a par 72. Having taken several golf groups to this facility, it’s easy for me to state that this course is favorable to most women golfers.

One of those par 5's kicks off things on the front nine at Carroll Valley. An elevated tee box provides golfers that ever loving first hole downhill opening shot. The gentle dogleg right on number one is followed by a sharper bend in the same direction on the par 4 second. The par 3 third has an unmistakable resemblance to the twelfth hole at Augusta National. Instead of Rea’s Creek, here at Carroll Valley, It’s Tom’s Creek! This pesky water hazard meanders it’s way throughout and it’s literally a golf ball magnet. The 584-yard par 5 fourth is the longest hole on the course and requires a forced carry over the creek to the green. The ninth is also a par 5, with a pivotal dogleg right over and around a large lake. To add to this difficult hole, it’s uphill after the tee shot playing to a green perched between bunkers at the top of the property. It’s also a great hole to view the Liberty Mountain slopes in the background.

Most will attest that the tee shot on the par 4 tenth is the most challenging you’ll face all day. Water borders the entire right side and in front of the green on your approach. The par 5 twelfth is a straight, downhill beauty where a good drive may lead to a “go for it” decision with the creek looming in front of the green. Several tough par 4's make up the meat of the back nine at Carroll Valley, most notably the sixteenth, which is rated the toughest hole on the side. Seventeen is the finale of the five pars, while the eighteenth is a good, long par three that plays back to the resort’s original lodge. Several rooms shave 50-yard line seats for that final birdie putt!

“We are very excited about the golf course addition. With the maturity and challenge already present, we have no changes planned for the golf course”, Weimer added. With the acquisition of the Carroll Valley Golf Course, The Liberty Mountain Resort can now boast the four season label. This is not the first golf venture for Snow Time, who acquired Whitetail Golf Resort back in 2006 to coincide with the nearby Whitetail Ski Resort, which Snow Time developed. Golfers in the Mid-Atlantic have long recognized the Carroll Valley Golf Course as one of the best for value and playing condition in the region. With Snow Time and Liberty Montan Resort now at the helm, look for those continued characteristics to be evident for years to come.