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.