Private Course Recommendations - Central or South Jersey

Decided to join a club this year - taking tours of Forsgate and Woodcrest this weekend. Would love recommendations of similar clubs in the Central/South Jersey area.

I've done some digging on old threads but good questions to ask when taking a tour would be awesome too. Thanks all!

Metedeconk

Metedeconk

Don't need specifics but do you know if Metedeconk offers a junior membership option?

Decided to join a club this year - taking tours of Forsgate and Woodcrest this weekend. Would love recommendations of similar clubs in the Central/South Jersey area.

 

I've done some digging on old threads but good questions to ask when taking a tour would be awesome too. Thanks all!

Forsgate in Monroe Township and Woodcrest in Cherry Hill? Those are pretty far from one another.

It may help to know your town or nearby large town.

I play at Merchantville and love it. I certainly recommend taking a look if in Camden or even Burlington County. But if you live say up in Princeton that's a hike.

Old York is between the two mentioned in Chesterfield and convenient to the Tpk and 295. I'm on the BOD and would be happy to connect you with our membership coordinator. We have very attractive junior and young executive membership options and currently no initiation fee (was as high as $25k pre-recession). Also have a real good men's group with afternoon games on Wed & Fri, and weekend mornings. There's also a Thursday evening 9 hole skins game in season.

Metedeconk is awesome if you can afford it; I've got a lot of buddies there. It's in kind of a remote location though and is an extremely expensive proposition. Beyong your initiation and dues pretty much count on between $110-$200 out of pocket every time you show up (caddy fees, tips, f&b)...nothing's inexpensive there.

Old York is between the two mentioned in Chesterfield and convenient to the Tpk and 295. I'm on the BOD and would be happy to connect you with our membership coordinator. We have very attractive junior and young executive membership options and currently no initiation fee (was as high as $25k pre-recession). Also have a real good men's group with afternoon games on Wed & Fri, and weekend mornings. There's also a Thursday evening 9 hole skins game in season.

 

Metedeconk is awesome if you can afford it; I've got a lot of buddies there. It's in kind of a remote location though and is an extremely expensive proposition. Beyong your initiation and dues pretty much count on between $110-$200 out of pocket every time you show up (caddy fees, tips, f&b)...nothing's inexpensive there.

What is ballpark for Metedeconk initiation dues? 50k and 1k a month maybe?

Old York is between the two mentioned in Chesterfield and convenient to the Tpk and 295. I'm on the BOD and would be happy to connect you with our membership coordinator. We have very attractive junior and young executive membership options and currently no initiation fee (was as high as $25k pre-recession). Also have a real good men's group with afternoon games on Wed & Fri, and weekend mornings. There's also a Thursday evening 9 hole skins game in season.

 

Metedeconk is awesome if you can afford it; I've got a lot of buddies there. It's in kind of a remote location though and is an extremely expensive proposition. Beyong your initiation and dues pretty much count on between $110-$200 out of pocket every time you show up (caddy fees, tips, f&b)...nothing's inexpensive there.

 

What is ballpark for Metedeconk initiation dues? 50k and 1k a month maybe?

Both comments above sound about right!

Old York is between the two mentioned in Chesterfield and convenient to the Tpk and 295. I'm on the BOD and would be happy to connect you with our membership coordinator. We have very attractive junior and young executive membership options and currently no initiation fee (was as high as $25k pre-recession). Also have a real good men's group with afternoon games on Wed & Fri, and weekend mornings. There's also a Thursday evening 9 hole skins game in season.

 

Metedeconk is awesome if you can afford it; I've got a lot of buddies there. It's in kind of a remote location though and is an extremely expensive proposition. Beyong your initiation and dues pretty much count on between $110-$200 out of pocket every time you show up (caddy fees, tips, f&b)...nothing's inexpensive there.

 

What is ballpark for Metedeconk initiation dues? 50k and 1k a month maybe?

 

Both comments above sound about right!

A few years after the recession the Metedeconk board voted to allow "original" full equity members (~$150k buy-in guys) to sell a piece of their equity to a new member that they would sponsor. The going rate was around $25k, but that practice has ended. I would say $50k is about right, but I'm not 100% certain. Dues are over $15k annually.

The soft costs kill you there though. Five bucks each way to park your car, ten to the locker room attendant, 80 to 100 for a caddy (highly encouraged and used by most members). It's easily $120 each time you show up, and that's before adding any F&B.

A bunch of my buddies went over there starting in around 2011/12, so I'm very familiar. I considered it but beyond the buy-in and dues, the daily costs were outside of my desired budget...especially considering I play 3 to 4 times per week.

At Old York I pre-pay a trail fee for unlimited carts for the season. The only incremental costs are F&B and the occasional tournament fee.

IM a member at Woodcrest and work by foresgate. They arnt exactly Close as people have said. There are a ton of great courses in between.

Where do you live?

Metedeconk

 

Don't need specifics but do you know if Metedeconk offers a junior membership option?

Metedeconk did offer a junior membership in 2016 and 2017. It was a great deal if you are 37 and younger.

I am not sure if they still offer it, but the dues were like under 4k for the year. Obviously you have to pay for carts, caddies, food/beverage etc. You need to have a member sponsor.

I am surprised there initiation and fees are still high for regular membership. I have heard the last few years that they have been struggling for members, but it seems they do not want to let go of certain traditions.

Forsgate is a nice club. Battleground in nearby Manalapan is an excellent club as well.

Where are you located?

Old York is between the two mentioned in Chesterfield and convenient to the Tpk and 295. I'm on the BOD and would be happy to connect you with our membership coordinator. We have very attractive junior and young executive membership options and currently no initiation fee (was as high as $25k pre-recession). Also have a real good men's group with afternoon games on Wed & Fri, and weekend mornings. There's also a Thursday evening 9 hole skins game in season.

 

Metedeconk is awesome if you can afford it; I've got a lot of buddies there. It's in kind of a remote location though and is an extremely expensive proposition. Beyong your initiation and dues pretty much count on between $110-$200 out of pocket every time you show up (caddy fees, tips, f&b)...nothing's inexpensive there.

I had the pleasure of playing Old York last season for a GAP match. Enjoyed the course and the hosts(father/son team) were very welcoming.

Metedeconk

 

Don't need specifics but do you know if Metedeconk offers a junior membership option?

 

Metedeconk did offer a junior membership in 2016 and 2017. It was a great deal if you are 37 and younger.

 

I am not sure if they still offer it, but the dues were like under 4k for the year. Obviously you have to pay for carts, caddies, food/beverage etc. You need to have a member sponsor.

 

I am surprised there initiation and fees are still high for regular membership. I have heard the last few years that they have been struggling for members, but it seems they do not want to let go of certain traditions.

 

Forsgate is a nice club. Battleground in nearby Manalapan is an excellent club as well.

 

Where are you located?

Thanks for the reply. My work just moved to the Asbury Park area not too long ago so I'll be moving up there some time soon from further south on the parkway. I just started checking out the area for possible clubs. Metedeconk caught my eye not only from the golf side of things but also the sporting clays, which I do enjoy. Any bit of information helps as it might help me realize whats realistic and when I do move, location. Other ones I noticed in the area were Jumping Brook(seemed more affordable) to the two more exclusive ones in Deal and Spring Lake.

I'm also a member at Woodcrest and can vouch for it - it's a great, tough track despite it's length... always in excellent shape and I'd say in the middle of the summer the greens can rival any of the top private courses in GAP... also some of the best guys to golf and just have a beer with. And you really can't beat the price (for almost any age bracket).

Little Mill Country Club Marlton, NJ

27 holes

Pro: George Frake

Little Mill is very nice and has a solid GAP team if competitive inter-club play is plus for you. Trump Philly is also very nice but definitely pricier. Also, a tough course to play regularly but a great test.

"The Conk" (Metedeconk) is a great course and has one of, if not the best practice facilities around (ie ProV range balls). I don't know specifics about pricing but I highly doubt its $50K initiation.

Forsgate is also a good option.

Hollywood hands down

Galloway and Hidden Creek would work with you for membership in South Jersey

Old York is between the two mentioned in Chesterfield and convenient to the Tpk and 295. I'm on the BOD and would be happy to connect you with our membership coordinator. We have very attractive junior and young executive membership options and currently no initiation fee (was as high as $25k pre-recession). Also have a real good men's group with afternoon games on Wed & Fri, and weekend mornings. There's also a Thursday evening 9 hole skins game in season.

 

Metedeconk is awesome if you can afford it; I've got a lot of buddies there. It's in kind of a remote location though and is an extremely expensive proposition. Beyong your initiation and dues pretty much count on between $110-$200 out of pocket every time you show up (caddy fees, tips, f&b)...nothing's inexpensive there.

 

What is ballpark for Metedeconk initiation dues? 50k and 1k a month maybe?

 

Both comments above sound about right!

Depending on age, I don't believe that is correct.

OP - how old are you?

The course at Old York is pretty crappy in my opinion. I could easily see myself getting sick of that place if I had to play it regularly.

Sorry if I offend anyone. Just my opinion.

Old York is between the two mentioned in Chesterfield and convenient to the Tpk and 295. I'm on the BOD and would be happy to connect you with our membership coordinator. We have very attractive junior and young executive membership options and currently no initiation fee (was as high as $25k pre-recession). Also have a real good men's group with afternoon games on Wed & Fri, and weekend mornings. There's also a Thursday evening 9 hole skins game in season.

 

Metedeconk is awesome if you can afford it; I've got a lot of buddies there. It's in kind of a remote location though and is an extremely expensive proposition. Beyong your initiation and dues pretty much count on between $110-$200 out of pocket every time you show up (caddy fees, tips, f&b)...nothing's inexpensive there.

 

I had the pleasure of playing Old York last season for a GAP match. Enjoyed the course and the hosts(father/son team) were very welcoming.

 

Metedeconk

 

Don't need specifics but do you know if Metedeconk offers a junior membership option?

 

Metedeconk did offer a junior membership in 2016 and 2017. It was a great deal if you are 37 and younger.

 

I am not sure if they still offer it, but the dues were like under 4k for the year. Obviously you have to pay for carts, caddies, food/beverage etc. You need to have a member sponsor.

 

I am surprised there initiation and fees are still high for regular membership. I have heard the last few years that they have been struggling for members, but it seems they do not want to let go of certain traditions.

 

Forsgate is a nice club. Battleground in nearby Manalapan is an excellent club as well.

 

Where are you located?

 

Thanks for the reply. My work just moved to the Asbury Park area not too long ago so I'll be moving up there some time soon from further south on the parkway. I just started checking out the area for possible clubs. Metedeconk caught my eye not only from the golf side of things but also the sporting clays, which I do enjoy. Any bit of information helps as it might help me realize whats realistic and when I do move, location. Other ones I noticed in the area were Jumping Brook(seemed more affordable) to the two more exclusive ones in Deal and Spring Lake.

I live in nearby Tinton Falls. We have some phenomenal public courses in Monmouth County, but it is a nice perk to be a member at a private club.

Deal is an excellent club. The course is not overly long, about 6400 yards, par 71, but it has tight fairways and tough greens. It plays longer than it says. If you get a chance, do not pass it up. I know a member.

Hollywood maybe the best course in the area. It has been ranked in the top 200 in the country. Very tricky greens it is long. Over 7,000 yards from the tips. I also know a member there as well.

Spring Lake is one of the best manicured courses in the area, but as far as the course, I did not find it as enjoyable as Deal and it is more expensive, as far as the initiation fee. Plus you need 5 members to sponsor and they have a waiting list.

Jumping Brook is probably the most affordable and I think it is the toughest course around. The greens are almost unfair at times. I personally do not care for the layout.

A course I would check out is Battleground in Manalapan. It would take 30-35 minutes, but it is a fun course, no initiation fee, reasonable dues and a very nice clubhouse. They redid the bar downstairs and it is very nice.

If you are looking to tee it up, shoot me a message.

 

I live in nearby Tinton Falls. We have some phenomenal public courses in Monmouth County, but it is a nice perk to be a member at a private club.

 

Deal is an excellent club. The course is not overly long, about 6400 yards, par 71, but it has tight fairways and tough greens. It plays longer than it says. If you get a chance, do not pass it up. I know a member.

 

Hollywood maybe the best course in the area. It has been ranked in the top 200 in the country. Very tricky greens it is long. Over 7,000 yards from the tips. I also know a member there as well.

 

Spring Lake is one of the best manicured courses in the area, but as far as the course, I did not find it as enjoyable as Deal and it is more expensive, as far as the initiation fee. Plus you need 5 members to sponsor and they have a waiting list.

 

Jumping Brook is probably the most affordable and I think it is the toughest course around. The greens are almost unfair at times. I personally do not care for the layout.

 

A course I would check out is Battleground in Manalapan. It would take 30-35 minutes, but it is a fun course, no initiation fee, reasonable dues and a very nice clubhouse. They redid the bar downstairs and it is very nice.

 

If you are looking to tee it up, shoot me a message.

I can't believe I left out Hollywood, I've heard nothing but great things I played both courses at Charleston Springs often during college and enjoyed them both. I think ultimately it comes down to location of where I end up living as proximity is a large factor for me. Thanks for all the information and I will look into Battleground. Once I get settled down, we will have to tee it up! Looking forward to spring.

Anyone have any opinions on choosing between Little Mill and Medford village? Moving to the area and am going to check both out.

Little mil is nice. I toured it. A lot of trees. I belonged to woodcrest this year and was very happy. Great value for what you pay and really nice course.

I looked at Woodcrest but having an irons only driving range turned me off. I appreciate the feedback !

I couldn’t agree more with you it was my biggest pet peeve. I carry my driver over 300 yards and even with limited flight balls and standing at the longest part of the range I couldn’t hit driver. I hit a lot of chip drivers all season and it really pissed me off. Still can’t ignore the value If price is a concern!

Carry 300 eh?

Don't we all?

yea i understand the urge to make a comment like that...unfortunately it was a legit problem for me and the reason i didn't renew my membership there

Hollywood should definitely be looked at. During the state open that course was as tough as any I've played. Phenomenal course.

Regarding Medford village vs little mill . It all depends on what you want. Little Mill is a true golfers club, not great amenities, 27 very good holes , solid conditions , hardcore golfers. You can always get a game at mill and lots of fun. Village is very nice 18, solid conditions, pool, tennis and more family oriented. Not a lot of good golfers etc but is run more like a country club while Little Mill is a golf club

You don’t carry 300.