Shore Gate Golf Club

[jeremyblre21]

Southern NJ.. for those who travel to Atlantic City

Shore Gate Golf Club has been rated "best new courses in America" and "4 1/2 stars" by Golf Digest in 2003, as well as "Top Ten you can play in America" by Golf Magazine. Shore Gate is located in Lakeview, NJ just 30 minutes south from Atlantic City.

The rates for this public course can be steep (summer $115) but the layout and conditions make Shore Gate a true value.

Black par 72 7227 yards 75.3 136
Blue par 72 6794 yards 73.3 132
White par 72 6400 yards 70.8 128

Shore Gate Golf Club has many hazards off every tee and surrounding each green. A total of 7 ponds and 88 bunkers may come into play. Don't let these hazards scare you away from playing Shore Gate as most of the fairways and greens are large but appear much smaller due to the architects created illusion. The fairways never get boring as they are undulated. A variety of lies in the fairway will make you think twice before you hit your second shot. The greens have distinctive tiers and shapes creating what seems to be three separate greens on each giant green. If your ball finds the wrong plateau it will test your touch to manage a two putt. The bunkers surrounding the greens are large and deep, you'll be lucky if you can see the top of the flag when you enter one of these beasts. With all its challenges Shore Gate is still very playable and really only penalizes those who take the risk and don't succeed. Not a single hole mimics another and the course gives a variety of challenges, the course never seems boring as a change of pin from one day to the next can add or subtract 40 yards alone to each hole.

Notables:

Hole 3 Par 4 404/ 386/ 374
Hole three bends ever so slightly to the left with water running along the left side and more bunkers then you can count on both hands from tee to the green on the right. If you do avoid the trouble and find the fairway, it is one of the most uneven on the course. This only adds to the challenge of the second shot to a uphill narrow green surrounded by deep bunkers.

Hole 9 Par 5 648/ 616/ 577
No doubt this hole is long and will take three shots even from the longest of hitters. The tee shot is not difficult but finding the fairway is a must. Now the difficulty of the hole begins as a huge pond runs from 250 yards to the green. Your tee shot will land anywhere from 320 - 370 yards to the green. Similar to TPC Sawgrass 18th the second shot at Shore Gate bends to the left and a decision must be made on how much to risk. My advice stay away from the pond aim towards the furthest bunker on the right and give yourself 120-150 yards. Take a par and move to the 10th tee!

Hole 14 Par 3 144/ 130/ 112
Many great courses have variety and this hole adds to the charm of Shore Gate. Like most short par three's this green is small and severely sloped. It may be the best chance for birdie all day but quick double isn't far away if you miss the green. Aim at the flag and don't fear.

My Tip:
As always choose the appropriate tee as the course will eat you alive if you don't. The course may be long but strategy will prevail. Take your chances when you feel confident. I've found laying back off the tee with certain winds and staying further back on the par 5's with second shots will give you the best angles and opportunities.

www.shoregategolfclub.com