Private clubs, Monmouth Co. NJ

[philsRHman]

Friendly to 30-somethings?

I was a member at Glenwood CC in Old Bridge last year and for multiple reasons I want to explore my options this season. Glenwood was a great bargain (1500) because I got in as an intermediate member since I'm under 35. But I (and some others echo'd this) felt that the older members were pretty standoffish and closed off. I understand this is likely at most clubs, especially if there is a discounted membership designed to build the membership rolls and infuse some money into the place.

I'm living in northern Monmouth County and I know there are awesome county courses here, but my preference is a place I can be a member, possibly bring the wife to dinner, or have her meet me at the pool or something. I don't know what's out there that would be anywhere remotely near our price range. A couple I've found in the area are: Beacon Hill; Rumson CC; Navesink CC; Bamm Hollow; Colts Neck CC. Anyone have any information on any of these? Any others in the area? I have a feeling Rumson and Navesink are big time money and Bamm Hollow lists their prices which are too steep (5500 for a "junior" membership for under 35).

Any info would be great.

[InTheHole]

I'm a member at Colts Neck, which is semi-private and reasonably priced.

[url="http://www.coltsneckgolfclub.com/golf/proto/coltsneckgolfclub/"]http://www.coltsneckgolfclub.com/golf/proto/coltsneckgolfclub/[/url]

The course is not the longest in the area, but it makes up for that with the rough, trust me- gotta hit the fairway or you'll have a long day. Many of my coworkers played it last year and they all came back saying they loved playing the course. In fact, many of the courses were losing their greens last summer due to the weather, and our greens and fairways were in excellent condition.

The clubhouse is great. Again, not the most elaborate in the area, but your initiation fee isn't $84,000 either. And the chef is excellent. The facilities are clean, nicely maintained, and more than adequate. I'd say CNGC is more geared towards golf and not "country club."

They have a few tournaments and a 10 event "association" with separate events twice per month with all different formats.

Last year was my first year of club membership and I loved it. Can't wait for the snow to melt and the season to start. I met lots of really nice people. Yes, semi-private means the general public can show up after 10AM, but it hasn't been a problem. A lot of the members don't have a problem mixing with non-members- I haven't seen ANY snobbery. The staff is also very helpful and accomodating.

Can't say enough good things. I think CNGC is great.

I encourage you to check out the web site and call the office to get the details on the different membership plans.

[philsRHman]

Thanks for the info. I've played Colts Neck a few times and was very impressed with the conditions. The greens were especially nice. My concern would be the length of the course, which is fun a couple times as a change from a 6800-7000, but at 6200 that's quite short. I've left a message for the membership dept, so I'll see what the rates look like. If you know the ballpark cost for the membership they list for golfers up to 40, that would be great to know. When it says you get member tee times before 10 a.m. on weekends, does that mean you can bring guests that early? Or is it members only up until that time?

[AP2 712]

[quote name='philsRHman' timestamp='1295497975' post='2909687']
I was a member at Glenwood CC in Old Bridge last year and for multiple reasons I want to explore my options this season. Glenwood was a great bargain (1500) because I got in as an intermediate member since I'm under 35. But I (and some others echo'd this) felt that the older members were pretty standoffish and closed off. I understand this is likely at most clubs, especially if there is a discounted membership designed to build the membership rolls and infuse some money into the place.
[/quote]

I didn't feel the same way. I played with some of the older members during the season and it seemed to me that I would be welcomed if I wanted to play in their money game.

The staff at the club was very friendly and helpful as well all season long. The course itself is a beast, nothing against Colts Neck which is very well kept but it does not compare. The course seems to have been built with limited space and there are too many super short par 4's. And oh yea, you do have to battle the public for tee times.

Glenwood opened the intermediate membership to unrestricted play which to me is great, I'm signed on for 2011 and I can't wait for the new season!!!

Either way.... good luck and if you stay at Glenwood and would like to play...just shoot me a PM.

[CassinoNorth]

Used to date a girl who's family was a member at Navesink and lived on the street parallel with Rumson CC.

Both are quite uppity and expensive clubs. Played both...Navesink is by far the better track, clubhouse, etc. Rumson's course is for the most part very flat and boring.

[philsRHman]

Yeah, I'd say for the most part I enjoyed the season at Glenwood. Dave in the pro shop was great to deal with and for the most part the outside ops guys were great, especially Joe (I think) the starter and the tall skinny cart guy (I'm terrible with names. The guys who play in the Staten Island group were always really welcoming and asked me several times if I wanted to play. I'd say I'm 80 pct going back to Glenwood, but there are a few annoying things, such as the range surface being terrible and only opening the grass for a split second, and even when it was on the grass I was digging up rocks and crap constantly. As opposed to years past, I think the Glenwood greens crew deserves credit because they kept the greens going and in pretty good shape even while others were losing greens all over the region.

[Slapjax7s]

The $1500 deal was great and I don't think it can be beat anywhere else. My brother and I both did that at Glenwood and walked most of the time so it certainly was a deal. The no tee time thing was a bit of a pain, but I really never had a hard time finding a tee time. At CNGC and Woodlake CC, you pay about $1000-1300 and that is only making you a "member," their are "reduced" greens fees you have to pay which is around $50-70 plus a cart. I will agree 100% that Glenwood was in GREAT shape this year and is not as easy as everyone thinks. Colts neck is a little rinky dink in my personal opinion, it just hasn't matured enough. Knob Hill actually had a nice deal last year but I do not see it on their site for 2011.

[philsRHman]

I talked to Colts Neck today and they have a discounted full membership for guys up to 40. However, it's still 4K, which includes all your greens fees, cart fees, driving range. But the deal is that you really get nothing that the public can't have other than making tee times before 10 on the weekend, which I typically don't do anyway. Thought it would be lower than that but the math doesn't add up.

I'm pretty sure I'll reup at Glenwood. Just can't put my finger on why I'm not as excited as last year. Less about Glenwood and more just wondering what else is out there.

[AP2 712]

Have you checked out Battleground? Last year it was $3,200 + $1,000 min on food and beverage.

[CameronFreak]

if You don't mind driving i heard some place ocean countys Eagle Ridge is Giving alot of bang for the buck !!!!

[LennyTheLip]

[quote name='CameronFreak' timestamp='1297201739' post='2961065']
if You don't mind driving i heard some place ocean countys Eagle Ridge is Giving alot of bang for the buck !!!!
[/quote]

I had a few friends that worked there, and let me in on a little known fact. They run a large number of outings annually, and it can be tough to get a teetime at times in season.

[richaong]

Check out jumping brook.

[richaong]

[quote name='adam62482' timestamp='1295666627' post='2914156']
Have you checked out Battleground? Last year it was $3,200 + $1,000 min on food and beverage.
[/quote]

What's the age range for that?

I think I played the club championship with you last year at Glenwood.

[AP2 712]

[quote name='richaong' timestamp='1301451465' post='3101034']
[quote name='adam62482' timestamp='1295666627' post='2914156']
Have you checked out Battleground? Last year it was $3,200 + $1,000 min on food and beverage.
[/quote]

What's the age range for that?

I think I played the club championship with you last year at Glenwood.
[/quote]

Yup you certainly did...that was a forgettable round for me!!!

When I checked last year I think Battleground was under 35...I could be wrong

Are you back at Glenwood this year?

[philsRHman]

I rejoined Glenwood. It was too good a deal to pass up. Every other spot I checked was well over 3K or would have been once you added fees, etc. Truth is, I really just care about the golf course, and I'd say Glenwood has most of the others in the area beaten. Can't even complain about the conditions like in years past, so I'm looking forward to a great season. There has to be at least 5-10 WRXers on the membership rolls, so hopefully we can find each other out there.

- Ron

[richaong]

I didn't rejoin. I can't get the killer deal now that I am 36. I joined golf club of nj which so far is pretty cool. It's only once a week so I'll be at hominy or charleston springs a lot.

[philsRHman]

Wow, did they actually ask for you birthday? I'd think they'd have just looked the other way if they're still hurting for members, although they were saying that this year's membership is up quite a bit.

[BigMike300c]

i play colts neck often as a Non Member.. great course but not worth the membership fee's.. same thing goes for Knob Hill..

if i was to join a private course it would have to be private to members only..

[Pit_Man]

Only private place I've been out that way is Raritan Valley CC. Good course, nice clubhouse- great bar, brand new pool area.
I was a guest and have no clue about cost or if its close enough for you.
Come to think of it, not sure why I'm pretending to contribute here.

[stevenpol]

since you didn't say how much you consider too much, the time is truly ripe to try to get into a great course. talk to the membership people at each course. private courses need new members desperately. hell, if i were you i would call hollywood and see if there was a deal that you could afford. get your foot in the door now, it might last a lifetime. a friend once told me that it is good to belong to a great course, and hollywood is a great course. otherwise, go to bamm hollow or battleground, both nice. pay a little more now, it might be worth it later.

[quote name='philsRHman' timestamp='1295497975' post='2909687']
I was a member at Glenwood CC in Old Bridge last year and for multiple reasons I want to explore my options this season. Glenwood was a great bargain (1500) because I got in as an intermediate member since I'm under 35. But I (and some others echo'd this) felt that the older members were pretty standoffish and closed off. I understand this is likely at most clubs, especially if there is a discounted membership designed to build the membership rolls and infuse some money into the place.

I'm living in northern Monmouth County and I know there are awesome county courses here, but my preference is a place I can be a member, possibly bring the wife to dinner, or have her meet me at the pool or something. I don't know what's out there that would be anywhere remotely near our price range. A couple I've found in the area are: Beacon Hill; Rumson CC; Navesink CC; Bamm Hollow; Colts Neck CC. Anyone have any information on any of these? Any others in the area? I have a feeling Rumson and Navesink are big time money and Bamm Hollow lists their prices which are too steep (5500 for a "junior" membership for under 35).

Any info would be great.
[/quote]

[Shibby1507]

You should just get a monmouth county golf card. Great courses to play, hominy hill is a good course, Howell park, Chalreston springs north and south, and some times shark river. My brother and I were looking to join a course, but we decided to just stick to the monmouthy county courses. And Knob Hill isnt a bad price as well for a round.