Golf in Morris 2009
Very little has changed for the 2009 season at Rockaway River Country Club in Denville. The private course and all its facilities and amenities remain status quo and so, too, does its membership numbers, which means few families had to forego renewal due to economic woes.
Although there have been no significant renovations to the property, expect everyone affiliated with the club, including head professional Greg Baker, to be bursting with more noticeable pride. Rockaway River was chosen the 2009 Club of the Year by the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association at the end of February.
“The award is given for what the club and membership give back to the game,” Baker said. “It’s not for being the nicest course or club. We’ve hosted many tournaments over the years, and we’ve been charitable.”
Rockaway River, which was founded in 1915, has been a mecca for prestigious events for more than 50 years. Among the events the club has hosted are the NJPGA’s Dodge Open and the Ricoh Charity Clambake, nearly every NJSGA tournament and the MGA Championship (most recently in 2008) and the NJSWGA Amateur in 1999.
Baker believes the club probably has dedicated itself to 200-plus tournaments. In addition, he noted that Rockaway River’s members are listed as directors or serve on boards of every major golf association in New Jersey.
Even though the recession hasn’t affected Rockaway River’s membership, it apparently has kept the club and a good number of others from initiating large-scale projects. Mendham Golf Club has subtle differences, installing retaining walls on the ninth and 18th holes. Originally constructed with railroad ties, the walls are now made of rock.
“It’s not much, just a little cosmetic landscaping,” said Mendham pro Joe Kelly.
Fairmount in Chatham will have its members on more level footing, the result of the squaring off of some tee boxes.
Madison Golf Club didn’t alter anything on its nine-hole layout but will soon unveil an updated, more informative Web site, madisongolfclub.org, which features membership information.
Phase two of the renovations at Sunset Valley Golf Course, a Morris County Park Commission facility in Pequannock, are under way. A new second green will open in the fall. The tees have been redone on the fourth and fifth holes. Bunker work was done on the first hole, and irrigation issues are being addressed on Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 5.
“Golfers will appreciate that,” said Renee Klose, MCPC’s director of golf.
In the fall, phase three will start at Sunset Valley. At that time, a new green and new tees will be constructed on the seventh hole, and the pond on the second hole will be fixed.
Klose welcomed a new superintendent, Mike Candeloro, at Flanders Valley, site of two 18-hole layouts.
Candeloro, a graduate of Rutgers University with a bachelor’s degree in turfgrass management, takes over for long-time Flanders superintendent Mark Johnson, who now is at Berkshire Valley.
“This is a new challenge for me,” Candeloro said. “There are many holes at Flanders and a lot to look after.”
The Knoll East in Parsippany experienced a mild makeover, namely a routine cutting down and trimming of trees. The semi-private Knoll West underwent some much-needed changes last year, putting in new cart paths and resolving a few drainage problems.
Bowling Green in Oak Ridge has done some projects recently, eliminating large expanses of blacktop and installing pathways and grass areas at the first-tee area in order to provide a more park-like setting at the start of a round. Upon advice of a USGA consultant, the course has improved sunlight and airflow to the greens, thus improving turf quality.
To help golfers through tough economic times, greens fees will be reduced during certain time periods and various promotions will be offered. For example, in April, golfers received a third round after playing two.
Thomas J. Bishop, Bowling Green’s director of golf, announced that Wil Riggs, grandson of founder Albert Riggs, is now operations manager.
“Wil is continuing the family involvement to a third generation,” Bishop said. “As you know, this is important in our method of doing business. We believe our family atmosphere and our personal and professional service are paramount to keep our guests coming back.”
COURSES OUTSIDE MORRIS COUNTY
On April 4, Crystal Springs Resort’s nine-hole Cascades Course in Hamburg, available only to members last season, opened to the public. It is the resort’s seventh golf course. Designed by Roger Rulewich of the Golf Group Inc., it is nearly 3,600 yards and is suitable for beginners and young players. The peak greens fee is $49.
Regulars at Ballyowen, another Crystal Springs property, may be pleased to learn that golf carts can be driven on the fairways.
Rolling Green’s partner facility on Route 206 North, the Newton Golf Centre, now has heated and covered booths at its driving range.
Mine Brook in Hackettstown, a favorite of budget-conscious Morris County golfers, has a new superintendent, chef and sales manager.
Matt Manzi returns to Mine Brook as superintendent after six years at The Orchard in Massachusetts. Gennaro Bryant, formerly the chef and manager at Rolf’s in Watchung, is overseeing the new menu. Erik Bramble takes over as the coordinator of events, tournaments and banquets.
“We have great food quality, great course conditions and a great pace of play,” Mine Brook general manager Jim Gibson said. “We are also committed to great customer service and great draft beer.”
Gibson noted that some improvements have been made in the clubhouse, including replacing the doors at the banquet room entrance, painting the restaurant and installing flat-screen TVs.
