The ShopRite LPGA Classic Returns to Atlantic City

The ShopRite LPGA Classic will return to southern New Jersey after a three-year absence. The event is scheduled for June 14th - 20th, 2010, at Seaview Resort's historic Bay Course in Galloway Township. The 54-hole official event will offer a $1.5M purse and will be televised on the Golf Channel.

The ShopRite Classic and the LPGA have a five-year contract, but each side could opt out during that stretch, said Tim Erensen of Atlantic City Golf, LLC, and the tournament's executive director. The tournament will compete against the U.S. Men’s Open at Pebble Beach, Calif., in 2010. However, the ShopRite Classic will move up to the weekend after Memorial Day beginning in 2011.

“The event did not leave because it wasn’t successful,” Erensen said. “We hope to have as long and as successful a run as the previous (management) group.” Erensen, 36, has been involved with the LPGA and professional golf since the mid-1990s. He was an executive with Octagon Worldwide Inc., a sports management company that ran several LPGA events, including the Sybase Classic presented by ShopRite, which was held in May at Upper Montclair Country Club the last two years. Karen Meleta, spokesperson for ShopRite, said Wakefern jumped at the chance to have the tournament back in the Atlantic City-area. “We never wanted to leave Atlantic City,” she said. “Circumstances made that happen. When were presented with an opportunity to return, we couldn’t resist. We’re coming back home.”

Originally known as the Atlantic City Classic, the tournament began in 1986 and was played at several courses near Atlantic City with the first two and last nine years played at Seaview. The tournament was officially changed to the ShopRite LPGA Classic in 1992 when Wakefern Food Corporation took over as title sponsor. The event was cancelled in 2007 when the LPGA decided to host a different event on the date traditionally reserved for the ShopRite LPGA Classic. Organizers of the local event and the LPGA could not come up with another date that worked for both.

The event was a popular spectator event with local golfers, an economic boon to the area and a huge source of donations for local charities. Since the 1980s, ShopRite has donated more than $22 million to charities by sponsoring LPGA events.

Story reported by http://pressofatlanticcity.com/.

Fall Golfing in Atlantic City: Nearby for Many, Plenty of Choices.

Fall golfing in Atlantic City: nearby for many, plenty of choices.

Many Spirit Airline flights from Atlantic City take golfers to the courses of Myrtle Beach and Fort Myers. Although the Atlantic City area does not feature nearly the number of courses as do those two areas, AC is no slouch when it comes to hosting public players and September through October is a great time to test the Atantic City courses.

In addition to offering extras for after your golf round, the Atlantic City area is blessed with excellent Autumn weather, thanks to the moderating effect of the ocean.

Following is a run-down of public courses within about 20 minutes of the casinos.

The Links at Brigantine Beach is on the island just north of Atlantic City---just drive between Trump Marina and Harrah's and head over the bridge. Brigantine is a Scottish links design, surrounded by marsh, that has undergone major upgrades in recent years. The clubhouse facility is modest but adequate. http://www.brigantinegolf.com/

Twisted Dune, in spite of its name, is a few miles inland from Atlantic City. It is laid out through rolling sand dunes and is almost devoid of trees. Estimating the wind is cited as one of the challenges to this interesting course. Greens are large, and management asserts that tee times are further apart than the average course to avoid contact with other foursomes. http://www.twisteddune.com/

Harbor Pines, nestled in an upscale managed housing community just a few long drives away from Twisted Dune, boasts of a 4-Star rating by Golf Digest and accolades by Golf Magazine and Golf for Women. Adding to its appeal are five sets of tees, breathtaking vistas and17 acres of water. The clubhouse is large enough, and nice enough, to host a hundred or so for an after-tournament event. http://www.harborpines.com/

Blue Heron Pines is a Stephen Kay-designed course just West of the Atlantic City International Airport and an easy drive from the Boardwalk. It, too, is part of a planned residential community with homes sited around the edges of the fairways. It has hosted the USGA Public Links Championships and claims a Gold Digest 4-Star rating.
http://www.blueheronpines.com/

Mays Landing Golf & Country Club was designed by Leo Fraser, past president of the PGA and a leader in the history of the game, as well as former owner of the Atlantic City Country Club. It offers full practice facilities with a driving range, chipping and putting greens and PGA professionals are on hand for individual lessons. Recent upgrades have been made. http://www.mayslandinggolf.com/

Seaview Resort & Spa (pictured)---and two golf courses---was a very exclusive, private club when it opened in 1914. Local lore tells of U.S. presidents visiting for secret golf outings and no locals being accepted as members. The stately hotel and banquet facility, formerly with a Marriott flag, is now run by Dolce. Troon Golf manages the golf facilities: the Bay Course, former host to the ShopRite LPGA Classic and designed by legendary architect Donald Ross. Rerouted in April 2006 with thick rough and pot bunkers around the greens, "this now-famous course continues to challenge both amateur and professional golfers alike."

Seaview's Pines course, brainchild of the renowned design team of Toomey & Flynn, opened in 1929 with its scenic parkland setting carved from the inherent beauty of southern New Jersey’s pine forest. http://www.seaviewgolf.com/

If you're okay with driving a bit farther from Atlantic City, you can add few dozen more courses to your list in the neighboring counties.

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Fall Casino Hotel Package

Fall Casino Hotel Package ~ 2 Nights and 2 Rounds of Golf

Only $299 Per Golfer!

2 Nights, midweek stay, at Tropicana Casino and Resort

1 Round at Harbor Pines, Shore Gate or Sand Barrens w/cart

1 Round at Twisted Dune, Seaview or Blue Heron Pines w/cart

Bonus - "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" Steak Dinner at Pistol Pete's Steakhouse

Bonus - Group Leader Golfs Free with 12 or more golfers

All green fees, carts, and taxes included - Based on double occupancy

Valid for arrivals Sun-Wed from 9/13/09 - 12/31/09.

Golfing on Sunday or Friday will result in a surcharge.

Call for weekend pricing

Great Fall Golf Package

Fall Savings ~ 2 Nights and 2 Rounds of Golf in Atlantic City

Only $189 Per Golfer!
2 Nights at Fairfield Inn by Marriott, Ramada Inn or Comfort Inn North
2 Deluxe Breakfast (one each day) at Hotel
1 Round at Mays Landing Golf and Country Club
1 Lunch at Mays Landing Golf and Country Club
1 Round at The Links at Brigantine Beach
Bonus - "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" Steak Dinner at Pistol Pete's Steakhouse
Bonus - Group Leader Golfs Free with 12 or more golfers
All green fees, carts, and taxes included - Based on double occupancy
Valid for arrivals Sun-Wed after September 13, 2009
Add a midweek night for only $35 - Other courses availabe for a surcharge

*Based on midweek stays. Call for weekend pricing.
All Levels of Custom Golf Packages Available!
Other restrictions may apply. Not valid on Holidays or with any other special offers.

Sand Barrens Golf Club

"Top Ten You Can Play" by Golf Magazine and one of "America’s Best Modern Courses" by GolfWeek. This aesthetically spectacular layout offers three, nine-hole courses, each a 36-par. With a variety of challenges to golfers of all levels, the course terrain features tree-lined fairways, vast scrub bunkers and massive undulating greens. Each golf cart used at Sand Barrens has a state-of-the-art GPS tracking system, providing golfers with course layout, yardage, pace of play, shot measurements and play advice. Sand Barrens’ 18,000-square-foot clubhouse is the ideal place to relax after your round of golf. Meet your friends on the open veranda and watch other golfers finish or go inside to the Grille Room. Private banquet rooms can accommodate everything from a large wedding reception to a small business meeting.

Mays Landing Golf and Country Club

Dedicated to providing an exceptional golf experience, Mays Landing Golf & Country Club offers the “Best Birdie for the Buck” in the Atlantic City area. The course was designed by Leo Fraser, an Atlantic City golf pioneer and past president of the PGA. The tree-lined fairways and wide landing areas were designed with both novice and advanced golfers in mind. Since its founding in 1962, the course has been consistently improved, including a variety of renovations enhancing overall length and playability. The club boasts many amenities, including chipping and putting greens, a brand new practice facility managed by a full staff of PGA professionals, a fully stocked Pro Shop, Grille Room and flexible catering space for meetings, weddings, and banquets. Mays Landing continues to be one of the region’s most affordable courses. Click Here for more information and to book your next round of golf at Harbor Pines Golf Club.

Atlantic City: Jersey Jackpot

Source: http://www.golfweek.com/

By: MARTIN KAUFMANN - Managing Editor/The Golf Life

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – In the early 1850s, when he was courting investors for the rail line that would turn Atlantic City into a mega-resort, Dr. Jonathan Pitney rhapsodized about the virtues of Absecon Island – its pleasingly temperate seaside climate, its boating, fishing and other sporting activities – all just a short commute from Philadelphia and New York.

For Pitney, sometimes referred to as the “Father of Atlantic City,” it was an easy sale. The city charter was approved in March 1854, and four months later, the Camden and Atlantic Railroad began transporting vacationers to the new retreat.

I couldn’t help but wonder what Pitney would think of his creation as I looked across Lakes Bay at the skyline from the fourth tee of Atlantic City Country Club, ranked No. 1 among Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play in New Jersey. Located in Northfield, a few miles from Pitney’s home, Atlantic City CC opened in 1897, lending it a history almost as rich as the city whose name it bears.

Read the full story http://www.golfweek.com/story/atlantic-city-feature-062909

Harbor Pines Golf Club

Harbor Pines Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township, NJ is Ranked 4 stars by Golf Digest's Places to Play and is noted as one of the most prestigous golf clubs in New Jersey. This 18 Hole Championship layout offers world-class golf with a focus on pure enjoyment - a fair test of your game while still being player friendly with its wide open fairways and large, undulating greens! This great track includes five sets of tees, breathtaking vistas, 17 acres of water, and 520 acres of dense pine forest. Most holes are so private, you’ll feel like you’re playing each in your own natural amphitheater. Add the spectacular 20,000 sq. ft. clubhouse, full-service practice facilities and their attention to detail - it’s no wonder guests return again and again. It’s close to Atlantic City’s top attractions, yet a relaxed world apart, providing personalized VIP service every minute you are there. Click Here for more information and to book your next round of golf at Harbor Pines Golf Club.

New Direct Flights to Atlantic City!

AirTran Airways is now offering daily nonstop flights from Atlantic City International Airport in Atlantic City, N.J., to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. The low fare carrier also offers nonstop flights from Atlantic City, N.J. to Orlando, Fla. which began on June 12th.

To help celebrate the inaugural flight, the airline hosted an event at the airport featuring legendary musical group Earth, Wind & Fire. The six-time Grammy(R) Award winning band entertained the crowd by performing their 1981 hit "Let's Groove."

"We are pleased to add another world class destination to our route network," said John Kirby, senior director of strategic planning for AirTran Airways. "Our high-quality, low fare service will stimulate tourism with direct access to Atlantic City's sandy beaches and gaming attractions. In addition, South Jersey residents gain entry into our extensive route network with service to more than 40 destinations through Atlanta, while enjoying XM Satellite Radio and Gogo(R) Inflight Internet service."

"What a great day for Atlantic City residents and visitors to have AirTran Airways, with its low fares and great customer service, come to our airport," said Bart Mueller, executive director of the Atlantic City International Airport. "We welcome the airline to the airport and all the convenience and affordability it will bring to our patrons."

The following are daily nonstop flights between AC and Atlanta, GA:
Atlanta-AC - Flight #962 - departs @ 10:30am - Arrives @ 12:18pm
Atlanta-AC - Flight #964 - departs @ 4:55pm - Arrives @ 6:43pm
AC-Atlanta - Flight #963 - departs @ 12:53pm - Arrives @ 2:48pm
AC-Atlanta - Flight #965 - departs @ 7:22pm - Arrives @ 9:15pm

The following are Weekend only flights between AC & Orlando, FL:
AC-Orlando - Flight #1270 - departs @ 8:00am - Arrives @ 10:20am
Orlando-AC - Flight #1279 - departs @ 5:30pm - Arrives @ 7:40 pm

Be sure to check http://www.airtran.com/ for the most current schedules and fares.

The Links at Brigantine Beach

The closest “Must Play” golf course to Atlantic City’s legendary boardwalk and casinos is The Links at Brigantine Beach, an authentic Scottish links golf course on the barrier island of Brigantine Beach. Built in 1927,this seaside layout includes breathtaking bay views, gently rolling terrain with few trees, tidal water hazards, newly renovated bunkers and prevailing sea breezes. With itscoastal location, modern amenities and historic grandeur, The Links has its fair share of benefits: a comfortable year-round climate, a renovated clubhouse with a fullservice bar & grille, and a new fleet of carts with GPS. Recently rated 4 stars by Golf Digest's Places to Play, the dedicated professional staff is committed to making your next experience better than the last, as no other course matches the convenience and charm of The Links at Brigantine Beach!