Atlantic City Golf Vacations- Course Spotlight Atlantic City CC

Solutions for the Vacation Challenged

Article by: Mike Sutorius
It is time to plan your next vacation. However, you are again faced with your most common vacation challenge. What is that challenge, you ask? Well, let me remind you. Your wife says she just wants to experience history, culture, and new flavors, no matter the destination. You say that you just want to play golf, no matter the destination. Where to go? What to do? How to coordinate or sequence the trip so that you are both happy with the results? Here is the solution: Do both! Here is the destination: Atlantic City Country Club.
“Ladies first,” so let’s start with the history, the culture, and the flavors. Atlantic City C.C. began over a century ago in 1897, and has effectively seen, experienced, and helped to write the history and to define the culture of golf in America. In fact, the club’s slogan is “Play a Round With History!” Indeed, there exists a rich and intriguing past that includes multiple and varied celebrities, some of golf’s most venerable events and participants, fine dining, and even the purported origination of two of golf’s most recognizable (and sought after) terms.
In the early days of the club, the golf-loving, high rollers from New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia would catch the train and head for Atlantic City for gambling and golf. The golf course was not only one of the most prestigious early tracks, but it was also the closest nearly-year-round golfing destinations for those looking to escape the icy-cold, snow covered northeast. Soon, industrial leaders, politicians, actors, athletes, and celebrities were all clamoring to be part of the Atlantic City Country Club unofficial Who’s Who list. Over the years, regulars included Bing Crosby, Joe Pesci, Robert D Niro, Willie Mays, Joe Namath, Bob Hope, and even Madonna. Trolleys would roll back and forth from the club to downtown Atlantic City and the famous boardwalk, bringing Society’s Sweethearts to and from this new favorite playground. Near the clubhouse was a large bell that was rung at the end of each day to signal golfers that the last trolley was leaving for the city. The bell is no longer rung but it still remains, and is used in the course’s logo, and as the inspiration for the tee markers throughout the course.

Bell tee marker at Atlantic City CC

From the standpoint of actual golf history, Atlantic City C.C. has an equally impressive resume’, beginning with the six national championships it has hosted. The first was the 1901 U.S. Amateur that was won by the legendary Walter Travis. The second was the 1948 U.S. Women’s Open that was won by the celebrated Babe Zaharias. Other major events were the 1967 Senior Women’s Amateur, the 1975 U.S. Women’s Open, and the 1997 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur. The first ever Senior competition, the 1980 Senior International was also hosted by A.C.C.C and was won by Don January.
A very unique part of the club’s golf history is the origins of the terms “birdie” and “eagle.” A.C.C.C. is credited with the creation and use of both! Where would golf be today without those expressions?
Architecturally, the club can claim contributors that form a veritable “A-list” of golf course designers. Renowned early American architects John Reid and Willie Park Jr. are credited with the original design. Since their early efforts, though, other distinguished designers have played a role in the evolution of the course. William Flynn, who designed the renowned Shinnecock Hills on Long Island, conducted a major renovation in 1925. This was the last major overhaul that occurred until 1999 when Tom Doak, who famously designed Pacific Dunes 3000 miles away on the Oregon Coast, was hired to conduct a major renovation effort.
Even the original clubhouse, has been incorporated into the construction of the existing complex. This “throwback” facility is a virtual history museum all by itself. Not only does it have a nostalgic, old-school locker room, but it houses the “Tap Room.” This bar and grill was recently named by Golf Digest as one of the 50 Best 19th Holes. The bar has a spike-marked original wood floor, a classic dark-wood bar and is famous for its fresh seafood, succulent steaks, and one of the area’s finest Sunday Brunches. The walls of the Tap Room hold a tapestry of photos, memorabilia, and evidence of a very storied past.

Atlantic City CC clubhouse

Now, here is the “kicker:” What once was an ultra-private playground for the rich and famous is now owned by Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., and has quietly been available for public play since 2007! This recent public access allows you to practice your swing at the same facility where Arnold Palmer honed his game for two years while he was serving at a nearby Coast Guard station. You can traverse the same fairways as Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Sam Snead, and Bobby Jones. You can challenge a course that has hosted major championships and crowned major champions. You and your wife can have a drink and a meal while observing one of the finest views available of the kaleidoscopic Atlantic City skyline. She can soak up the unique ambiance that originated with the entertainment industry’s elite for over a century, and is culminated in the photographic and printed montage of political, professional, and pop culture artfully displayed throughout the clubhouse. And, if you are lucky, you may even record a great score at the birthplace of the birdie and the eagle.

Atlantic City CC 15th

Now, if you and your significant other can’t agree on Atlantic City Country Club as your next destination, may I suggest scrapping the vacation plans altogether?