Heritage Links Golf Club

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT > GOLF

By Ray Schweibert

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Aug. 12, 2009

Address: 1375 Route 9, Ocean View

Phone: 390-4500

Details: Heritage Links is a cozy nine-hole course sited about two miles west of Corson’s Inlet State Park, and about three miles inland between Strathmere and Ocean City. The Scottish links-style course is steeped in history, and is located on land owned through 11 generations of the Corson family — whalers who were among the first permanent settlers in Cape May County. Designed by course architect Mike Gaffney on 51 acres, the 1,700-yard, par-30 course was opened by Curtis Corson Jr. in 2001.

Those who avoid golf courses bordered by residential development will likely enjoy Heritage Links, as it has what are undoubtedly the quietest neighbors in southern New Jersey. It overlooks a cemetery where generations of the Corson family were laid to rest, back when it was not uncommon to inter the deceased on residential property.

There are few sand traps at Heritage Links, and while it has been highly rated among less-experienced golfers it is not without challenging holes. One of its most challenging is the 109-yard, par-three third hole, which has an elevated tee and no fairway — just a pond that golfers must hit over to reach the green. The course consists of six par-threes and three par-fours, the longest of which (the sixth hole) is just 339 yards long from the back of three tee boxes.

Other course amenities include a pro shop, a snack bar and a practice putting green. Greens fees throughout the summer are $25 for nine holes and $40 for 18 (i.e. a $15 replay fee). Carts are $7.50 per nine holes per person. Fall rates drop to $20 for nine holes and $28 for 18.

Local Kids Compete: Four Junior Golfers Association of America (JGAA) members from South Jersey performed well recently at the Optimist International Championship (OIC) in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and the U.S. Kids Golf Teens World Championship (TWC) in Pinehurst, N.C. Typically there are about 26 countries that participate in these world/international events, and they are among the top-eight largest stand-alone junior golf tournaments in the world. Both events have qualifiers by state, region or district that you must win, so just getting there is quite an accomplishment. All four local JGAA participate on the Cape Jr. Golf Tour and/or the JGA Tour. Alexander Hicks, age 16, placed 48th out of 146 qualifiers in the OIC’s 16-18 division. David Hicks, 12, placed 66th out of 88 in the 12-13 age group. Both are from Cape May Court House. Heather Petronis, 16, placed 29th of 79 in the OIC and John Petronis, 13, who qualified for the OIC but opted instead to play in the TWC, was 91st out of 141 in that tournament. Both are from Northfield. Congratulations to all!