Atlantic City Weekly

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Address:

1030 Somers Point-Mays Landing Rd., EHT

Phone: 625-9131 (pro shop)

On the Web: greentree.aclink.org

Details: Green Tree is a parkland-style course that has been owned by Atlantic County since 1992, and operated by the Atlantic County Improvement Authority since 2007. The 18-hole, par-70 course (par 73 from the farthest of four tee boxes) is 5,440 yards long from the expert tees. It features tree-lined fairways and some sort of water hazard on nearly every hole, including a creek that runs the entire left side of the 14th fairway. It is open year-round (weather permitting) and features a newly expanded refreshment stand, a lockerroom-equipped clubhouse, pro shop, driving range and practice green. Lessons and clinics are available, and junior camps take place on weekends throughout the fall. Green Tree general manager and PGA pro John Hammer conducts the camps and clinics, and is available for private lessons. Greens fees are $21 to walk and $35 to ride during the week, and $26 to walk, $40 to ride on weekends. Discounts are offered to Atlantic County residents, seniors and juniors with proof of ID. Hours of operation are dawn to dusk. The par-5 third hole is its longest at 596 yards from the expert tees, and is the course’s most challenging, says Hammer. Its shortest is the par-3 fourth hole at just 89 yards from the novice tees.

Golf Pro Tip: This week’s tip comes from John Hammer, general manager and head PGA golf professional at Green Tree Golf Course in EHT. It has to do with building a little extra power. “Almost everyone wants to get more distance. Here’s a drill that will help you ‘release’ the club through impact — a vital key to greater clubhead speed and longer shots.

“When you take your grip, separate your hands on the club by about an inch. Apply all fingers to the club, then make full practice swings. You should be able to ‘feel’ the clubhead release through the impact zone. You should also feel a little more ‘snap’ in your downswing.

“Next, practice hitting balls from a tee using your natural swing. This free release should promote solid contact and more distance. Also, since the clubface is closing through impact, the ball should draw from right to left and roll a bit further.”

Golf Tournaments (See More and Good Golf Guide at acweekly.com)

Friday, Sept. 11

13th Annual MMSC Golf Tournament
Vineyards Golf Course at the Renault Winery, EHC. The tournament benefits the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, which is a non-profit organization that has responded to over 3,500 whale, dolphin, seal and sea turtle strandings over the past 31 years. The entry fee for the tournament is $145 per person and includes greens fees, cart, box lunch, an awards reception, door prizes and a goodie bag. There is a special discount for registering as a foursome. Prizes will be awarded in contests for closest-to-the-pin and longest drive, and participants will have a chance to win a new car with a hole-in-one. Register at the MMSC, 3625 Brigantine Blvd. in Brigantine, at the Renault Winery, 72 N. Bremen Ave. in EHC, or you can call the MMSC at 266-0538 or visit mmsc.org.

Saturday, Sept. 12

Sixth Annual Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Classic
Harbor Pines Golf Club. EHT. The Atlantic City Fire Department “Sand Pipers” Pipe Band hosts the tournament. Shotgun start is at 1:30pm. Registration at noon. Cost of $140 per golfer covers greens fees, golf cart, admission to ceili (Irish dance), entertainment and food. For information, contact Capt. Norm Wilson at 513-0336.

Saturday, Sept. 12