Atlantic City Weekly

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Details: Twisted Dune is a links-style course that opened in May 2001. It is uniquely structured with dramatic elevations and deep bunkers that line twisting and contoured fairways. Local golf-course architect Archie Struthers designed it on acreage that was once a horse farm, moving an estimated two million cubic yards of land to give it the appearance and playability of a course on the Scottish Coast. Construction took about two years.

The course measures 7,336 yards from the long tees, 6,777 yards from the middle tees and 5,870 yards from the front tees. It features four par-5s (each over 500 yards), four par-3s and 10 par-4s. It is accommodating to all skill levels and is consistently rated on the “best of” list of every major golf trade publication.

“What makes Twisted Dune so unique is the fact that most people probably think of South Jersey as flat, and we’re the one golf course in the area that has more elevation changes than any other,” says Scott Dunn, general manager and head golf professional at Twisted Dune since 2003. “And in some cases you’re talking 75 to 100 feet of elevation, which is substantial. I think that’s why a lot of people like to play here — because it’s different from all the other golf courses in the area.”

Dunn estimates that about 80 percent of Twisted Dune’s players are tourists or part-time area residents.

“We did try to keep in mind that a lot of the people who come to the shore are just here on weekends or short stretches,” he says. “Over the years we’ve seen many of the same people coming back and playing again, which says a lot for the golf course since they obviously enjoy playing here.”

Twisted Dune is part of Empire Golf Management’s ClubMax program, which offers playing privileges at six other exceptional clubs. It also has a series of membership packages, including a “one-day” membership that entitles holders to play on a specific day of the week of their choosing. For these and special monthly packages, check out the club’s Web site (twisteddune.com).

Public rates through Sept. 7 are $89 until noon Monday through Thursday, $80 from noon-2pm and $65 after 3pm. Friday-through-Sunday rates are $105/90/75. Between Sept. 8 and Oct. 25 rates decrease roughly $10 per timeframe, and winter rates kick in Oct. 26, when a round is just $49 dawn to dusk, seven days.

“We’re open year-round, and we get a lot of play during the winter on nice days,” says Dunn.

Twisted Dune is home to MC’s Golf Academy, which offers lessons and clinics under the guidance of PGA pros Matt Callaghan, David Wixon and Dunn.

“The Golf Academy has done very well for us this year,” says Dunn. “It’s probably been our busiest season of the last five.”

Golf Pro Tip: This week’s tip comes from Dan Marshall, head golf professional at Buena Vista Country Club. It has to do with maintaining positive focus. “The old saying stands true — the hardest thing in golf is to control the six inches between the ears. There are a couple of tips to keep in mind during your round. One is to remain positive. Always try to take something positive out of every shot. Always remind yourself that you can hit that green or make that putt. Two is to focus. It is important to take it one shot at a time. With every shot you should have a specific target, and should keep your eyes on the ball at all times.

“The last is to have fun. Golf is only a game, and it is meant to be enjoyed.”— Ray Schweibert

Golf Tournaments (See 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 reponded 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.

Tuesday, Sept. 22