BEDMINSTER TOWNSHIP, N.J., March 14, 2008 … Combining classic style with modern technology and agronomics, Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club will unveil this season its renovated River Course, one of three distinguished golf courses at the private corporate club that follow the natural, rolling terrain along the Lamington River.
The River Course now features a modified configuration that alters course strategy throughout. The new layout consists of two original nines designed by renowned golf course architect Hal Purdy in 1965, combining what most recently were the front nine of the Meadow Course and front nine of the River Course.
“We have retained the classic style of the River Course, while adding a modern touch,” said Tom Breiner, GCSAA, Fiddler’s Elbow golf course superintendent who directed the renovation project.
Among the major changes to the River Course, the No. 1 hole was shortened from a par 5 to a par 4, complete with a new green complex, while the No. 6 hole has been lengthened from a par 4 to a par 5, which is to play 550 yards from the new back tees. The course is to remain a par 72.
Bunkering changes can be found throughout the River Course. Existing bunkers were redone, or replaced with new bunkers located more strategically to accommodate the modern player and equipment. Further infrastructure work included complete modernization of the irrigation and drainage systems, along with the laying of several miles of asphalt cart paths.
“The course will be a better test of golf,” Breiner said. “Each hole will be more interesting and more appropriate for today’s modern game.”
The ensemble of golf courses are the focal point of Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club, nestled along a scenic span of Somerset and Hunterdon Counties of northwestern New Jersey. The distinctive routings of each of the golf courses traverses their natural habitat.
The River Course routing is along the Lamington River, the Meadow Course is within the confines of the old dairy meadows and pastures and the Forest Course is situated amongst the hardwoods and evergreens on the southwest section of the property. All these course routings provide a unique diversity of scenic as well as championship golf challenges. The 54 holes at Fiddler’s Elbow comprise New Jersey’s largest range of golf options, while retaining an intimate golf environment.
As the courses have undergone alterations the past 40-plus years, one constant has been their superior playing conditions, which feature Bentgrass greens, fairways and tees, with Kentucky bluegrass/fescue rough throughout each layout.
“The latest improvements have been made to maintain our standard of playing conditions and improve the aesthetics of the course,” Breiner said. “The redesign is nothing severe. Our goal was to make improvements, but maintain the integrity of each golf hole.”
The design characteristics still include numerous uphill and downhill shots, several doglegs and mostly generous fairway landing areas.
The River Course now begins with what most recently was the front nine of the Meadow Course, and closed with a new back nine consisting of what was the front nine of the River Course. As a result of the changes, the Meadow Course now consists of the back nines of the two courses, while the Forest Course was unaffected by the renovation.
About Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club
Founded in 1965, Fiddler’s Elbow offers executives an escape from the halls of industry and commerce to the amenities of fine dining, superior golf and business facilities. Fiddler’s Elbow provides its membership an atmosphere conducive to both formal and informal exchange of ideas where business and social relationships can be nurtured. Although it is the largest private country club in the state, Fiddler’s Elbow retains an intimate environment and service that is personal and attentive. The three superbly conditioned courses offer a unique diversity of challenge and a broad range of options for both personal play and private events. The club proudly hosts some of the most prestigious corporate, charity and PGA golf tournaments in the state. The club is located at 811 Rattlesnake Bridge Road, Bedminster Township, N.J. For general information call (908) 439-2123; for the golf shop call (908) 439-2513.
Contact:
Karen Moraghan
Hunter Public Relations ? East
(908) 876-5100
kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com
www.hunter-pr.com
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