Northfield, N.J. (May 2016) – The Ottinger family of golf courses that include Atlantic City Country Club, Scotland Run Golf Club and Ballamor Golf Club has announced the completion of major renovations to the Atlantic City Country Club clubhouse and golf course. The historic, 119-year-old club and the “Birthplace of the Birdie” have undergone two phases of enhancements since the Ottinger Family purchased the club in April 2014.
Phase I included a complete makeover to the clubhouse’s entryway and lobby, the John J. McDermott Room, the James “Sonny” Fraser Room, the Leo Fraser Library, the Grand Ballroom, restrooms and corridors. It also included an all-new bridal suite overlooking the golf course with breathtaking views of the Atlantic City skyline. An impressive new exterior façade now provides the clubhouse with a much more stately entrance. A halfway house was also erected during Phase I. In addition to the clubhouse renovations, greenside bunkers on six holes of the golf course were completely renovated and restored.
Phase II of the clubhouse was recently completed and includes renovations to the Taproom Bar and Grille and installation of a new, expanded kitchen with wood stone oven, grill and rotisserie. Two private dining rooms were gutted and refurbished. A prominent new offering is the Atlantic City Country Club Skydeck, an elevated open-air terrace featuring the picturesque golf course and the Atlantic City skyline as a backdrop. The impressive Skydeck provides a myriad of entertainment opportunities not previously available. Phase II of the bunker renovations are currently underway. It is expected that the remaining bunkers will be completed by the end of May 2016, weather permitting.
The Ottinger Family also commissioned the production of four short videos about Atlantic City Country Club and the key players in its long and storied history. Golf legends Arnold Palmer and Nancy Lopez were interviewed as part of the project. Palmer played the course when stationed as a recruit at the nearby Cape May Coast Guard Station in the early 1950s. Lopez participated in the 1975 U.S. Women’s Open at Atlantic City Country Club as a 17-year-old amateur. These videos can be seen as part of the living history tour available on kiosks throughout the property.
According to Liz Norton-Scanga, Director of Marketing, “We are thrilled to be making the announcement that the renovations of this magnificent property are completed or nearing completion. The grandeur this property once enjoyed has prominently returned. Over the years the clubhouse had lost some of its luster, but these renovations, improvements and additions are nothing short of spectacular.”
Named the #1 public course in the state of New Jersey by Golfweek, Golf Magazine and Golf Digest, Atlantic City Country Club is notably most famous for being hailed as the “Birthplace of the Birdie” and the site of six USGA major championships. With the acquisition of the prestigious Atlantic City Country Club, the Ottinger Golf Group owns and operates three of the top 10 public golf courses in the state of New Jersey, including Scotland Run Golf Club in Williamstown and Ballamor Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township.
The par 70 golf course measures 6,577 yards, with a course rating of 72.3 and slope of 133. Designed by John Reid in 1897 with renovations through the years by Willie Park Jr (1915), Howard C. Toomey and William S. Flynn (1925) and Tom Doak (1999), the course is situated on the bayside of Atlantic City offering a setting reminiscent of Scotland or Ireland as well as providing amazing views.
The early traditions of this seaside links course are still evident today. Finely manicured fairways and large sloping green complexes protected by deep sand bunkers remain the course’s signature just as it did more than a century ago. Long carries over natural marshland waste areas, nearly 98 sand bunkers strategically placed near landing and greenside areas and water in the form of ponds and salt water marshes also make the course a formidable challenge for any golfer. Shifting breezes, the distinct scent of saltwater and windswept fescue add more to the total experience.
The clubhouse features a fully-stocked golf shop, bar and grill and many banquet room options for meetings, weddings and special events. Walking into the clubhouse is like taking a trip back in time. Golf history comes alive in this personality packed clubhouse filled with charming character, memorabilia and photos.
In addition to hosting six USGA major events, Atlantic City Country Club welcomed many legendary golfers and celebrities through the decades like Sam Snead, Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan and Howard Everitt, among others. Bob Hope was also an Atlantic City Country Club regular, first becoming acquainted with the club when he worked on the vaudeville circuit.
For tee times, rates and more information, individuals may call 609-236-4411. Reservations may also be made online at www.accountryclub.com.
Contact:
Liz Norton-Scanga
Dir. of Marketing
P: 609-236-4400
E: norton@accountryclub.com
