|
Hollywood Golf Club
Architect: Walter Travis Year: 1917 510 Roseld Ave, Deal, NJ 07723 Phone: (732) 531-0900 Course Access: Private www.hollywoodgolfclub.org |
Hollywood Golf Club
Foundation and Early Years:
Hollywood Golf Club, located in Deal, New Jersey, was established in 1898, making it one of the oldest golf clubs in the United States. Initially, the club's golf course was laid out by Isaac Mackie, a Scottish professional, with the course officially opening in 1912 after a contract was signed for its construction. This early phase set the stage for what would become a landmark in golfing history.
Architectural Evolution:
Walter J. Travis: The club's most significant transformation came with the redesign by Walter J. Travis in 1917. Travis, known for his innovative designs, crafted a course that would challenge and delight golfers with its strategic layout. His work at Hollywood is considered one of his masterpieces, emphasizing natural terrain and strategic bunkering.
Restorations and Modern Touches: Over the years, the course has seen several restorations to preserve Travis's original intent. Notably, in 2014, Tom Doak and Renaissance Golf Design undertook a project to restore the course back to its original design, focusing on removing unnecessary alterations and enhancing the natural features of the land.
Championships and Tournaments:
Hollywood Golf Club has a rich history of hosting prestigious golf events:
State and Regional Championships: The club has been the venue for numerous New Jersey State Amateurs, including those in 1956, 1986, and 2002. It has also hosted the Met Open and various PGA events, showcasing its status as a championship-caliber course.
National Events: The club's most notable national event was hosting the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship in 2014, highlighting its capability to host top-tier golf competitions.
Cultural and Social Significance:
Community Hub: Beyond golf, Hollywood Golf Club has been a social and community center, offering tennis, swimming, and dining facilities. Its clubhouse, designed in a Norman style, reflects a commitment to elegance and tradition.
Celebrity and Privacy: The club's private nature has attracted celebrities, providing them a sanctuary to enjoy golf away from the public eye, which adds to its allure as a discreet yet prestigious venue.
Modern Era and Recognition:
Course Design: The course, with its 7,040 yards and par-71, remains a testament to Travis's vision, featuring holes like the 12th, known as the 'Heinz 57 Hole' for its 57 bunkers, which exemplify strategic golf design.
Rankings and Prestige: Hollywood Golf Club continues to be recognized for its golfing excellence, often cited in discussions about the best courses in New Jersey, if not the country, due to its historical significance and design quality.
Conclusion:
Hollywood Golf Club stands not just as a golf course but as a historical monument to the evolution of golf in America. From its inception in the late 19th century, through its redesign by one of golf's architectural legends, to its modern restorations, the club has continuously adapted while preserving its core identity.
Hollywood Golf Club, located in Deal, New Jersey, was established in 1898, making it one of the oldest golf clubs in the United States. Initially, the club's golf course was laid out by Isaac Mackie, a Scottish professional, with the course officially opening in 1912 after a contract was signed for its construction. This early phase set the stage for what would become a landmark in golfing history.
Architectural Evolution:
Walter J. Travis: The club's most significant transformation came with the redesign by Walter J. Travis in 1917. Travis, known for his innovative designs, crafted a course that would challenge and delight golfers with its strategic layout. His work at Hollywood is considered one of his masterpieces, emphasizing natural terrain and strategic bunkering.
Restorations and Modern Touches: Over the years, the course has seen several restorations to preserve Travis's original intent. Notably, in 2014, Tom Doak and Renaissance Golf Design undertook a project to restore the course back to its original design, focusing on removing unnecessary alterations and enhancing the natural features of the land.
Championships and Tournaments:
Hollywood Golf Club has a rich history of hosting prestigious golf events:
State and Regional Championships: The club has been the venue for numerous New Jersey State Amateurs, including those in 1956, 1986, and 2002. It has also hosted the Met Open and various PGA events, showcasing its status as a championship-caliber course.
National Events: The club's most notable national event was hosting the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship in 2014, highlighting its capability to host top-tier golf competitions.
Cultural and Social Significance:
Community Hub: Beyond golf, Hollywood Golf Club has been a social and community center, offering tennis, swimming, and dining facilities. Its clubhouse, designed in a Norman style, reflects a commitment to elegance and tradition.
Celebrity and Privacy: The club's private nature has attracted celebrities, providing them a sanctuary to enjoy golf away from the public eye, which adds to its allure as a discreet yet prestigious venue.
Modern Era and Recognition:
Course Design: The course, with its 7,040 yards and par-71, remains a testament to Travis's vision, featuring holes like the 12th, known as the 'Heinz 57 Hole' for its 57 bunkers, which exemplify strategic golf design.
Rankings and Prestige: Hollywood Golf Club continues to be recognized for its golfing excellence, often cited in discussions about the best courses in New Jersey, if not the country, due to its historical significance and design quality.
Conclusion:
Hollywood Golf Club stands not just as a golf course but as a historical monument to the evolution of golf in America. From its inception in the late 19th century, through its redesign by one of golf's architectural legends, to its modern restorations, the club has continuously adapted while preserving its core identity.