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Metedeconk National Golf Club
Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr. Year: 1998 50 Hannah Hill Rd Jackson, NJ 08527 Phone: (732) 928-0111 Course Access: Private https://www.metedeconk.org |
Metedeconk Golf club
Metedeconk National Golf Club, located in Jackson Township, New Jersey, is a prestigious private golf club with a rich history rooted in a vision to create a world-class golfing experience. Often referred to as "The Conk," the club has become synonymous with exceptional course design, pristine conditions, and a deep commitment to the game of golf. Below is a detailed report on its history, from its origins to its development into one of New Jersey's premier golf destinations.
Origins and Founding Vision
The story of Metedeconk National Golf Club begins in the 1970s with Richard "Dick" Sambol, a local contractor, and his son Herb Sambol. The Sambols acquired a sprawling 1,200-acre property in Jackson Township around the time Interstate 195 was being constructed, improving access to the region. Initially, their plan was to develop the land for residential and commercial purposes, with a golf course intended as an amenity to attract potential buyers and residents rather than the central focus.
However, this vision shifted dramatically after they enlisted the expertise of Robert Trent Jones Sr., a legendary golf course architect. Jones, renowned for his work on courses like Spyglass Hill and the redesign of Augusta National’s 11th, 12th, and 13th holes, visited the property and was struck by its potential. The land, situated in the upper region of New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, featured gently rolling terrain, dense pine forests, marshlands, and the south branch of the Metedeconk River running through it—elements that Jones saw as ideal for crafting a championship-caliber golf course. His enthusiasm convinced the Sambols to abandon the housing development idea and focus entirely on creating a golf-centric retreat.
Adding further credibility to the project was the involvement of Ernie Ransome, a family friend and the chairman of Pine Valley Golf Club, widely regarded as one of the world’s finest courses. Ransome’s experience managing Pine Valley for 24 years provided invaluable guidance to the Sambols, shaping their approach to building a club that prioritized golf above all else.
Design and Construction
Robert Trent Jones Sr., nearing the twilight of his illustrious career, collaborated with his chief designer and protégé, Roger Rulewich, to design Metedeconk National. The course was one of Jones’s final original designs, making it a significant chapter in his legacy. Construction began in the mid-1980s, and the first 18 holes—the front and back nines—opened in 1987. The design took full advantage of the natural landscape, weaving through pine trees and incorporating elevation changes, marshes, and water hazards to create a visually stunning and strategically challenging layout.
Jones’s signature trademarks are evident throughout: multiple tee boxes to accommodate players of varying skill levels, subtly contoured greens that demand precision, and water hazards integrated into seven holes as strategic elements. The initial 18-hole course ranged from approximately 5,200 to 7,200 yards, with the championship tees offering a par-72 layout rated at 75.4 with a slope index of 146. The routing isolated each hole, giving players a sense of seclusion amid the wilderness, a feature reminiscent of Pine Valley’s design philosophy.
The club’s name, "Metedeconk," was inspired by the Metedeconk River, which flows through the property. The name has roots in the Lenni Lenape people, the indigenous inhabitants of the region, and reflects a mythical or cultural significance tied to the land—a theme later incorporated into the club’s branding and logo.
Early Years and Reception
When Metedeconk National opened in 1987, it quickly garnered attention for its beauty and difficulty. The course’s tree-lined fairways, penal rough, and jagged-edged bunkers created a striking aesthetic, but the thick underbrush and forested areas lining the holes made recovery shots nearly impossible, earning it a reputation as a stern test of skill. Golf Digest soon recognized its quality, placing it among New Jersey’s best courses—a distinction it has maintained, ranking No. 15 in the state in recent years.
Richard Sambol envisioned Metedeconk as a "golfing oasis," a retreat from the hustle of nearby New York City and Philadelphia, both within an hour’s drive. The club started small and simple, focusing on attracting a national membership of golf enthusiasts, including industry leaders who shared a passion for the game. Its proximity to major urban centers, combined with its secluded, natural setting, made it a unique offering in the region.
Expansion: The Third Nine
In 1998, Metedeconk National expanded with the addition of a third nine-hole layout, bringing the total to 27 holes. This new nine, often considered the most dynamic of the three, introduced slightly more elevation changes and green contouring, along with the standout 27th hole—a 452-yard par-4 guarded by water, widely regarded as one of the course’s toughest and most beautiful. The expansion allowed for greater flexibility in play, with combinations like the Tournament Course (First and Third nines) and Founder’s Course (First and Second nines) offering varied experiences. Roger Rulewich, who had taken on a more prominent role following Jones’s later years, oversaw this addition, ensuring continuity with the original design ethos.
Modern Enhancements and Renovations
Metedeconk National has remained committed to maintaining its status as a top-tier facility. In 2018, the club hired Michigan-based course designer Raymond Hearn for a three-year renovation project, completed in May 2022. The focus was on restoring the course and enhancing its bunkers, opening up views on some holes while widening landing areas on others to balance playability and challenge. These updates preserved Jones’s vision while adapting the course to modern standards.
Beyond the course itself, Metedeconk boasts one of the finest practice facilities in the Northeast. Spanning 50 acres, it includes a massive driving range with multiple target greens, a short-game area with bunkers and uneven lies, and a 10,000-square-foot putting green. This "game-improvement" zone, complemented by a state-of-the-art teaching center, reflects the club’s dedication to fostering skill development.
Facilities and Culture
The clubhouse, perched on a high point of the property, serves as the social heart of the club, featuring a golf shop, dining areas, and classically styled locker rooms with high ceilings and luxurious amenities. Overnight accommodations, such as The Lodge and The Cedar House, offer members and guests private cottages with views of the course, enhancing the retreat-like atmosphere.
Metedeconk’s culture emphasizes golf above all else, fostering a spirited camaraderie among members. While private and exclusive, the club is described as accommodating rather than elitist, prioritizing the shared love of the game. It has hosted notable events, including the Metropolitan Open, New Jersey Open, and various NJPGA sectional tournaments, cementing its reputation in the golfing community.
Legacy and Significance
Since its inception, Metedeconk National Golf Club has evolved from a speculative land development project into a celebrated golf destination. Its history reflects the vision of the Sambol family, the genius of Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Roger Rulewich, and the influence of Pine Valley’s Ernie Ransome. The club stands as a testament to what can be achieved when natural beauty, thoughtful design, and a passion for golf converge.
Today, on March 22, 2025, Metedeconk remains a jewel in New Jersey’s golf landscape, blending its storied past with ongoing improvements to ensure it remains a challenging, beautiful, and welcoming haven for golfers. Its legacy is not just in its 27 holes, but in its unwavering focus on the purity of the game—a vision that continues to resonate nearly four decades after its founding.
Origins and Founding Vision
The story of Metedeconk National Golf Club begins in the 1970s with Richard "Dick" Sambol, a local contractor, and his son Herb Sambol. The Sambols acquired a sprawling 1,200-acre property in Jackson Township around the time Interstate 195 was being constructed, improving access to the region. Initially, their plan was to develop the land for residential and commercial purposes, with a golf course intended as an amenity to attract potential buyers and residents rather than the central focus.
However, this vision shifted dramatically after they enlisted the expertise of Robert Trent Jones Sr., a legendary golf course architect. Jones, renowned for his work on courses like Spyglass Hill and the redesign of Augusta National’s 11th, 12th, and 13th holes, visited the property and was struck by its potential. The land, situated in the upper region of New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, featured gently rolling terrain, dense pine forests, marshlands, and the south branch of the Metedeconk River running through it—elements that Jones saw as ideal for crafting a championship-caliber golf course. His enthusiasm convinced the Sambols to abandon the housing development idea and focus entirely on creating a golf-centric retreat.
Adding further credibility to the project was the involvement of Ernie Ransome, a family friend and the chairman of Pine Valley Golf Club, widely regarded as one of the world’s finest courses. Ransome’s experience managing Pine Valley for 24 years provided invaluable guidance to the Sambols, shaping their approach to building a club that prioritized golf above all else.
Design and Construction
Robert Trent Jones Sr., nearing the twilight of his illustrious career, collaborated with his chief designer and protégé, Roger Rulewich, to design Metedeconk National. The course was one of Jones’s final original designs, making it a significant chapter in his legacy. Construction began in the mid-1980s, and the first 18 holes—the front and back nines—opened in 1987. The design took full advantage of the natural landscape, weaving through pine trees and incorporating elevation changes, marshes, and water hazards to create a visually stunning and strategically challenging layout.
Jones’s signature trademarks are evident throughout: multiple tee boxes to accommodate players of varying skill levels, subtly contoured greens that demand precision, and water hazards integrated into seven holes as strategic elements. The initial 18-hole course ranged from approximately 5,200 to 7,200 yards, with the championship tees offering a par-72 layout rated at 75.4 with a slope index of 146. The routing isolated each hole, giving players a sense of seclusion amid the wilderness, a feature reminiscent of Pine Valley’s design philosophy.
The club’s name, "Metedeconk," was inspired by the Metedeconk River, which flows through the property. The name has roots in the Lenni Lenape people, the indigenous inhabitants of the region, and reflects a mythical or cultural significance tied to the land—a theme later incorporated into the club’s branding and logo.
Early Years and Reception
When Metedeconk National opened in 1987, it quickly garnered attention for its beauty and difficulty. The course’s tree-lined fairways, penal rough, and jagged-edged bunkers created a striking aesthetic, but the thick underbrush and forested areas lining the holes made recovery shots nearly impossible, earning it a reputation as a stern test of skill. Golf Digest soon recognized its quality, placing it among New Jersey’s best courses—a distinction it has maintained, ranking No. 15 in the state in recent years.
Richard Sambol envisioned Metedeconk as a "golfing oasis," a retreat from the hustle of nearby New York City and Philadelphia, both within an hour’s drive. The club started small and simple, focusing on attracting a national membership of golf enthusiasts, including industry leaders who shared a passion for the game. Its proximity to major urban centers, combined with its secluded, natural setting, made it a unique offering in the region.
Expansion: The Third Nine
In 1998, Metedeconk National expanded with the addition of a third nine-hole layout, bringing the total to 27 holes. This new nine, often considered the most dynamic of the three, introduced slightly more elevation changes and green contouring, along with the standout 27th hole—a 452-yard par-4 guarded by water, widely regarded as one of the course’s toughest and most beautiful. The expansion allowed for greater flexibility in play, with combinations like the Tournament Course (First and Third nines) and Founder’s Course (First and Second nines) offering varied experiences. Roger Rulewich, who had taken on a more prominent role following Jones’s later years, oversaw this addition, ensuring continuity with the original design ethos.
Modern Enhancements and Renovations
Metedeconk National has remained committed to maintaining its status as a top-tier facility. In 2018, the club hired Michigan-based course designer Raymond Hearn for a three-year renovation project, completed in May 2022. The focus was on restoring the course and enhancing its bunkers, opening up views on some holes while widening landing areas on others to balance playability and challenge. These updates preserved Jones’s vision while adapting the course to modern standards.
Beyond the course itself, Metedeconk boasts one of the finest practice facilities in the Northeast. Spanning 50 acres, it includes a massive driving range with multiple target greens, a short-game area with bunkers and uneven lies, and a 10,000-square-foot putting green. This "game-improvement" zone, complemented by a state-of-the-art teaching center, reflects the club’s dedication to fostering skill development.
Facilities and Culture
The clubhouse, perched on a high point of the property, serves as the social heart of the club, featuring a golf shop, dining areas, and classically styled locker rooms with high ceilings and luxurious amenities. Overnight accommodations, such as The Lodge and The Cedar House, offer members and guests private cottages with views of the course, enhancing the retreat-like atmosphere.
Metedeconk’s culture emphasizes golf above all else, fostering a spirited camaraderie among members. While private and exclusive, the club is described as accommodating rather than elitist, prioritizing the shared love of the game. It has hosted notable events, including the Metropolitan Open, New Jersey Open, and various NJPGA sectional tournaments, cementing its reputation in the golfing community.
Legacy and Significance
Since its inception, Metedeconk National Golf Club has evolved from a speculative land development project into a celebrated golf destination. Its history reflects the vision of the Sambol family, the genius of Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Roger Rulewich, and the influence of Pine Valley’s Ernie Ransome. The club stands as a testament to what can be achieved when natural beauty, thoughtful design, and a passion for golf converge.
Today, on March 22, 2025, Metedeconk remains a jewel in New Jersey’s golf landscape, blending its storied past with ongoing improvements to ensure it remains a challenging, beautiful, and welcoming haven for golfers. Its legacy is not just in its 27 holes, but in its unwavering focus on the purity of the game—a vision that continues to resonate nearly four decades after its founding.