Twisted Dune

[Jeff Taylor]

Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, this manufactured attempt at links golf was loads of fun. Except for one or two holes, running shots were available and sometimes encouraged. Center-line hazards littered a couple of par 5's. Carrying them put your ball in a favorable position. The greens had nice features especially # 2 which played at 230 and directed shots to the back right. Was only able to take a few photos but you get the picture.

#1 from the right.
 

From the right side again.


From behind #12. Carry the bunkers on this par 5 and the ball is propelled towards the green.


Down the hill to the par 4 15th. A good 3 wood off the tee puts you in bump and run territory.


Except for the power lines, the beautiful par 3 16th calls for a middle iron.


I will go back and hopefully the wind will be blowing.

[John Foley]

Huge fan of Twisted Dune - I love how they used the vertical movement of the land to improve on the holes tremendously. That and the fact that there is more than enough width to give you preferred angles and keep the wind from wreaking havoc.

Best course in the Jersey shore.

[Michael Dugger]

Designed by Archie Struthers, a contributor here dating way back.

Well-known course built on a tight budget.

[Jeff Taylor]

Correction, it was the 3rd hole that was a long par 3.

Interesting comment on the tight budget. From their website:
"Designer Archie Struthers moved two million cubic yards of earth to bring this remarkable course to fruition; creating a true taste of the Scottish Coast, right here at the Jersey Shore."

Is that moving a lot of earth and if so, can it be done without great expense?

[Bruce Katona]

My very good friend Archie did an outstanding job building the course.  Scott Dunn & his staff run the facility to perfection.  Several years ago a shorter set of tees were incorporated to make play a bit friendlier for women and shorter hitters, which has improved customer satisfaction.

[Jeff Taylor]

We had 2 bachelor parties in front of us on Saturday afternoon. The rangers were freaking out. It was the worst possible situation. They forced one group to play better ball (as if better applied in this case) and made the other group pick up on two or more holes. Some of the players looked as if they had never swung a golf club. It took us 5 hours and 20 minutes. Having just returned to public golf, I am not sure that this is unrealistic on a Saturday afternoon. But yes, the staff worked very hard on a difficult situation.

[Greg Tallman]

We had 2 bachelor parties in front of us on Saturday afternoon. The rangers were freaking out. It was the worst possible situation. They forced one group to play better ball (as if better applied in this case) and made the other group pick up on two or more holes. Some of the players looked as if they had never swung a golf club. It took us 5 hours and 20 minutes. Having just returned to public golf, I am not sure that this is unrealistic on a Saturday afternoon. But yes, the staff worked very hard on a difficult situation.

LOL - Try telling Fred Couples to pick up the pace or skip a couple of holes because the other members of his group are THAT bad... he played with 4 others that could not have cracked 140 and he stuck it out for all 18... all in the name of family. 

[Joe Bausch]

I'm sure Archie will chime in here, but let's see if I can recall the "dirt story".  I vaguely remember TD needed to get rid of much dirt, and I think coincidentally some nearby NJ road/bridge project or something needed dirt and problem solved!

[Jeff Taylor]

Thank you Joe. I hope to read more. I always enjoy your posts.
Whatever dirt they took, some rocks were left behind. My sand wedge is evidence.

[Jim_Coleman]

    Big fan!!

[archie_struthers]

 

We probably moved closer to four million yards and sold off almost all of it . They needed it all and more to stabilizer the site where the Borgata now stands.... It allowed our budget to be manageable. We had problems with the dirt deal and it kept us from linking Twisted Dune with our other course Greate Bay. We sold it right after completion to Empire Golf, who manage it to this day.

[George Pazin]

Nothing much to add, other than my round there with Archie was very fun and one of the more memorable golf experiences I've had. I've always read his posts with great interest, but even more after that day. Well done, Archie!

[Dan Herrmann]

I too am a big fan of Twisted Dune!

[archie_struthers]

 

Thanks so much George , I had a good time also. We should have a get together this fall when the place gets firm and fast. Nothing like a little golf tournament to justify  a great barbecue!

[PGertner]

However, wherever, whenever anyone meets Archie....you become a fan of his for life...

TD too!!

Patrick Gertner

East Greenwich, RI

[Tim Martin]

I have to pile on and say I love Twisted. As far as Archie he is aces and always rolls it out for the guys at Greate Bay as well which has a great atmosphere and Willie Park golf course.

[Jeff Taylor]

If memory serves, #11 plays downhill. I had 190 out. I spoke to my playing partner and suggested that the hole was begging for a running shot. I chose a 20 degree ping Rapture club and played it off my back foot hoping that it would be a line drive running shot. It ran past the hole and settled behind the green. I putted left and it fell back towards the hole for a tap in par.
It equaled the most fun I ever experienced on a golf course.
What more could someone want?

[Barry Stern]

One day in AC, two rounds of golf:  Twisted Dune (which I loved when i played it 3 years ago) and Atlantic City CC?

[Joe Bausch]

One day in AC, two rounds of golf:  Twisted Dune (which I loved when i played it 3 years ago) and Atlantic City CC?

That's a very nice combo Barry.  Some others to consider from my experience:

Renault Vineyard
Seaview Bay
Greate Bay (private, but at least one GCA member will gladly host you)

Joe
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