COURSE REVIEW

Strolling in nature is
best part of golf at
Cape May National

By Chris Baldwin,
Senior Writer

CAPE MAY, N.J. (May 13, 2005) - So many golfers wax poetic on the joys of communing with nature, only to end up at a course offering views of a rich man's backyard.

Pity those fools: That's what Matt Szychulski thinks when he pictures what qualifies as many golfers' "nature" excursions. Szychulski's gone that route and he's found another way. His answer is Cape May National Golf Club on the Jersey Shore, a course just two miles and a world away from the state's premiere resort town.

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Many courses tout nature. Cape May National is nature, essentially built smack dab in the middle of one of the largest private bird sanctuaries in the state. As sacriligious as that might sound to a non-golfing nature lover, it works. This is a course that delivers unexpected pleasures with each swing.

"I've seen hawks, eagles, cranes, songbirds, rabbits,'' Szychulski said, rattling off his mental checklist. "Sea gulls, of course, black snakes, muskrats, falcons.''

Excuse Szychulski, if you would. He can go on like this for several minutes. There are 317 species of birds alone in Cape May's wildlife preserve.

Rather than intrude on the wildlife, Cape May National somehow seems to fit in. You're sharing space with the creatures of the woods. But there's no doubt who's really in charge. The course requires navigating on back paths deep in the trees to get from hole to hole. There's even an old wooden bridge. Crossing it, you hear the birds loudly declaring their rights overhead.

If Tigers Woods played here, this caddy Steve Williams would be reduced to yelling at the songbirds to pipe down.

"I like to come early in the morning or in the twilight when there's not that many other golfers,'' said Joe Doheny, another local regular. "The songbirds get going.and it's nice. It's a good way to get in your exercise and work out your day-to-day frustrations.''

When you're being serenaded by something straight out of the Audubon Society's field manual, it's hard to stay mad at the guy who cut you off in traffic.

"It's the most peaceful course I've been on,'' Doheny said.

This is a course made for walking. It offers carts, but to really experience things, whizzing around is not the way to go. Some of the best features are the walks through the woods between holes.

Besides the birds, there's a lake that comes into play on the par-4 11th and the par-3 17th. It's named Linda and it's about as threatening as it sounds. This is not a course that throws insurmountable obstacles in your way. It can play like a lazy summer day, leisurely and forgiving. There are plenty of high handicap holes, plenty of chances to feel good about your game.

"It's not that tough,'' Doheny said. "There are days where I can shoot a 40 for nine and if I can do it, a lot of guys can do it.''

That's another major part of the charm of Cape May National. Despite consistently garnering rankings the equal of the new upscale courses in the area, Cape May National comes across as more friendly municipal than country club at heart. This is due in large part to the group of local regulars who call it home. The owners offer a bargain $800 annual membership to Cape May locals to keep the course humming in the off-months and they've been paid off with a character that few of the competing courses enjoy.

Despite its proximity to the bright neon lights of Atlantic City, traffic is surprisingly light at Cape May National. On this Friday evening, Szychulski's group has the course to themselves.

"I just don't think a lot of people have discovered Jersey Shore golf yet,'' Szychulski said. "They think that it's just about beaches and boardwalks.''

In the distance, another bird announces its presence. Szychulski guesses it's a hawk. The big cop smiles as he sets up for his second shot on the 446-yard 18th. Some company is better than others.

The verdict

Cape May National offers one of the most unique settings in a world of golf courses that promise unique and too often deliver cookie cutter. It's easy to get lost in your own world with the woods and the birds. You do not have to worry about seeing McMansions here. There are lots of nice touches, from the old-fashioned hole signs to the checkered black-and-white Indianapolis 500-style flags. But the setting, being in the middle of a bird sanctuary, is the best touch of all.

This not a course that presents the challenge of a lifetime, however. It might not even be the challenge of the week. Except for the 554-yard No. 4, which snakes around trees and features a green squeezed in between a bunker and water, the par 5s are relatively pedestrian. Playing at 6,905 yards from the back tees, the course is not particularly long by today's standards.

There are many holes that can take your breath away with nature's glory, few that will leave the average golfer muttering in huge number agony. It really comes down to what you want out of your golf experience.

Places to stay

Cape May National Golf Club Web:cmngc.com Tee times: (609) 884-1463

Cape May is the town of New Jersey's postcards. There's a historic old lighthouse that more than worth the long march of steps required to see the top view. There are rows and rows of Victorian houses, painted every shade imaginable, most with long porches with swings. Of course, there are the endless ocean views and beach space galore.

It's hard not to find something to your liking. For a home base, the Mainstay ( (609) 884-8690) ) offers history, 14-foot-high ceilings and sparkling chandeliers for equally lofty prices. The Brass Bed ( (609) 884-2302) ) is more moderate in a good location. This is the Bed & Breakfast capital of New Jersey though. There are plenty of options to go round.

Places to eat

410 Bank Street ( (609) 884-2127 is one of the top ranked restaurants in the state and it's innovative Cajun/Creole/Caribbean menu is a treat for those up to a little adventure. For seafood a little simpler, A & J Blue Claw ( (609) 884-5878) allows you to pick your own fresh lobster crawling in the tank.

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.