Golf not something Ocean City promotes, unless it's miniature golf
By 
OCEAN CITY, N.J. - The sign greets visitors like a sentry.
Drive into this Jersey Shore town and there's no way you're missing the sign: America's No. 1 Family Resort Destination it reads, not to be confused with Ocean City's other slogan, America's Greatest Family Resort.
Sure the proclamations are grandiose. Disney World might make a small quibble for starters, but grandiose is a way of life here. But Ocean City is the perfect place to examine the state of golf on the Jersey Shore.
"We've got plenty of golf for you,'' resident Russell Herko practically shouts (the enthusiasm's apparently contagious). "Just right there and again, over there.''
Herko is pointing at a green mat guarded by a plastic dragon and a green mat leading to a water-spewing plastic castle. Two miniature golf courses less than a few steps between them. This is the golf of Ocean City. The town proudly boasts of having "over 200 holes of miniature golf.''
"Oh, you want the real thing,'' Herko said, face scrunching at the thought. "Oh,wait. I know just where to send you.''
The destination is several blocks away from the beaches, out by a little airport. It is easy to see the sign for the Ocean City Golf Course -- they're big on signs here -- but no course comes into view. A few futile trips around the block and it's back in the airport parking lot, which also happens to be the golf course parking lot; convenient for those golfers hoping to get in a few last rounds before boarding a flight.
It's hard to see the course, until you realize you're standing on the course. Described in web sites as a small course set along the wetlands, Ocean City Golf Course is actually a nine-hole course mostly set along an airport fence. The pro shop is a crammed booth smaller than most airport rental car counters. The old guy behind it appears surprised to see anyone.
"You sure you want to go out this late?'' he asks.
It's 4 p.m.
The airport looks as deserted as the golf course and there's not even the thrill of hitting shots as small planes swoop low overhead. On this little stretch, Ocean City, one of the most bustling towns on the Jersey Shore, almost looks deserted. The Victorian houses across the street sit alone, unbothered by any foot traffic. It's a surreal feeling.
Ocean City is a town big on promotion. There are freckle contests and twins contests every summer. Yet when it comes to golf, it sticks its one course on the edge of an rundown airport's runway. This is the way golf was regarded on the Jersey Shore for years, something a little out of place, something that really didn't fit into the picture.
"No one thought you could make money on high caliber golf on the Jersey Shore,'' said Michael Yevchak, head professional at Pine Barrens. "I think that more than anything, really held the area back. It's changed with courses like ours, but there's still a long way to go.''
The upscale 1990s building boom that brought Pine Barrens, Sand Barrens Blue Heron Pines, Harbor Pines, Sea Oaks and Twisted Dune onto the Jersey Shore scene is a testament to the promise of the area. The scene in Ocean City is a testament to the arduous climb still ahead.
The greens on the par 36 nine are in surprisingly good shape. It's not a bad place for a beginner to try and pick up the game. But on this day, there's not a single kid on the course.
"They're all off playing mini golf or hanging out in the arcades on the boardwalk,'' said Gil Morgan, a veteran observer of the local golf scene. "That's what worries me. Who's going to keep those new courses busy in 10-15 years? You just don't see enough young golfers around here."
The verdict
Ocean City Golf Course is worth visiting if you want the distinction of having played the real thing in the miniature golf capital of New Jersey. Or if you want to see just how breathlessly some golf web sites exaggerate (wetlands, where are you?). Otherwise, it's best to use Ocean City as a base to some of the other courses in the area. Cape May National is only 21 miles south on the Garden State Parkway and Blue Heron Pines is only 19 miles north. If you want a hotel in an area where the kids can have fun, you could do far worse.
Places to stay
The Ocean City Days Inn
( (609) 398-2200)
offers about what you expect from the chain, only this one's close to the beach.
The Ocean Manor Seaside Inn
( (609) 399-1014) or
the Flanders Hotel ( (609) 399-1000) offer a little more distinct accommodations.
Places to eat
Cousin's Country House
( (609) 927-5777),
which features a chauffer-driven Rolls Royce Bentley, is popular with the older crowd.
The Grace Place
( (609) 398-8787)
is a place to go for a decent sandwich.
If you go
Ocean City Golf Course
2600 Bay Ave Ocean City, Md. (609) 399-1315
April 29, 2005
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management.
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Mike wrote on: Jun 19, 2008
It's exactly what it is, a 9 hole exective/utility course. It's located right by the bird sanctuary area too. If you're on a family vacation and want to take a half day out with the guys or take older kids out for fun, it's a perfect activity. Don't take the course too seriously, but don't treat it as a joke. Just have fun. I have a house within walking distance and it's one of the many charms in Ocean City.
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Mike Zack wrote on: Jul 22, 2005
You idiots!!!! You are talking about one course and showing another!! The one pictured is Ocean City CC which is not even in Ocean City!!. It is located near the Garden State parkway and is actually a good golf Course. 18 hole TOO. The one you speak of in the article is a public 9 hole course located on the same island as Ocean City NJ and IS next to the airport.It might even be an exec. golf course Who is doing the research for you guys!!!!
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