Greate Bay Country Club, conveniently located in Somers Point just across the
Ninth Street Bridge from Ocean City, always seems like a good idea. Hey, if Pat Croce
owns it and Bobby Clarke is a member, then you know there must be something going
on there that’s worth checking out. And there might never be a better time to do so
than right now.
If you’ve been thinking about joining for the 2015 season, here’s an incentive that’s
almost impossible to pass up. Anyone who signs up gets the remainder of this year for
free. As in nothing, nada, zip. And packages — which range from full to summer and
associate — start at just $39.95 a month.
What the club has to offer speaks for itself. The course hosted what is now the
LPGA’s Shop-Rite Classic for many years. It’s only gotten better in the last decade
or so, with changes that include the cutting down of the infamous Clarke tree for a
worthy cause. The par-4 18th annually ranked as the hardest closing hole the best
women players in the world had to face. And several other holes are also among the
best at the South Jersey Shore. Personally, I would put the par-3 ninth and par-4
12th in that category. Water comes into
play on both. The only problem at 9 is
the picture of Steve Coates on a billboard
beyond the green adjacent to the Garden
State Parkway that can divert anyone’s
attention. I suppose it’s one of those
necessary evils. But I digress.
As far as hospitality goes, it’s hard to
top this place. Croce’s business partner,
Mark Benevento, oversees the operation,
and he’s put a capable staff in charge of
making sure everybody has a memorable
experience. It’s the only way he knows.
And it shows.
“The thought process of this campaign
is to expose Greate Bay to people that
have thinking of joining a private club
here at the shore and just never had the
extra push to do so,” said Will Arabea,
the Chief Operating Officer. “This has
been a wonderful campaign to date, as
members from the Philly section are
finding another home for golf. The only
difference is we’re at the beach … sandals and flip flops are welcome.”
Now that’s a sales pitch.
Yet as wonderful as the golf is, life at Greate Bay goes far beyond that. They like to
bill it as a “Home Sweet Second Home.” The social calendar is crammed with events
for the whole family. And the food, whether it’s a quick sandwich in the pub or an
upscale meal in the dining room, is big-time. They have all the amenities, including
women’s/junior/senior programs and short-game practice facility.
This offseason the clubhouse, catering and restaurants will be part of an extensive
renovation that now features the area’s newest ballroom. In addition members can also
take advantage of the nearby Racquet and Fitness center, which as you’d expect from
someone with Croce’s background is state of the art. You can even get involved in
boxing or kickboxing as well as golf-specific programs and tennis and squash. Pretty
much your call.
You can schedule a tour with Ron Ralston, who’s the general manager and
membership director. He can be reached at 609-927-5071, extension 112. Really,
what do you have to lose? Whether you live down there or just make it a vacation
destination, they can come up with something to fit your needs.
“We feel that we have something unique to offer everyone who visits the shore,”
Ralston said. “Let’s face it, at the shore
it’s a lifestyle and retreat. And Greate Bay
has all the tools to accomodate the entire
family while providing a great membership
experience and amazing club that rivals
the traditional Philly clubs.”
Full memberships have no assessments,
ever. Same with corporate plans. There’s
also packages for weekdays, intermediates
(ages 30-39), associates, summer and
juniors (13-19). Chances are there’s
something for your needs and budget.
And if you just want to see what their
award-winning chef is up to there’s a
social offering that’s very reasonable and
includes bridge. As in cards, if that’s your
game. And other perks that have little to
do with birdies but might be exactly what
you’re looking for.
But you’ll never know until you get on
your phone. It could turn out to be the
best number you’ll dial.
