How Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck’s 19 holes of Championship play and one of the area’s most stunning clubhouses offer a break from the roils and rush of 21st century stress
by Matt Scanlon
Donald Trump’s purchase of the Shadow Isle Golf Club in Colts Neck eight years ago was that rarest of things in acquisitioned circles—exactly the right thing at exactly the right time. Just four years old at the time of purchase, Shadow Isle and its membership had diminished considerably, and was, in the words of one club member quoted in the Star-Ledger, “in total disarray, in foreclosure, and really at the bottom.”
The real estate magnate immediately declared his intention of doubling membership for his new Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck, and sought course design ideas for the 7,579- yard Championship par-72 links from United States Open Champion Jerry Pate and course architect Tom Fazio (the latter contributed design to Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, and no living designer is listed more frequently on Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses).
The result is a map that often presents as a succession of relatively straightforward approaches, but is in fact a fascinating and often vexing puzzle. The sixth hole, for example, a 474-yard par 4, does a delicate dogleg to the left as it traces the outlines of a water hazard, one that defies traditional mid-hole iron shots. The ninth hole requires the precision (and some would argue mental stability) of a surgeon, as players thread the needle down a narrow 427-yard par 4…ever and perilously close to extended water on the right, and with a green guarded by an elongated trap. The 18th, one of the most handsome finishing holes in the Northeast, is another adventure in shot specificity, as it traces 541 yards to a challengingly small green. Then there are the tall fescue grass areas peppered throughout—not quite safari-dangerous, but resilience testing. These are but a few of the challenges that earned Trump National a 71.3 USGA Course Rating (from the blue tees). Though not one of the dozens of criteria used to arrive at that figure, one wonders whether the USGA analysts unconsciously took into consideration the setting—amidst stately homes and equestrian farms, and one of the loveliest in the region.
And whereas in traditional duffer style, the 19th hole is an after-round bar, for Trump National it is actually a playable par- 3, one with a stage-like setting—viewable in a commanding position from the clubhouse and a favorite spot for special events.
“The 19th is a focal point, definitely,” said PGA Director of Golf and Club Pro Anthony Ursine. “It was something suggested by Mr. Trump…wasn’t native to Shadow Isle. It’s a hole members play every time they play the course. We also use it for tiebreakers. It’s an island green, and when you’re standing on it, you have a spectacular view of the clubhouse. It’s breathtaking.”
Asked what the biggest challenge is, Ursino motioned to that dogleg sixth.
“It’s the toughest hole here. You are usually hitting into the wind, and are faced with a daunting second shot. Even if you hit a perfect drive, it’s tough to get over that water hazard with a mid- to long iron. It also has one of our more undulating greens, protected by steep grades. If you par that hole, you definitely feel like you made a birdie.”
“Our greens are widely recognized as being among the best in the region,” offered Ursino. “They run fast year-round and are extremely well maintained. Our superintendent, Jeremy Batz, has made a mission of, among other things, preventing the infiltration of Poa annua grass, which is common in area clubs but can really affect the quality of a golf course. It grows faster and is more aggressive than bent grass, so it can negatively affect green speeds and consistency, especially later in the day. The constant attention to detail is demanding but the result provides pristine and consistent greens throughout the course.”
Both club executives made mention of Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck’s additional Executive Course, a nine-hole design that presents several advantages, particularly for beginners and junior players.
“It’s very useful for our junior programs; we conduct them on the nine-hole which avoids interference with the Championship course,” General Manager Dan McHugh explained. “It’s also great for beginners as well as for those who are pressed for time. In this day and age, people often lack the three to five hours required for usual play…but just like to get some quick practice in.”
There are a variety of membership opportunities, each able to suit a particular lifestyle, in the Golf, Social, Corporate and Junior categories. In addition to the world-class golf course, the luxurious 75,000 square foot Clubhouse is able to provide members with formal and family style dining, lavish banquet facilities, a fitness center, and tennis complex. Director of Membership & Marketing, Kristen Jerome, explained that the club has an array of amenities, which allows for multiple membership options.
“You don’t have to golf in order to make adequate use of the club,” said Jerome. “Many of our members are of the social category and utilize it for lunches, dinners, parties, and meetings. We also hold exclusive member events like wine dinners and steak nights, and for the children, we have everything from the summer kickoff pool party to drive-in movie night. A lot of great events for families.”
Members and their guests will find a welcome respite from the heat in one of the more expansive pool facilities in the state. Monitored by lifeguard staff, the Aquatic Facility offers a children’s wading pool, 25-meter heated lap pool, a hot tub, poolside beverage and lighter fare service…with “cool deck” material throughout. Swim instruction is available for children as well as adults (lessons can include stroke and swim mechanics analysis). Pool areas can also be reserved for special events.
Given its proximity to the most highly populated areas of the state, as well as New York City and Philadelphia, the club has made considerable efforts to enhance its wedding and event facilities. Clubhouse and other event areas are reservable for weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Baptisms and First Communions, or cocktail receptions and holiday parties, all of which include access to the club’s preferred vendor list, which makes for substantially reduced planning headaches.
Jerome explained that club management feels strongly about its role in hosting these special occasions, to be sure, but also in providing a venue for charitable gatherings. The Tigger House Foundation recently held an event at the club, and was outspoken in its thanks and staff appreciation.
“The Clubhouse includes large event spaces, certainly—including oversized windows, anterooms, and chandeliers—though a favorite stage is that 19th green…just couldn’t ask for a more beautiful photo-op,” said Jerome.
The management and staff also take pride in supporting the Eric Trump Foundation, which is dedicated to raising money for children battling life-threatening diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (to date, the Foundation has donated and pledged nearly $28 million to St. Jude). Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck and others in the Trump Golf Collection have a friendly competition each year to see which property can raise the most money. The club holds numerous events throughout the season, including its Annual Fun Run, which benefits the Foundation.
Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck
1 Trump National Blvd., Colts Neck / 732.696.9000 / trumpcoltsneck.com