Course Comparisons Above Par

Post date: January 31, 2023

By Graeme Scharre

Regarding golfing for the residents of Manahawkin and the surrounding regions, the pickings are slim. There are two golf courses within a ten-minute drive of Route 72: Ocean Acres Golf Course, located in Ocean Acres, and the newly reopened LBI National Golf Club, located in Little Egg Harbor. Now comes the question, which golf course is better? 

Two main categories can be used when comparing golf courses: price and quality. We can start with price, and the answer to this would have to be Ocean Acres, due to their rates starting at $49 and going as low as $39, which is hard to compete with for an 18-hole golf course of decent condition. LBI National’s rates start at a steeper price of $80 but do go as low as $49 during the off-season; however that can't compete with OA causing them to take a clear victory here. 

Next, we move on to quality, where LBI National takes the win, no questions asked. Although Ocean Acres has a pretty good layout, its patchy conditions can't hold up to the care and maintenance that is poured into LBI National. Although a noticeable amount of work has been put into Ocean Acres lately with new sprinkler systems and bunkers, so this comparison of quality may succumb to change in the future. But right now, the conditions at the LBI National Golf Club are unmatched in this region with their smooth greens and consistent green fairways.

Ultimately the choice of which golf course is better comes down to the player and whether they want a practical course to play on regularly or a more admirable course to play on more special occasions.