Best Golf Courses Near LBI: Your Best Options Within 45 Minutes
Outdoor Activities

Best Golf Courses Near LBI: Your Best Options Within 45 Minutes

Our guide has all the information you need to choose the course that's right for you and your foursome in the LBI Region.

Drew Guarino
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Finding what you need on Long Beach Island is often a simple task. On an island loaded with beautiful beaches, fun activities, and 5-star eateries, it's easy to see why LBI is one of the Jersey Shore's most coveted summer destinations.

However, there is one thing the island lacks — golf courses. While other New Jersey beach towns have clear choices for golf courses, finding the best courses near LBI takes some digging. The good news is, there are multiple courses within 45 minutes that will check the box you're looking for. Whether it's conditioning, challenge, value, or fun, there is a golf course near LBI for you.

This guide provides you with all the information you need to make an informed decision on where to play your next round of golf in the LBI area.

Written by a course rater for a major golf publication and a regular competitor in NJ Golf and GAP events.

Overall Pick: LBI National

LBI National, formerly known as Sea Oaks, is a championship layout built by midwestern architect Ray Hearn and opened in June of 2000. The once-private course shuttered its doors completely in March of 2021. The course was closed for over a year until it was bought by Accountable Equity (owners of Renault Winery and the Vineyard National golf course in Egg Harbor City) in June of 2022.

The conditioning at LBI National is still lacking, which is understandable given how long this place was unkept. The hope is that under this new ownership, the conditioning will slowly improve. The layout is sound — particularly the back 9, which reaches its crescendo on the signature 16th hole, a reachable par 5 framed by water. A left-to-right tee ball will leave the player with a long iron or fairway wood to a green heavily guarded by water — a true hero shot.

This combined with fun holes in 10, 11, 13, and 18, and championship holes in 12, 14, and 17, make the back nine at LBI National one of the better nine holes of golf in South Jersey. The combination of the layout, location, and the strong ownership group make LBI National the top golf destination for folks on the island.

  • Distance from LBI Causeway: 17 minutes
  • Peak Summer Rates: Mon–Thu $129  ·  Weekends $185
  • Food: Full-service restaurant + halfway house
  • Bar: Full bar
  • Practice: Full-length range and putting green

Most Convenient: Ocean Acres

The closest course to LBI is a convenient and affordable option for islanders. Ocean Acres doesn't possess a championship layout, and the condition quality is certainly lacking, but if you're looking for a course to play with minimal driving, it could be a good option for your foursome. It is also the most beginner-friendly course in the area.

  • Distance from LBI Causeway: 11 minutes
  • Peak Summer Rates: Mon–Thu $78  ·  Weekends $88
  • Food: Full-service restaurant
  • Bar: Full bar
  • Practice: Putting green only

Best Conditions: Ballamor

Owned by the reputable Ottinger Group, Ballamor is a well-respected establishment. Host of multiple NJSGA and GAP championship qualifiers, this place possesses exceptional conditions compared to other area options — including undoubtedly the purest putting surfaces in the area for a public track. The layout is very solid, and you'd struggle to find anyone who has a negative thing to say about this place. A solid option across the board that is certainly worth the drive.

  • Distance from LBI Causeway: 42 minutes
  • Peak Summer Rates: Mon–Thu $160  ·  Weekends $225
  • Food: Full-service restaurant + halfway house
  • Bar: Full bar
  • Practice: Full-length range and putting green

Most Fun: McCullough's Emerald Links

Designed by well-known local architect Stephen Kay, McCullough's Emerald Links is a replica-style course possessing 17 holes inspired by Ireland and Scotland links. The layout is littered with "half-pars" — drivable par 4s, two-shot par 5s, and 200+ yard par 3s make for a volatile scoring experience.

The fun 4s and 5s, combined with mostly wide-open driving, make this course an absolute blast. Players of all skill levels will likely make a birdie or two, and the pace always seems to be on the faster side here. A great place to buzz around in the afternoon with some buddies.

  • Distance from LBI Causeway: 40 minutes
  • Peak Summer Rates: Mon–Thu $115  ·  Weekends $125
  • Food: Full-service restaurant + halfway house
  • Bar: Full bar
  • Practice: Putting green only
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Most Challenging: Twisted Dune

The double-black-diamond of the South Jersey shore golf rotation, Twisted Dune possesses features unique to South Jersey. Each hole is framed by mammoth sand dunes (think Nebraska-style golf), ensuring a unique playing option for golfers of all experience levels. Possessing few trees, this exposed land is nearly always windswept. Combined with a yardage of 7,240 yards from the tips, this place will give even the scratch golfer all they can handle.

Not only is it the most challenging, but it's arguably the best value as well, with a very reasonable peak-season price point. So if you're looking for a championship test, pack an extra sleeve (or two) and head down to Egg Harbor.

  • Distance from LBI Causeway: 43 minutes
  • Peak Summer Rates: Mon–Thu $89  ·  Weekends $125
  • Food: Halfway house
  • Bar: Alcohol served — limited selection
  • Practice: Full-length range, putting green, and short-game green

Best Hang: Vineyard National

Known for its winery and its recently revamped grounds, Renault has become a popular spot for wine enthusiasts and those tying the knot. Living in the shadows of this charming winery lies an 18-hole championship golf course. Don't let the 137 slope rating fool you — this course is extremely forgiving off the tee and is playable by all skill levels.

The greens and fairways are generally in decent shape, but the rest of the conditioning can lack a bit. However, this is reflected in the price tag, with an average peak-season rate of just $79. When your round is complete, enjoy the inside bar at the winery, equipped with a full liquor license, solid food options, and the occasional live band.

  • Distance from LBI Causeway: 36 minutes
  • Peak Summer Rates: Mon–Thu $102  ·  Weekends $134
  • Food: Full-service restaurant
  • Bar: Full bar
  • Practice: Putting green only
Beau Guarino
About the author

Beau Guarino

My brother and I created LBI Locals with a simple goal: to help residents and visitors discover the very best of Long Beach Island through honest, unbiased local content. From restaurants and local businesses to events, hidden gems, and community stories, we aim to create the kind of resource we'd recommend to our own friends and family while supporting the businesses that make LBI such a special place. Outside of LBI Locals, I'm a partner with The Guarino Team at Freeman & Company Real Estate, where I help buyers and sellers navigate the Long Beach Island market. When I'm not working, you'll usually find me golfing, practicing yoga, spending time at the beach, exploring the island, or making memories with my son, Cole.