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, LBI visitors are left wondering where to play. The good news is, there are multiple courses within 45 minutes that will check the box you are looking for. Whether it’d be conditioning, challenge, value or fun, there is a course 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.
Overall Pick: LBI National
LBI National, formerly known as Sea Oaks, is championship layout built by mid-western 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 extremely 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/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 Bridge: 17 mins
- Peak Summer Rates: Weekdays $95/ Weekends $135
- Full-Service Restaurant + Halfway House
- Full Bar
- 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 are 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 Bridge: 11 mins
- Peak Summer Rates: Weekdays $78/ Weekends $88
- Full-Service Restaurant
- Full bar
- 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 sound, and you would 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 Bridge: 42 mins
- Peak Summer Rates: Weekdays $150/ Weekends $195
- Full-Service Restaurant + Halfway House
- Full Bar
- 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 replica holes from the Ireland and Scotland links. The lay out is littered with “half-pars” – drivable par 4’s, 2-shot par 5’s, and 200+ yard par 3’s 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 Bridge: 40 mins
- Peak Summer Rates: Weekdays $105/ Weekends $125
- Full-Service Restaurant + Halfway House
- Full Bar
- Putting Green Only
Most Challenging: Twisted Dunes
The double black diamond of the South Jersey shore golf rotation, Twisted Dunes possesses unique features 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 little trees, this exposed land is nearly always windswept. Combined with a yardage of 7240 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 is arguably the best value as well, with a very reasonable peak-season price point. So if you are looking for a championship test, pack an extra sleeve(or 2) and head down to Egg Harbor.
- Distance from LBI Causeway Bridge: 43 mins
- Peak Summer Rates: Weekdays $85/ Weekends $120
- Halfway House
- No Alcohol - BYOB
- Full-Length Range, Putting Green and Short Game Green
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 fairway 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 option, and the occasional live band.
- Distance from LBI Causeway Bridge: 36 mins
- Peak Summer Rates: Weekdays $99/ Weekends $125
- Full-Service Restaurant
- Full bar
- Putting Green Only
About the Author
Beau Guarino is a scratch(ish) golfer who is a golf course rater for a major publication. He competes in local association events (GAP and NJSGA) and is a co-host of The Slammers Podcast, a podcast that covers New Jersey and Philadelphia golf. When he is not golfing, he enjoys yoga, the beach, pickleball and spending time with his son, Cole.
