Fore: New and exciting changes at Belmar

The culmination of a nine-month project will be in September when Belmar opens a new 20-acre practice facility.

A putting green, two teeing areas for the new driving range, a bunker, chipping greens and a four-hole short course are the highlight of the practice area.

"We're trying to build exclusive facilities,'' said Belmar general manager Stephen Mitchell. "We're trying to build things and offer things that no one else has.''

Belmar, a private club, which opened just six years ago, is still accepting new members. There are more than 300 members as of July, and Mitchell said the course will no longer accept members after the club gets to 400.

In addition to the all new practice facility, Belmar has also reshaped part of its course. There are new tees on No. 1, No. 2, No. 15 and No. 17. Meanwhile, the course has added nearly 300 yards in length from the championship tees. In addition to the course changes, Belmar also refurbished their patio and added a fire pit, perfect for enjoying this fall and winter.

"I think people are really enjoying what they are seeing,'' Mitchell said. "Our plan is to attract other events to Belmar, including some high school events.''

The four-hole short course has teeing areas between 60 and 100 yards, giving golfers an opportunity to try out a number of different ways to improve their short game. It's also perfect for dads and moms to be able to bring their kids out for some golf, as well.

"We're really proud of it, and we're ready to get it open,'' Mitchell said. "All of these things were designed to try and make it more enticing for people to join.''

When everything is finished, the state of the art teaching center and PGA teaching professionals on site, Belmar will be one of the top facilities in the area.

For more information about Belmar and how to become a member, call 364-0111.