The Ridge at Back Brook is a private golf club located in Ringoes, New Jersey. It is set on a 300-acre property, with a championship 18-hole golf course designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio. The club also offers a variety of other amenities, such as tennis courts, a fitness center, swimming pool, and dining facilities.
Membership Categories and Costs
The Ridge at Back Brook offers several membership categories, each with its own privileges and costs. The categories include:
- Golf Membership: It provides unlimited access to the golf course and practice facilities. Members can also participate in club tournaments and events, and have access to all other club amenities. The initiation fee for the Golf Membership is $110,000, with annual dues of $17,500.
- Young Professional Membership: It is designed for individuals under the age of 40. It provides the same privileges as the Golf Membership, but at a reduced cost. The initiation fee for the Young Professional Membership is $35,000, with annual dues of $8,750.
- Corporate Membership: It is available to businesses and corporations, and provides access to the golf course and all other club amenities for up to four designated members. The initiation fee for the Corporate Membership is $175,000, with annual dues of $35,000.
- National Membership: It is designed for individuals who reside outside of a 75-mile radius of the club. It provides access to the golf course and all other club amenities for up to 30 days per year. The initiation fee for the National Membership is $55,000, with annual dues of $7,500.
- Social Membership: It provides access to all club amenities, except for the golf course. This membership category is ideal for individuals who are not golfers, but still want to enjoy the other facilities and events at the club. The initiation fee for the Social Membership is $10,000, with annual dues of $2,500.
Additional Costs
In addition to the initiation fees and annual dues, members are also responsible for paying a food and beverage minimum. This amount varies depending on the membership category, but typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 per year. Members are also responsible for paying a caddie fee, which is required for each round of golf played on the course.
Facilities and Amenities In addition to the golf course, The Ridge at Back Brook offers a wide range of facilities and amenities for its members. These include:
- A state-of-the-art practice facility, which includes a driving range, short game area, and putting green.
- A tennis center with four Har-Tru courts, a practice wall, and a pavilion for viewing and socializing.
- A 25-meter swimming pool, which includes a diving well and a separate kiddie pool.
- A fitness center with top-of-the-line equipment and a variety of fitness classes.
- Several dining options, including a formal dining room, a casual grill room, and a bar/lounge area.
The club also offers a variety of social events and activities throughout the year, such as wine tastings, holiday parties, and live music performances.
Course Design and Layout
The Ridge at Back Brook’s golf course was designed by Tom Fazio, one of the most respected golf course architects in the world. The course is known for its challenging layout, which features rolling hills, strategically placed bunkers, and fast, undulating greens. It also offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, with several holes playing alongside picturesque lakes and ponds.
The course measures 7,164 yards from the championship tees, with a par of 72. It has been ranked as one of the top golf courses in New Jersey by Golf Digest and other publications.
Membership Benefits In addition to the facilities and amenities mentioned above, membership at The Ridge at Back Brook offers several other benefits. These include:
- Priority access to tee times and practice facilities.
- Discounted rates on guest fees, merchandise, and dining.
- Ability to participate in member-only tournaments and events.
- Access to reciprocal agreements with other golf clubs and resorts around the world.
- The opportunity to network and socialize with other like-minded individuals.
Location and History
The Ridge at Back Brook is located in Ringoes, New Jersey, which is about an hour’s drive from both New York City and Philadelphia. The property was originally owned by the Scammell family, who used it as a dairy farm. In the late 1990s, a group of investors purchased the land with the intention of turning it into a world-class golf club.
The golf course was designed by Tom Fazio, who is known for his innovative and challenging course designs. Fazio has designed several other top-ranked golf courses around the world, including Pinehurst No. 8 in North Carolina and Shadow Creek in Las Vegas.
Membership Requirements and Application Process
Membership at The Ridge at Back Brook is by invitation only. Prospective members must be sponsored by a current member and complete an application process that includes an interview with the club’s membership committee. The club considers a variety of factors when evaluating potential members, such as their interest in golf, social compatibility, and financial stability.
Once a prospective member has been approved, they must pay the initiation fee and annual dues in order to become a full member. The club also offers a limited number of non-resident memberships for individuals who do not live in the area full-time but want to maintain a connection to the club.
Community Involvement and Philanthropy
The Ridge at Back Brook is committed to giving back to the local community and supporting charitable causes. The club hosts several fundraising events throughout the year, such as charity golf tournaments and silent auctions. Some of the organizations that the club has supported in the past include the American Cancer Society, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Rutgers Cancer Institute.
In addition to its philanthropic efforts, The Ridge at Back Brook is also involved in environmental conservation. The club has implemented several sustainable practices on the golf course, such as using drought-resistant grass and reducing water usage. It has also partnered with local organizations to preserve and protect the natural habitats and wildlife in the area.
Cost for Individual Golfers
| Membership Type | Initiation Fee | Annual Dues | Cart Fee | Range Balls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $25,000 | $10,000 | Included | Included |
| Senior | $15,000 | $8,000 | Included | Included |
| Junior | $10,000 | $5,000 | Included | Included |
| Non-Resident | $20,000 | $7,000 | Included | Included |
| Corporate | $50,000 | $20,000 | Included | Included |
Cost for Couples
| Membership Type | Initiation Fee | Annual Dues | Cart Fee | Range Balls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $40,000 | $16,000 | Included | Included |
| Senior | $25,000 | $12,000 | Included | Included |
| Junior | $15,000 | $8,000 | Included | Included |
| Non-Resident | $30,000 | $11,000 | Included | Included |
| Corporate | $75,000 | $30,000 | Included | Included |
Cost for Families
| Membership Type | Initiation Fee | Annual Dues | Cart Fee | Range Balls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $50,000 | $20,000 | Included | Included |
| Senior | $35,000 | $16,000 | Included | Included |
| Junior | $20,000 | $10,000 | Included | Included |
| Non-Resident | $40,000 | $15,000 | Included | Included |
| Corporate | $100,000 | $40,000 | Included | Included |
Cost for College Students
| Membership Type | Initiation Fee | Annual Dues | Cart Fee | Range Balls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $5,000 | $2,500 | Included | Included |
| Senior | $3,000 | $1,500 | Included | Included |
| Junior | $2,000 | $1,000 | Included | Included |
| Non-Resident | $4,000 | $1,500 | Included | Included |
| Corporate | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Cost for High School Students
| Membership Type | Initiation Fee | Annual Dues | Cart Fee | Range Balls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $2,500 | $1,250 | Included | Included |
| Senior | $1,500 | $750 | Included | Included |
| Junior | $1,000 | $500 | Included | Included |
| Non-Resident | $2,000 | $750 | Included | Included |
| Corporate | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Conclusion
The Ridge at Back Brook offers a variety of membership categories to suit the needs of individuals, families, and businesses. While the costs of membership are significant, members are granted access to a world-class golf course and a variety of other amenities that can be enjoyed year-round. For golf enthusiasts and those seeking a luxurious lifestyle, The Ridge at Back Brook is certainly an attractive option to consider.
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