As nice as it is to get some golf in on a holiday, it also has its drawbacks, namely, a packed golf course and a hiked-up greens fee. One New Jersey golf course has fixed the latter issue for the Fourth of July next week in a big way, with one small catch.
The Great Gorge Golf Club in Vernon, N.J., which some might know as Hugh Hefner’s stomping grounds, is offering a deal so damn American that you might as well revoke your citizenship if you don’t take them up on it. OK, maybe that’s a bit much, but you get the point.
The 27-hole George Fazio design is inviting all golfers to celebrate America’s birthday next Thursday with $17.76 discounted greens fees. The only two catches are that you must come dressed in their most patriotic colors (red, white and blue for anyone confused) and the discounted greens fee is valid for tee times between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. ET. Those must be reserved in advance by calling The Great Gorge pro shop.
“There’s no holiday more treasured than the Fourth of July and at The Great Gorge, we think the best way to celebrate is by playing America’s favorite pastime – golf,” said Great Gorge GM David Killin. “Many people will have the day off, but since the holiday falls on a Thursday, most backyard barbecues will be fired up over the weekend. To make the day special, we’re offering patriotic greens fees to encourage golfers to spend an afternoon with us here at The Great Gorge in Vernon.”
Those making the tee times in the 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. timeframe will also receive a golf cart, so there is no extra surprise cart fee when you arrive at the course. The $17.76 price is the $17.76 price because ‘Merica.
The Great Gorge has three nines – Rail, Lake and Quarry – and has a bit of history to it, too. It was originally built in 1970 by Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, serving as the exclusive golf course for The Great Gorge Playboy Club and Resort, where the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Johnny Cash, Dionne Warwick and Dean Martin, among others, all rolled through at one point in time. The resort has been closed down for some time now, but the golf course remains and it offers up some of the best views of any course in the area. For under $20 on July 4th, it’s well worth the trip.