Links Golf is a very special kind of Golf. Golfing a round at The Brigantine Golf Links is, quite simply, one of the very best and most enjoyable, and authentic, rounds of links-style golf that you, me, or anybody will ever get to play anywhere, and it’s right here right at The Jersey Shore.
Built in 1927 as part of the island’s master plan, The Brigantine Golf Links is unique in the Northeast with its Scottish links design by Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek. Brigantine’s history is intertwined with the famed Scottish links courses of old. Local legend suggests that “Old Pros” from the 1920s practiced at Brigantine before sailing for the British Open.
Played on the bayside, bordered land like where the game first began in Scotland’s, England’s and Ireland’s true and traditional links is a rare treat and a total pleasure. Primarily treeless, sandy and often featuring sometimes hilly landscapes, links golf like at The Brigantine Links challenges golfers to play a style of golf that they almost never have to play at the much more prevalent tree-lined park-style golf courses which dominate the American Game.
One of the truest links courses in all of the historic Atlantic City Golfing Scene, one of the primary “cradles” of Golf in the United States, is the beautiful and fun-to-play Brigantine Links. First opened for play way back in 1927, Brigantine is a rare gem of a course and a “step back in time”. The Jersey Shore staple, Brigantine was a favorite training ground for many of our country’s top professional and amateur players who were hoping to hone their games before cruising over to compete at the British Open and British Amateur championships of the day.
Besides being a top links course built by famed Massachusetts-based architect Wayne Stiles (Taconic, Mink Meadows, Putterham Meadows), the Brigantine Island course is, other than the some of the courses in North Carolina’s world-famous Outer Banks, one of the only barrier island golf courses on the entire East Coast.
True to its historic Scottish roots, this layout offers breathtaking bay views, native marshland, and gently rolling, nearly treeless terrain. With prevailing sea breezes and carefully placed concave bunkers, this 18-hole, par-72 course provides an exciting and ever-changing experience for golfers of all skill levels.
You have to contend with the wind on a links course. Even a slight breeze will demand playing low drives and golfing some creatively imagined Scottish-style bumps and runs along the ground with precision chipping and a deft touch with the putter.
One of the many things about Brigantine I like a lot is its First and Eighteenth holes. Both reachable Par fives, 1 and 18 gives good golfers great chances to begin and close with birdies while giving all other players possible putts for par. Playing a touch longer than 450 yards, Brigantine’s No.1, opening the Hagen Nine named for golfing great and World Golf Hall of Famer Walter Hagen, calls for a straight or slightly fading drive short of a tidal creek that crosses the fairway leaving a shot of about 200 yards to the green. 18, capping the Back Nine named for British golfing giant and Hall of Famer Harry Vardon, meanwhile, plays straight uphill and back towards the clubhouse with water down the right to an elevated green.
Hole No.10 is another nice hole. A narrow Par 5, with water down the right and OB down the left, Hole 10 rewards the good golfer with a decent chance at eagle and birdie.
Hole 15, a Par 3, is maybe Brigantine’s Signature Hole. Framed front and left by a pool and creek, hitting the long and narrow green with a long iron to hybrid or fairway wood in one is a victory in itself. I love 15, but I love just about every hole at Brigantine. I really do. Like a great record with great songs from Start to Finish, The Brigantine Golf Links is a terrific track that I cannot wait to play any time and any day I can. You will love it, too.
As of 2026, the City of Brigantine has assumed direct management of Brigantine Golf Links and has embarked on an ambitious long-range improvement program designed to enhance the course while preserving its unique links-style character. The City has retained renowned golf course architect Joel Weiman of Weiman Golf Design to develop a comprehensive master plan and long-term golf course improvement strategy. Planned enhancements include a complete tee renovation program and bunker restoration project aimed at improving playability, aesthetics, and course conditions.
Recent capital improvements have already transformed the facility, including the installation of a new irrigation system and extensive cart path renovations throughout the property. Looking ahead, the City is committed to continuing investment in this treasured community asset, with construction of a brand-new clubhouse scheduled to begin in the Fall of 2026.
With these improvements underway, Brigantine Golf Links is poised to become one of the premier public golf destinations along the Jersey Shore while remaining a cherished amenity for residents and visitors alike.
If you get the chance to play Down the Shore, make sure to tee it up at The Brigantine Golf Links. You won’t regret, or forget, it.
Brigantine Golf Links
Brigantine, NJ
609-266-1388
