Finding a decent place to play in Ocean County can be a total headache. Honestly, you've probably driven past the entrance to Eagle Ridge Golf Club on Augusta Boulevard in Lakewood, NJ, a dozen times without realizing just how massive the footprint of this place really is. It’s not just a patch of grass next to a retirement community.
It’s a 27-hole beast.
Most golfers in the Jersey Shore area are used to the standard 18-hole layout, but Eagle Ridge breaks the mold by offering three distinct nines. It’s built on what used to be an old sand & gravel quarry. That sounds gritty, but it’s actually the secret to why the drainage here is so good. While other courses in Lakewood turn into a swamp after a Tuesday afternoon thunderstorm, Eagle Ridge stays remarkably dry.
Why the Layout at Eagle Ridge Golf Club on Augusta Boulevard in Lakewood NJ Hits Different
You’ve got the Pines, the Ridge, and the Lakes.
They aren’t identical. Not even close. The Pines nine is exactly what it sounds like—tight, tree-lined, and arguably the most punishing if your driver is acting up. If you're spraying the ball right, you're going to be punching out of the needles all day. Then you have the Ridge. Because of that old quarry history, the Ridge offers elevation changes that you just don't see in the rest of flat-as-a-pancake Ocean County.
Standing on some of those tees, you get a view that feels more like North Jersey or Pennsylvania.
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The Lakes nine? Well, bring an extra sleeve of balls. Water comes into play on six of the nine holes. It’s a mental game more than a physical one. You see the pond, you tighten up, and suddenly your smooth 7-iron is a chunked mess. It happens to everyone.
The course was designed by Brian Ault. He’s the guy who worked on several high-profile projects across the Mid-Atlantic, and his fingerprints are all over the green complexes here. They are big. They are undulating. If you end up on the wrong tier of a green at Eagle Ridge, you are looking at a three-putt. No question about it.
The Reality of Playing Conditions and Public Access
People get confused about whether this is a private club or a public course.
Basically, it’s "semi-private." What that actually means for you is that while they have a membership base, the public can book tee times. But here is the catch: because it’s a popular spot for outings and the local Lakewood/Toms River crowd, the pace of play can occasionally be a nightmare. We’re talking five-hour rounds on a Saturday morning.
If you want the best experience, you've gotta aim for those mid-week morning slots or the late afternoon "super twilight" rates.
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The maintenance is generally high-tier for a daily-fee course. The bunkers are usually well-raked, though the sand can be a bit heavy depending on the season. One thing that really stands out is the practice facility. They have a grass tee range, which is a luxury in New Jersey. Most places force you onto those rock-hard rubber mats that ruin your joints. At Eagle Ridge, you can actually hit off the turf, which is how golf is supposed to be practiced.
Beyond the Fairways: The Clubhouse and the "Vibe"
The address—2 Augusta Boulevard—is more than just a GPS coordinate. It’s the hub of a pretty active social scene. The View 166 restaurant is actually legit. It’s not just "golf course food" like soggy hot dogs and overpriced chips. They do a Sunday brunch that brings in people who don't even know which end of a golf club to hold.
The ballroom is a massive wedding factory. If you’re playing on a Friday evening in June, you’re going to see bridesmaids taking photos while you’re trying to finish your round on the 9th hole of the Ridge. It’s just part of the atmosphere.
A Few Things Nobody Tells You
- The Wind: Because the course is relatively open in sections (especially the Lakes), the wind whips across the property. A one-club wind in the parking lot is a three-club wind on the 4th hole.
- The Pro Shop: It’s surprisingly well-stocked. They usually carry brands like Titleist and TaylorMade, and the staff doesn't give you that "country club snub" that you find at some of the older establishments in the area.
- The Drive: Entering from Cross Street or Route 9 can be a mess during rush hour. Lakewood traffic is legendary for all the wrong reasons. Give yourself an extra 20 minutes.
Is It Worth the Green Fee?
Let's talk money. New Jersey golf is expensive. You can easily drop $100+ on a weekend morning here. Is it worth it?
If you value variety, yes. Having 27 holes means you can play there three times and never play the same 18-hole combination. That’s a huge plus for locals who get bored of the same routine. However, if you’re looking for a quiet, secluded walk in the woods, the proximity to the surrounding housing developments might bug you. You’re definitely playing in a "managed community" environment.
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The greens are usually the fastest in the area. If the superintendent decides to get aggressive with the mower, they can get downright scary.
Actionable Steps for Your First Visit
If you're planning to head over to Eagle Ridge Golf Club on Augusta Boulevard in Lakewood NJ, don't just wing it.
First, check their website or a third-party booking app for "Hot Deals," but be wary of the aeration schedule. They usually aerate in late March and late August; playing on punched greens is a waste of money.
Second, decide on your rotation. If you want a challenge, ask for the Pines/Ridge combo. If you want a slightly more relaxed (but wet) round, go for the Lakes.
Third, take advantage of the short game area. They have a dedicated chipping green and a practice bunker. Most people skip this and go straight to the range, but the greens at Eagle Ridge are where the real "damage" to your scorecard happens. Spend twenty minutes getting the feel for the speed of the grass before you tee off.
Finally, grab a drink at the bar afterward. The patio overlooks the course, and it’s one of the best spots in Lakewood to watch your buddies struggle to get home on a long par four while you're safely sipping something cold.
Pack extra balls, keep your head down, and watch the breaks—they always pull toward the low spots of the old quarry. Enjoy the round.