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3.9
218 Reviews (218)
5 Stars
66
4 Stars
95
3 Stars
30
2 Stars
20
1 Stars
7
Conditions
3.5
Value
4.0
Layout
4.6
Friendliness
4.2
Pace
3.9
Amenities
4.1
83.9%
Recommend this course
183 out of 218 reviews
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About

Holes 18
Type Semi-Private
Par 72
Length 6685 yards
Slope 136
Rating 72.1

Union League National Golf Club on the Jersey Shore is a course that earns its former name (Sand Barrens), thanks to the varied sand traps and waste bunkers. Designed by Dana Fry and Dr. Michael Hurdzan, the South/West Course measures 6,895 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 136. The front nine is a little open and has more undulating greens than the back. Look for No. 4, which plays 439 yards and is one of the course favorites. It gets no easier on the back nine, which finishes with two challenging par 4s.
Formerly known as South/West at Sand Barrens Golf Club and Union League National Golf Club - South/West.

Course Details

Year Built 1999
Golf Season Year round
Architect Dr. Michael Hurdzan (1997) Dana Fry (1997)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
Clubs Yes
GPS Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex, Discover Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Dress code Dress code strictly enforced for golf course AND practice facility. Please be prepared to comply. Collared golf shirts and proper length shorts required. No denim.

Accolades

  • Golf Advisor: Top Courses in New Jersey (2017 #14)

Reviews

3.9
218 Reviews (218)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 17
Patio Dining 12
19th Hole Scenic Views 7
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 47
Undulating Greens 25
Thick Rough 17
This course/club is great for:
Advanced Golfers 27
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 23
A Weekend Splurge 20
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 25
Near Local Attractions 19
Convenient to the City 8

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Fun round

Great round of golf only drawback was bunkers need raking

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

This course is in superior condition and is worth playing

I have played quite a lot of courses in the Atlantic City area and this course has been in excellent condition the last few years always a good challenge and a fun time for any skilled golfer. This time of year it is still in excellent condition and worth every dollar spent to play. I highly recommend this course for anyone in the area.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Nice course

It is a fair course and if you play from the tips it will be very difficult.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 21
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Philly Advisor
First Time Playing

Interesting golf check it out

I wasnt very impressed by sand barrens to say the least. Loved the greens they're huge with major undulations, the staff was very nice but I was a little deterred by the bunkers which this course is known for and they are all over the place had puddles and looked like they havent been touched since summer ended. With that being said id play again if i lived closer but its not in my top 10. Don't believe the hype though if you live closer check it out.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Perfect day

Absolutely perfect day of golf. Course was in excellent shape greens and fairways were deal. Played 18 holes in 3 hours and 40 minutes. Played the course 10 years ago and never came back. So happy I did.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Excellent Course

Upon arriving we were greeted by the starter who loaded our bags and he was very friendly. Being the first time playing here, he gave us directions and some tips as well. Course was in great shape, not crowded at all, and weather was excellent. As the name implies, it has a LOT of sand! Many bunkers to contend with but that just added to the skill of your shot selections. The only problem I had with this course is that the hole directions are not "clearly" marked. There are some tree signs and chalk or paint on the paths but overall not noticable and don't stick out to well so it leaves you searching for the next hole. Then again, after a couple times playing here you won't need them but just an observation. A couple times we drove down the wrong path because we didn't know where to go. Other than that we had a great time and it is well worth the money.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Solid course

Solid facility, great course. No drinks are served to 'non-members', which is ok, but should be detailed at time of booking at arrival at course. Make sure you play here, most unique course around.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Poor weather
Used cart

Harassing Ranger

We schedule a college reunion golf weekend every year and try to rotate the South Jersey courses we play. Up until the Sand Barrens round, we've never had a bad experience with any course staff. However, from the moment we teed off the 1st hole, the ranger harassed us and made it difficult to enjoy our round. As our 1st golfer was addressing the ball, the ranger pulls up and shouts out a sarcastic comment asking if we were big hitters. Another time as I was in my back swing he pulls up and scolds my partner for having 2 of the golf cart's wheels off the paved path. It was clear he was trying to make us feel as unwelcome as possible. To be fair, the rest of the staff was fine and the 2 nines we played had a nice layout (if you're okay with numerous sand traps) and were in good shape. But with all the other nice courses in South Jersey that appreciate/welcome your business, we recommend staying away from this one.

Conditions Good
Value Fair
Friendliness Poor
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

I loved the course

We played on Sunday afternoon starting on the South course and finishing on the west course.We finished in just under 4 hours which was awesome. I really enjoyed both layouts.They had so many beautiful holes on both tracks, It was really fun to play.From tee to green, this was the best course I have played this year. We haven't had much rain this summer and a lot of courses are pretty burnt , but they have done a great job maintaining the Sand Barrens.
The Staff there are super friendly and helpful.It was just a great experience. if you haven't played it, its is worth every penny.I didn't have time to stop at the bar, but the clubhouse was beautiful with gorgeous views. I hope to have time to stop in on my next round.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Interesting

I found the staff extremely helpful and the pace of play was good. I found the course to be in good condition and the greens were receptive. There are some great holes and the short par four tempt you with driver so it a good risk and reward

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

excellent greens

the greens were well maintained, rolled smoothly, and had excellent pace.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

West/south round

Got out on the west course just as it opened so we had no one in front of us. At the turn the starter put us on the south and again never had to wait, even as a twosome, it was a Monday morning though. Course was very well maintained, fairways, rough, and greens were all excellent. Split fairways, the obvious frequency of bunkers, and mature trees make accuracy crucial. Bunkers have a natural rocky consistency so they have a "smoothy" rule to allow you to pick and place to protect your clubs. Greens are challenging and fast. My only concern was the amount of ball marks that people didn't repair, which can be an issue anywhere, but I found myself repairing 4-5 on each green just around my ball and in my line. They clearly need to mention this to all golfers.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Improving

Have played here three times over the past 5 years. The course course conditions were a little ragged four years ago. This year they were exceptional. The greens were beautiful and the expansive sand traps are maintained very well. This is a top notch public course

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

A Round in August

I haven't played this course in 8-10 years. I was extremely pleased with my trip back. The course was in great shape for August. Although the greens were a little inconsistent from a pace standpoint. We were able to play in 4.5 hours which was great for a Saturday at the Jersey Shore in August. The staff does a great job of coordinating between the three 9's. Every staff member I encountered was extremely friendly. From the bag drop to the pro shop to the starter to the restaurant staff. I will come back in a heartbeat.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Walked

Disappointed In An Old Favorite

Waiting on every shot is poor way to play golf. Shouldn't marshals encourage people who only play when on vacation to keep up with the group in front of them? Nine holes were closed for a club event condensing everyone else onto the same two nines. Gridlock.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Amenities Good
Difficulty Fairly Easy
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Nice Ciurse, Great Conditions

The course was in excellent shape when we played and it moved at a good pace. It was a little pricey but that is to be expected of a course in a tourist area. My only complaint was that we got there about 45 minutes so we could hit the range and it was closed for mowing.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Very Nice Course

Starter very nice excellent condition very pleased with overall experience

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Beginner
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Beautiful

This course was in pristine condition. Greens were fast. Fairways were soft. Staff was very friendly. I had a great day out. Played the eighteen holes in three hours on a Saturday.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

friendly staff

The course is in excellent condition. Greens are in great shape and very quick. The starter switched us on to the west 9 for our last nine holes to avoid a foursome as we were a twosome. We played in 4 hours only because we caught up to a slow group at the last two holes.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 11
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

West and South

Sand Barrens was a nice course, sand everywhere of course, could've had better yardage markers. But overall tee boxes, greens, and fairways in very good shape, some parts of rough not great but worth the golf now deal.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
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