Situated in Colts Neck, N.J., the Hominy Hill Golf Course stands as a testament to Henry Dickson Mercer Sr.’s vision of inclusivity in golf. Built in 1965 by the philanthropic businessman, the course was designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones and quickly became one of New Jersey’s most exclusive golf clubs under Mercer’s discerning eye. Mercer’s decision to sell the course to Monmouth County in 1976 for a below-market price demonstrated his commitment to preserving the course’s legacy of accessibility.
While Hominy Hill’s history is steeped in luxury and exclusivity, recent developments have raised concerns among local golfers. A significant increase in golf outings has led to overcrowding on the course, impacting the overall experience for regular players. Complaints range from disruptions in pace of play to damage to course conditions caused by large groups of golfers.
Catherine Moraetis, a frequent visitor to the course, has been vocal about the challenges posed by these outings. She has raised these issues with the Monmouth Board of Recreation Commissioners, urging them to reconsider the scheduling of outings and proposing the formation of an advisory committee to address the concerns of local golfers. While initial responses from the board were positive, further action is needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of Hominy Hill and other public golf courses in Monmouth County.
In response to these concerns, the Monmouth County Park System has acknowledged the need to balance the demands of golf outings with the experiences of individual players. Director Andrew Spears emphasized the county’s commitment to providing a high-quality golfing experience for residents while addressing the challenges posed by increased participation in outings. By exploring potential solutions and engaging with the golfing community, the county aims to preserve the unique appeal of its public courses for years to come.
