The Golfer’s Journey on May 15th took us to Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey. In the Garden State, Liberty National is known for having some of the best scenic views of the Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan, and the New York Harbor which is what stood out most to Jimmie during his round. Aside from the prominent views of New York, the golf course is well-renowned for its true play and for its modern amenities.
Jimmie’s round was set up by a friend who is a member of the club. Jimmie invited three friends to accompany him. One from New York, Colorado, and Texas. All three are golfers that he met as a result of playing the 100 Greatest Courses in America.
Behind the Scenes of Liberty National
History
Hole 4 at Liberty National Golf Club
This waterfront golf course opened in 2006 and is a true getaway for members needing a break from the city. Looking at the course now, no one could tell that it was built on a landfill. Since the treatment of the course, the once landfill is now a prominent golf course for some of New York’s elite.
Built by Bob Cupp with pro-consultant Tom Kite, the vision of the course is for it to host major tournaments. In 2017, Liberty National hosted the Presidents Cup and that’s where Jimmie James got the urge to play there. As he states “I attended the 2017 Presidents Cup and was impressed with the views of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan.”
About the Course
Holes: 18
Style: Parkland/Links
Par: 72
Length: 7387 yards
Clubhouse Amenities
The clubhouse at Liberty National has some of the most modern and luxurious features of any clubhouse. For golfers that work or are near downtown Manhattan near the financial district, they can hop on a 15-minute catamaran from Chelsea Pier to the course. The catamaran features T.V’s, snacks and views of Ellis island along the ride. Another way convenient way to arrive at this course is via helicopter as the course features a helipad.
The clubhouse itself is all enclosed entirely by glass and takes much of its inspiration from the Sydney Opera House in Australia. Inside the clubhouse members are greeted by ultra-modern decor with the matching environment. When ordering drinks and food, the menu is presented on an iPad for easy ordering. The dining room has floor and ceiling windows that look out to the course which makes for lovely views while dining.
Signature Holes
Hole 14 at Liberty National Golf Club
It’s tough to choose a signature hole for the course as nearly every hole has a view of either The Statue of Liberty or New York City. Each hole is played on the finest grass for the fairways and greens. Members even have to wash their shoes to keep them pristine. When Jimmie James played this course, he recalled that his favorite hole was 14 because of “the view of lower Manhattan across the Hudson River.”
Jimmie’s Drive:
Tee-Time: May 15th, 9:30 am
Score: 85
Memorable Shots:(1) “My second shot on the 523-yard par five sixth hole. I pulled my drive to the left rough leaving 300 yards to the flag. There were trees ahead. I took my driver and hit on a line to the left of the trees, the ball stayed low and flew under the branches before curving slightly to the right to the fairway leaving just 80 yards to the flag. “
(2) “Swung too hard trying to drive the green on the short 270-yard par four sixteenth hole. The Ball slice carried over the water to the right and landed between trees just beyond the water leaving about 70 yards to the pin. I hit a high pitch shot over the water to the right of the right. The ball came to rest two feet from the cup. Made the easy putt for a birdie after a terrible drive.”
Course Thoughts: Jimmie was very impressed with the views of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan.
Course Conditions: “Beautiful blue skies with white fluffy clouds although it was cool and breezy”
The 19th Hole
Liberty National Golf Club offers picturesque views of New York that make it an oasis in an urban jungle. The course itself is manicured with meticulous care and plays true on the fairway and greens. Clubhouse experiences and amenities are second to none at Liberty National and should be played if the opportunity presents itself. Stay tuned for the next review of the Golfer’s Journey with Jimmie James.