The past few years, the Rutgers University Golf Course has undergone significant upgrades and made key improvements that have resulted in its unprecedented growth and national recognition. During the 2023 season, the course achieved its highest total of tee times ever—an impressive 38,033—surpassing the previous year’s total of 35,381.
The driving range also experienced a record surge in usage, jumping from 25,587 visits to a staggering 38,578. This increase is largely due to a growing interest in golf among new players and those looking to improve their game.
A major highlight of the 2023 season was the significant increase in student players. In 2022, the course welcomed 4,342 student players. In 2023, that number jumped to 6,912. Course Head Professional and Manager Lisa Jensen, along with Greens Superintendent Grant Bezek, have prioritized expanding access to golf for both the community and student golfers. Club rentals were introduced specifically for students living on campus who may not have the means to store or transport their clubs. In the first year alone, 70 club rentals were made, and demand continues to rise.
“We realized our student players are out there, but we had to be more proactive to get them here,” Jensen explained.
Another improvement was the opening of the 19th Hole, a new food and bar service. It features a breakfast menu for early golfers, as well as burgers, sandwiches, wraps, wings, and more throughout the day. The bar includes a variety of draft beers and packaged drinks. The new Club Grub app allows players to order food and beverages delivered directly to their location on the course. Additionally, the Club Patio House has been renovated to offer a relaxing setting for meals and refreshments.
Upgrades to the course itself have been critical to its success. A new drainage system will reduce closures due to waterlogged conditions and increase playable tee times. More than 150 tons of sand have been added to improve bunker conditions. The course has also invested in state-of-the-art equipment to maintain top conditions. As the 2024 season begins, golfers will notice improvements to several tee boxes, including hole #10.
Ongoing brush clearing and tree work continue to improve safety, turf health, and the visual appeal of the course.
Rutgers Golf Course was recently ranked 19th on GolfPass’s list of the Top 25 College Golf Courses. GolfPass cited the course’s well-maintained greens, pace of play, value, and more. You can read the full article at: www.golfpass.com/travel-advisor/best-of/best-college-golf-courses-golfers-choice-2024.
“The emphasis that Lisa and Grant place on improving playing conditions and overall access is paying off,” said Henry Velez, Vice President of IP&O Business Services. “They’ve also incorporated more technology, making our course more competitive and fun. The growth in student play is really encouraging. We are always looking into additional amenities and course upgrades to remain competitive.”
RU Golf Course Superintendent Chosen for Agronomy Team
In other Rutgers University Golf Course news, Greens Superintendent Grant Bezek was selected as one of 24 superintendents from across the U.S. and Canada to serve on the Agronomy Volunteers Team for the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open, held at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California.
Agronomy, the science of soil management, is critical to maintaining golf course greens.
The Farmers Insurance Open, held January 21–28, gave this highly skilled group the opportunity to work at a major PGA Tour event, as well as gain exposure to new agronomy techniques and network with peers.
Upon arrival, Bezek and other volunteers were assigned to teams working on either the North or South Course. They prepared the grounds for practice and tournament rounds. Preparation for a PGA event is intense, and the volunteers worked closely with over 50 full-time Torrey Pines maintenance staff.
Bezek’s team was responsible for hand-raking all 82 bunkers on the South Course each day. They also helped with storm cleanup after Monday became the fifth wettest day in San Diego history. It was a memorable and action-packed week.
Torrey Pines, a municipal facility operated by the city of San Diego, has hosted the Farmers Insurance Open since 1968.
Featured in the IP&O Newsletter, February 2024.
