There are a few things that make a good golfer:

• Good course to play

• Good tips/advice/coaching

• Good equipment

… and there are plenty of things that make many terrible golfers.

This has been our journey to be Chasing Par. Yes, in literal terms, chasing the standard set by the course. Achievable. Yet, in reality, scratch golf is much more than a simple target.

We’re growing and we wanted to have a better connection with more golfers. It can only help our game more, right?

Each week, we’ll be sending our Chasing Par “at the Turn” email on Wednesday and this is the first edition.

Included will be a few sections that we hope are an entertaining few minutes of your day.

1. A story or review about a golf course. Similar to those we publish on our website.

2. A joke for your next round.

3. A tip, what’s in the bag or equipment review

4. A few links to other things happening in the world of golf.

Thanks for reading! At the end of each newsletter, we’ll have a one-click review as we’re learning what works best, and appreciate your feedback.

Enjoy, and see you next Wednesday.

Why is Pine Valley consistently ranked as one of the best Courses?

Why is Pine Valley the best course? This question has been asked by many golfers who have heard of its legendary status among America's 100 greatest golf courses. Let’s delve into the unique characteristics that set Pine Valley Golf Club apart from other esteemed courses such as Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Oakmont Country Club, and Pebble Beach.

We will explore the visionary design blending three schools of golf - penal, heroic, and strategic elements - masterfully combined on each hole by George Crump. Furthermore, we'll examine the memorable par-3 holes and challenging long par 4s that make up this exceptional course layout.

In addition to discussing the collaboration with renowned golf course architects like Harry Colt, A.W. Tillinghast, and George Thomas during its creation process; we'll also draw comparisons between Pine Valley and Augusta National Golf Club in terms of accessibility and exclusivity.

Lastly, you'll learn about the prestigious annual Crump Cup Tournament held at Pine Valley - an event steeped in history that offers a rare opportunity for amateur players to experience this extraordinary course first-hand. So join us as we uncover why Pine Valley truly stands out as one of America's greatest golf courses.

The Unique Design of Pine Valley

Pine Valley Golf Club is not just any golf course. It's one of America's 100 greatest golf courses, and for a good reason. Designed by George Crump in 1914, Pine Valley's unique design blends all three schools of golf - penal, heroic, and strategic - often on a single hole. This challenging 6,400-meter par-70 course has been attracting top players ever since.

Penal, Heroic, and Strategic Elements within Single Holes

Each hole at Pine Valley presents its own set of challenges for the golfer. Penal elements force players to hit accurate shots or face severe penalties; heroic features encourage risk-taking with potential rewards; while strategic aspects require careful planning and execution. The famous "Hell's Half Acre" on the seventh hole exemplifies this blend as players must navigate through sand traps and water hazards to reach the green.

Influence from the Golden Age of Golf Course Design

The layout at Pine Valley reflects influences from some legendary designers during the Golden Age of golf course design, such as Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Oakmont Country Club, and Pebble Beach Resorts' Links Course. These iconic courses have inspired generations of architects to create their own masterpieces like those found at Pine Valley.

This combination creates an unparalleled experience that consistently ranks high among America's greatest golf courses, including prestigious lists like Golf Digest's Top 100 Courses in America, where it competes with the likes of Augusta National, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Oakmont Country Club, and Pebble Beach. It is clear why Pine Valley has earned a reputation as one of the finest golf courses in existence.

Memorable Holes at Pine Valley

Pine Valley Golf Club is known for its diverse and challenging holes that contribute to its reputation as one of America's 100 greatest golf courses. Four par-3 holes stand out, each offering a unique experience for golfers.

• Hole #3: Known as "Devil's Ass," this hole features a daunting tee shot over water with bunkers guarding the green. It requires precision and strategy to avoid trouble.

• Hole #5: This picturesque hole has an elevated tee box overlooking a large pond. The green is protected by sand traps on both sides, making accuracy essential.

• Hole #10: Aptly named "Hell's Half Acre," this intimidating par-3 demands a long carry over waste areas while avoiding deep bunkers surrounding the green.

• Hole #14: With an undulating putting surface surrounded by steep slopes and dense trees, this hole challenges players' short game skills in addition to their ability to hit accurate iron shots from the tee box.

Pine Valley also boasts memorable long par 4s that can be just as challenging despite their shorter distances. For example, Hole #7 stretches only 330 yards but requires strategic placement off the tee due to tight fairways lined with trees and well-placed hazards. Similarly, Hole #18 presents another test of skill with its uphill approach shot into a heavily guarded green complex set against the backdrop of Pine Valley's stunning clubhouse.

The combination of these unforgettable holes, along with the course's overall design and natural beauty, solidifies Pine Valley's position among America's greatest golf courses such as Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Oakmont Country Club, Pebble Beach, and Augusta National.

Routing Collaboration with Legendary Designers

Get ready to be blown away by the exceptional layout of Pine Valley Golf Club, a result of the collaborative efforts among some of the most legendary golf course designers. Harry Colt, a renowned golf architect of the early 1900s, was instrumental in forming Pine Valley Golf Club's exceptional design.

Harry Colt's Expertise

Colt worked closely with George Crump to create a course that would stand out from others. His vision helped shape Pine Valley into what it is today - one of America's greatest golf courses that continues to captivate players from all over the world.

Other Designers Involved

A.W. Tillinghast and George Thomas, two other prominent figures in golf course design, also contributed their ideas to Pine Valley. Tillinghast, known for designing top-tier courses like Oakmont Country Club and Winged Foot Golf Club, left his mark on Pine Valley's exceptional layout. Thomas, who worked on Pebble Beach and Riviera Country Club, also played a part in shaping Pine Valley's unique design.

• Fun Fact: Pine Valley has a hole called "Hell's Half Acre" that is known for its challenging terrain.

• Did You Know: Pine Valley has consistently ranked among America's 100 greatest golf courses, according to Golf Digest.

• Check It Out: Learn more about other iconic American courses like Shinnecock Hills Golf Club and Oakmont Country Club.

The visionary work of the designers has created a course that stands as an iconic symbol in golf, drawing players from around the globe. Pine Valley stands as a testament to their genius and continues to attract golf enthusiasts from all over the world.

Comparisons with Augusta National Golf Club

Both Pine Valley Golf Club and Augusta National are celebrated worldwide for their international-quality holes. However, they differ significantly when it comes down to accessibility. While fans get an intimate experience during the Masters Tournament week at Augusta (albeit at steep prices), access to Pine Valley is highly exclusive.

Differences between two renowned American gems

• Prestige: Both courses consistently rank among America's greatest golf courses, with Pine Valley often taking the top spot on lists like Golf Digest's "America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses". Augusta National is also a prestigious course, hosting one of golf's four major championships - The Masters.

• Terrain: While both courses feature stunning landscapes and challenging holes, Pine Valley boasts a unique blend of penal, heroic, and strategic elements within single holes. In contrast, Augusta National is known for its immaculate greens and pristine fairways lined by towering pines.

• Amenities: As private clubs go, both offer world-class facilities for their members; however, only Augusta opens its doors once a year to thousands of spectators during The Masters tournament week.

The exclusivity factor at both clubs

Pine Valley stands out as a particularly exclusive golf club, not allowing any female members and permitting only restricted visits by guests. In comparison, Augusta National has a similarly exclusive membership but opened its doors to female members in 2012. While both clubs are difficult to gain access to, Pine Valley remains more elusive for golf enthusiasts.

Despite their differences, Pine Valley and Augusta National continue to captivate the hearts of golfers worldwide with their challenging layouts and rich histories. Each course offers a unique experience that leaves players eager for another round on these iconic greens.

Annual Crump Cup Event

The Crump Cup tournament at Pine Valley Golf Club is a big deal. At Pine Valley, the Crump Cup tournament is an opportunity for amateur golfers to display their aptitude on one of America's most esteemed courses. And for one day a year, Pine Valley opens its doors to the public, so you can see what all the fuss is about.

The History of the Crump Cup

The Crump Cup is named after Pine Valley's founder, George A. Crump. In 1922, the Crump Cup began as a four-ball tournament for top amateur golfers and has since been regarded highly in the sporting world.

This a unique opportunity for golf enthusiasts

• Rare access: Pine Valley is notoriously exclusive, but during the Crump Cup, you can get in without an invitation from a member.

• Spectator experience: You can walk alongside the players and take in the stunning scenery while watching some of the best amateur golfers in the world.

• No admission fee: Unlike other major tournaments, there's no charge to attend the Crump Cup at Pine Valley. The Crump Cup is a great opportunity to take in some top-notch golfing without spending too much money.

The Crump Cup is just one example of why Pine Valley is consistently ranked as one of America's 100 greatest golf courses by Golf Digest. If you're a golf enthusiast, don't miss your chance to see what all the hype is about at Pine Valley's once-a-year open house.

PGA Tournaments at Pine Valley

Pine Valley Golf Club, renowned as one of America's 100 greatest courses, is widely regarded for its difficulty and has become a favored venue for challenging amateur tournaments. While it has never hosted any major professional events, it remains the home ground for some of the toughest amateur tournaments nationwide.

Notable Amateur Tournaments Held at Pine Valley

• The Crump Cup: An invitational tournament held annually since 1922 in honor of George A. Crump, founder and designer of Pine Valley Golf Club.

• U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship: The USGA's newest championship event was held at Pine Valley in 2017, showcasing some of America's best amateur golfers competing in a two-person team format.

• Compher Cup Matches: An annual competition between teams representing New Jersey State Golf Association (NJSGA) and Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP), with matches taking place on various courses including Pine Valley from time to time.

Past Tournament Winners

In its storied history as host to prestigious amateur competitions, many talented players have claimed victory on this challenging course:

1. The Crump Cup: Notable past champions include Jay Sigel (9-time winner), Buddy Marucci Jr., Danny Yates III, Michael Muehr, and Nathan Smith.

2. U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship: The 2017 edition saw the team of Frankie Capan and Shuai Ming Wong emerge victorious, defeating Clark Collier and Kyle Hudelson in a thrilling final match.

3. Compher Cup Matches: While individual winners are not recognized in this event, both NJSGA and GAP teams have experienced success at Pine Valley over the years.

Pine Valley's reputation as one of America's greatest golf courses is further solidified by its rich history hosting these esteemed amateur tournaments. Golfers who compete here undoubtedly gain invaluable experience navigating through the challenging layout that rivals other top courses like Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Oakmont Country Club, Pebble Beach, and Augusta National. It's no wonder why some refer to the course's notorious 7th hole as "Hell's Half Acre."

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Choosing the Right Number of Wedges Based on Skill Level

As a golfer, pondering how many wedges to bring along in your bag might be something you think about. The answer depends on your skill level and what shots you want to execute with precision. In this section, we'll break down the recommended number of wedges for beginner, mid-handicap, and professional golfers.

Beginner Golfers' Essential Clubs

For new golfers, it is prudent to begin with a limited selection of clubs; namely, a pitching wedge and sand wedge. Start by carrying at least two essential wedges: a pitching wedge and a sand wedge. These clubs will help you tackle most short-game situations without overcomplicating things.

• Pitching Wedge: This versatile club is perfect for chipping around the green and hitting approach shots from 100-125 yards out.

• Sand Wedge: As its name suggests, this club is designed for bunker play but can also be used effectively for chipping and pitching from various lies around the green.

Mid-handicap Players' Recommendations

If your handicap hovers between 10-20 (or if "mid-handicapper" sounds about right), consider adding an extra wedge to your arsenal - specifically, a gap or approach wedge. This addition helps maintain consistent distance gaps between clubs while providing more shot-making versatility around greens:

• Gap or Approach Wedge: This club fills the distance gap between your pitching and sand wedges, typically covering shots from 80-100 yards. It's also useful for hitting full shots into greens on shorter par-4s and long par-3s.

Professional Golfer's Club Selection

If you're a low handicap player (single digits) or an aspiring professional golfer, carrying all four types of wedges can optimize your shot-making abilities. In addition to the three previously mentioned clubs, consider adding a lob wedge to your bag:

• Lob Wedge: With its high launch angle and pinpoint accuracy, this club is perfect for executing delicate flop shots over hazards or tight lies around the green. Check out this guide on how to hit a flop shot.

Bear in mind that while it may be tempting to carry more than four wedges as you advance in skill level, golfers are limited by the USGA rulebook to only have 14 clubs in their bag during official play. As such, make sure you strike a balance between having enough wedges for various situations without sacrificing other essential clubs like drivers and irons.

For more, check out the full article on Chasing Par

Thanks for reading, we'll see you next week.

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