LPGA Star Natalie Gulbis Headlines Garden State Tour Pro Challenge Presented by Northeast Lock at Shackamaxon Country Club, Sept. 25

Scotch Plains, N.J. (July 25, 2013)—Have you ever dreamed of playing head-to-head against a professional golfer in front of a gallery of enthusiastic fans? On Sept. 25, 2013, Shackamaxon Country Club will host the second annual Garden State Tour Pro Challenge presented by Northeast Lock. This charitable event will feature six lucky amateur qualifiers (and the teammate of their choice) golfing against LPGA sensation Natalie Gulbis and her New Jersey PGA Tour professional teammate in a series of three-hole matches on the club’s A.W. Tillinghast-designed course.

The “Challenge” will benefit the New Jersey Golf Foundation, the charitable arm of the New Jersey section of the PGA. The organization’s mission is to grow the game of golf in New Jersey and to provide access to the game specifically to youth throughout the Garden State.

Qualifying tournaments are currently taking place at private and public clubs around the state. The entry fee is $20. For more information on how to enter one of the remaining qualifiers, contact Mr. Chris Hunt of The New Jersey Golf Foundation at (732) 465-1212.

All the clubs’ winners in five categories (Ladies Net, Ladies Gross, Men’s Gross, Men’s Net and Men’s Senior Gross) will compete in one of two qualifying rounds at Forsgate Country Club on Sept. 12 or Sept. 15. The winners in each category will choose an amateur partner and advance to face Natalie Gublis and her PGA partner on Sept. 25 at Shackamaxon.

Natalie Gulbis is an LPGA star, entrepreneur, model, actress and one of the most recognizable athletes in the world. Gulbis turned pro at the young age of 18, and her first professional win came at the 2007 Evian Masters in France. She has recorded 36, top-10 finishes in her career and has played on three victorious U.S. Solheim Cup teams—2005, 2007, and 2009. In addition to her stellar playing career, Gulbis has appeared on such popular television programs as Celebrity Apprentice and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and starred in her own television show on The Golf Channel. Gulbis has also graced the pages of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, FHM, and she has her own calendar.

The Garden State Tour Pro Challenge will feature a full day of exciting activities at Shackamaxon. The day begins with an 18-hole celebrity golf outing featuring participants playing alongside professional sports alumni. Gulbis will meet and take photos with the outing participants.

At 11:30 am, Gulbis, along with a group of prestigious New Jersey PGA teaching professionals, will conduct a clinic and luncheon for golf enthusiasts from throughout the Garden State. Fans will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with Gulbis as she, and the pros, demonstrate a range of skills from driving through short game for players at all skill levels.

Clinic tickets are $65 and include lunch on the driving range and a gallery ticket to view the afternoon’s Garden State Tour Pro Challenge. Space is limited. Please contact Amanda Maloney at Shackmaxon Country Club at (908) 233-1300 to reserve your spot.

At 2 pm, the “main event” will take place as Natalie Gulbis and her professional teammate begin their head-to- head matches against the lucky New Jersey amateur qualifiers and their chosen amateur partner on Shackamaxon’s historic A.W. Tillinghast-designed masterpiece. Gallery tickets to view the action live at the afternoon’s Tour Pro Challenge are only $10 and may be purchased by calling (908) 233-1300 ext. 1203. Tickets will also be available on-site at the club on Sept 25.

Shackamaxon is owned and operated by an affiliate of RDC Golf Group, Inc., a leading New Jersey-based golf course ownership and management company.

About Shackamaxon Golf and Country Club

Shackamaxon was founded in 1916, and offers a spectacular A.W. Tillinghast 18-hole championship golf course. The nearly century- old, par 71 course boasts Tillinghast’s first island green which, to this day, remains one of the favorites among Met-area golfers. The club has hosted a number of prestigious events including the 1922, 1937, 1972 and 2002 New Jersey State Golf Association (NJSGA) Open Championship, the 1924 and 1977 NJSGA Amateur Championship, the 1928 Met Open, the 1955 Cavalcade of Golf and the 2010 Women’s Eastern Golf Association Amateur Championship. For information on membership, please visit the club’s website www.shackamaxoncc.com or contact Director of Membership David Miniman at (908) 233-1300 ext. 1230.

About RDC Golf Group, Inc. 

Founded in 1993, RDC has rapidly become a recognized industry leader in golf course ownership and management whose properties have garnered numerous golf course and hospitality awards. RDC and its affiliates own and/or operate the A.W. Tillinghast-designed Shackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains, N.J., the renowned Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township, N.J., and the private, family-oriented Tuscawilla Country Club in Orlando, Fla. The company currently provides management services for the award- winning Tallgrass Golf Course on Long Island, N.Y. For more information on RDC, visit www.rdcgolfgroup.com or call (732) 656- 8900.

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CONTACT: Suzy Abrams Jones, SAJ Public Relations 

(203) 618-1864 office / (407) 256-6200 mobile / suzyabramsjones@aol.com

Marty Vybihal Named Head Golf Professional of Shackamaxon Country Club

Scotch Plains, N.J. (April 17, 2013)— Shackamaxon Country Club, the nearly century-old private club located only 30 minutes from Manhattan in Union County, N.J., proudly announces that Marty Vybihal has been named head golf professional.  Opened in 1916, Shackamaxon features an 18-hole A.W. Tillinghast designed golf course that boasts the architect’s first-ever island green. 

A Class “A” member of the PGA, Vybihal will be responsible for all areas of Shackamaxon’s golf operation including:  monitoring course conditions and pace of play; supervising the club’s golf instructional program; managing set-up and operations for outings, special events, and tournaments; purchasing and merchandising of the club’s full service golf shop; and enhancing member relations and customer service.  Vybihal’s efforts will be focused on maintaining the high level of service and quality which members and guests have come to expect from this tradition-rich country club.

Vybihal comes to Shackamaxon with a nearly 20-year professional resume that includes experience at such prestigious private clubs as Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, N.J.,  Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, N.J., and Hollywood Golf Club in Deal, N.J., among others.  Most recently, Vybihal served as the director of golf at Morgan Hill Golf Club in Easton, Pa.

Vybihal is a native of Clinton, N.J., and a two-time, state high school golf champion (Hunterdon High School in Annandale, N.J.).  He attended the University of Maryland on a full scholarship and as a Terrapin, Vybihal was a four-year varsity letterman and team captain.  Vybihal’s successful professional career is highlighted by his victory at the N.J. section of the  PGA’s US Health Care Championship in 2006.

“Marty’s extensive experience as a golf professional at some of the Garden State’s most prestigious properties will serve him well as he enhances ‘Shack’s’ golf program for members and guests of all ages and abilities,” said Shackamaxon co-owner Christopher Schiavone. “His enthusiasm and knowledge of the game as well as his successful competitive background will be great assets for the club.”

Vybihal resides with his wife and three children in West Caldwell, N.J., and he has served as the Bridgewater High School junior varsity and varsity head basketball coach for nine years.

About Shackamaxon Country Club

Shackamaxon was founded in 1916, and offers a spectacular A.W. Tillinghast 18-hole championship golf course.  The par 71 course boasts one of the most famous holes in the Metropolitan area:  the ninth hole island green, Tillinghast’s first island green.  The club has hosted a number of prestigious events including the 1922, 1937, 1972 and 2002 New Jersey State Golf Association (NJSGA) Open Championship, the 1924 and 1977 NJSGA Amateur Championship, the 1928 Met Open, the 1955 Cavalcade of Golf and the 2010 Women’s Eastern Golf Association Amateur Championship.  For information on membership, please visit the club’s website www.shackcc.com or contact Director of Membership David Miniman at (908) 233-1300.

About RDC Golf Group, Inc.

Founded in 1993, RDC has rapidly become a recognized industry leader in golf course ownership and management whose properties have garnered numerous golf course and hospitality awards. RDC and its affiliates own and/or operate the A.W. Tillinghast-designedShackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains, N.J., the renowned Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township, N.J., and the private, family-oriented Tuscawilla Country Club in Orlando, Fla.  The company currently provides management services for the award-winning Tallgrass Golf Course on Long Island, N.Y. For more information on RDC, visit www.rdcgolfgroup.comor call (732) 656-8900.

Valentine's Day Candlelight Dinner at Shackamaxon

Join us for our Valentine's Day Candlelight Dinner at Shackamaxon Country Club! 

Thursday, February 14th.

Complimentary Welcome Cocktail 

Sparkling Chambord and Pomegranate

Amuse Bouche

Butler Passed

Valley Shepherd Chevre, Pistachio, Cranberry 

Tuna and Beet Tartare, Candied Kumquat

Braised Short Rib Popover, Jalapeno, Pico de Gallo

Appetizers

(choice of)

Seared Day Boat Scallops, House Cured Pork Belly,

Heirloom Bean Cassoulet, Red Russian Kale and Natural Jus

Winter Salad of Mache, Blood Orange Supremes, Roasted Baby Beets,

Asparagus, Red Endive, Orange Oil, and Walnut Vinaigrette

Maine "Belon" Oysters on the Half Shell with

Chipotle Mignonette, Micro Arugula, Rock Salt

Entrees

(choice of)

Pan Seared Farroe Island Salmon, Root Vegetable Hash,

Potato Puree with Marscapone and Leeks and Carrot Top Pesto

Bone-in-Ribeye, Caramelized Cipollini Onions,

King Oyster Mushrooms, Yukon Gold and Goat Cheese Puree

Roasted Murrays All Natural Chicken, Baby Winter Vegetables, 

"Duck-Fat" Fingerlings, Thyme Rosemary Gremolata, and Riesling Reduction

Cauliflower Risotto, Shimeji Mushroom, Pine Nut, Baby Spinach, Preserved Lemon

Dessert

Taste of Winter

Meyer Lemon Gateau, Dark Chocolate Souffle, Poached Seckel Pear

  

Cost: $149 Per Couple

Beverages on Consumption 

To Make Your Reservations

Call or Email

info@shackamaxoncc.com | 973-560-4544

Jackets Required

Exclusively for Members and their Guests

Celebrate New Year's Eve at Shackamaxon!

Ring in the new year at Shackamaxon Country Club!

• 5 Hour Open Bar
• Passed Hors D'Oeuvres
• Dinner Carving Stations of: Tenderloin of Beef & Rack of Lamb
• Raw Bar
• Elaborate Dessert Station

Featuring NYC's Hottest Dance Band: Funk Factory

Valet Parking

$95 per person plus tax & services

Make your reservation TODAY!

Click here to make your reservation!

Phone: 973-560-4544

Email: info@shackamaxoncc.com

TOMORROW | Garden State Tour Pro Challenge | Morgan Pressel | Shackamaxon Country Club | New Jersey

TOMORROW is the Garden State Tour Pro Challenge! 

All the golfers are picked and all you need to do is be there! 

See you tomorrow 8am at Shackamaxon Country Club !

Click here for more information!

Garden State Tour Pro Challenge | Morgan Pressel | Shackamaxon Country Club | New Jersey

Read who the golfers are that will tee-off against Morgan Pressel at the Garden State Tour Pro Challenge!


Click here to read who won!

Shackamax CC NJ | Star Ledger | Morgan Pressel

Click here to see the golf tour article in the Star Ledger!

The Garden State Pro Tour Challenge is shaping up to be the most exciting new event of the area's 2012 Golf Calendar. Qualifying events throughout the state will lead into an amazing day with sports celebrities and club professionals at Shackamaxon Country Club on Tuesday, October 2nd. Top LPGA professional Morgan Pressel will highlight the day with a one-of-a-kind exhibition against six amateur qualifiers. For more information got to: www.shackamaxoncc.com/garden_state

Shackamaxon Country Club NJ | Garden State Tour Pro Challenge

The Garden State Tour Pro Challenge is shaping up to be the most exciting new event of the area's 2012 golf calendar. 

Qualifying events throughout the state will lead into an amazing day with sports celebrities and club professionals at Shackamaxon Country Club on Tuesday, October 2. Top LPGA professional Morgan Pressel will highlight the day with a one-of-a-kind exhibition against six amateur qualifiers.

LPGA Star Morgan Pressel has 7 top-10 finishes in 2011, $4 million in career earnings, is undefeated in U.S. Solheim Cup Competition, and has many other astounding accomplishments. 

For more information, visit Shackamaxon CC or our Facebook Event Page!

Shackamaxon Country Club NJ | "Can tour W's become major wins?"

With Tiger Wood's win at the Congressional, can we assume that he will be turning that success into big future wins?

Some of ESPN GO's golf writers take a stab at predicting the Golf Greats' upcoming win chances.

Can Tiger Woods Turn W's into Major Wins?

Shackamaxon Country Club NJ Review I

Thank you to your staff for what was a 100% perfect event.  We took all of your recommendations for the DJ and flowers / centerpieces, they were also perfect.  You and the team made our family feel like we were having a party in our own ball room.

- Liz and Andy

For More Info: Shackamaxon Country Club Catering

Shackamaxon Golf and Country Club undergoing an overhaul with new leadership

The 9th hole at Shackamaxon Golf and Country Club
 in Scotch Plains designed by architect A.W. Tillinghast.

Nearly bulldozed, Shackamaxon Golf and Country Club is undergoing an overhaul with new leadership

Published: Monday, May 28, 2012, 5:30 AM

By Brendan Prunty/The Star-Ledger


Christopher Schiavone’s proposal was simple and direct: If an A.W. Tillinghast-designed golf course was going to be plowed over for homes, it wasn’t going to be on his watch.

This was a little more than a year ago as bidders were lining up to buy the fading Shackamaxon Golf and Country Club in Scotch Plains, licking their chops at the large property and envisioning everything but a golf club. Most wanted to bulldoze the nearly 100-year-old layout and put up condos, houses and all sort of suburban sprawl. But Schiavone — the president and CEO of RDC Golf Group, which manages a number of private clubs, including Forsgate — had a different pitch:

Not only trying to save the course and the club, but make it viable again.
“It seemed like the information we got about the other bidders, we were the only bidder that had the preservation of the golf course as the main component,” Schiavone said. “The other bidders were all talking about probably putting homes where the golf course is. It looked, if it wasn’t for us, that golf course might be gone — so I think we saved the golf course.”

The long road to bringing Shackamaxon back is far from over, but given that the club was close to getting its last rites not too long ago, there’s optimism it can regain its foothold.

When Schiavone’s group officially took ownership of the club in December, it knew what it was getting into. Shackamaxon had once been one of the more sought-after country club destinations in Union County with nearly every amenity available to its members — an 18-hole Tillinghast (with the first island green he ever designed), an expansive clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts and quiet suburban setting.

But by 2010, it was in trouble. A combination of a sinking economy, a large number of older members dying or leaving the club and no influx of new members, left Shackamaxon in dire straits. An attempt to revive the club was made by the private golf club ownership group, Troon Golf — but by last year the club was in worse situation.

“The area where it was worst, was morale,” Schiavone said of the mood when his group first came aboard. “There was a complete level of uncertainty, people abandoning ship. When we came in, the staff was basically gone. They weren’t booking any events or taking deposits on events. So there was negative momentum that had to be turned around even more than we initially thought.”

Since then, a major overhaul has taken place across the board. Schiavone’s group has sought to change everything from the dining room to the golf course. New Jersey-based architect Stephen Kay re-routed parts of the golf course and did a full bunker restoration. Condos will still be built on the property — but in the middle of the golf course and none of the layout will be compromised.

“I think the turnaround, in one sense, has been quick,” he said. “I think members that have been there a really long time will say that they’ve seen a very marked and very rapid turnaround.”

The next step for Shackamaxon will be sustaining its current level. The club has seen promise before, but it’s still a long way back. But in only a short couple of months, it’s been able to see something. And not its course plowed over.

“You have a Monet in golf course architects in Tillinghast and there are only a certain number of those in existence — he ain’t building anymore,” Schiavone said. “Seeing those lost — if a Piscasso was burned or written on, it would be painful. If you’re in the golf business and you love the game and golf course architecture as I do, we feel that saving and preserving and bringing back a gem like this, it’s something we’re proud of.”

Brendan Prunty/ The Star-Ledger: bprunty@starledger.com; twitter.com/BrendanPrunty

Originally published on nj.com - Nearly bulldozed, Shackamaxon Country Club is undergoing and overhaul with new leadership