Gambler Ridge Golf Course opened 30 years ago on a former farm in Cream Ridge, its name coming from the gamble taken when the owners tore out the farm and turned it in a golf course. It’s a gamble that has since paid off.
Assistant manager John Cereste describes the course as “fairly flat and forgiving. We have a lot of seniors play, as well as outings and special events.”
It works well for novice golfers, and those who have time to only play one or two rounds of golf a year.
Cereste took a job at Gambler Ridge at 16 so he could play golf for free. In March, he will have been with Gambler Ridge 20 years. He’s just part of the family at the course.
“We have a family atmosphere here,” he said. “Everyone wants to know about what is going on with you. They get to know everyone here.”
This comfort-level felt by the golfers means they willingly offer suggestions and advice.
“The way I do things is by listening and getting some feedback,” he said. “They treat Gambler Ridge like their own course.”
Gambler Ridge hosts many events throughout the year, including outings for local political groups, the state police and local fire departments. Management is open to suggestions to make events special. Past suggestions included pig roasts and a cigar cocktail hour held outdoors.
One unique event held for a few years was nighttime golf. A group from Rutgers University used blinking golf balls and glow stuff.
“I had to stay to watch that,” Cereste said. “It looked like shooting stars with the blinking balls.”
The group only played about nine or ten holes in the dark, but returned for a few years to repeat the experience.
The Gambler Ridge golf course and bar and grill are open year round.
“A few of us are always here,” Cereste said. “I’ve had people brave it in the snow with orange balls and shovels.”
They usually only last a few holes. There is another group who makes it their tradition to play on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend.
Gambler Ridge added Footgolf this year, a sport combining soccer and golf. It is played by kicking a soccer ball into an oversized 21-inch hole. The rules are similar to golf, but with a few variations. The 18-hole game is laid out over a 9-hole traditional golf course. Footgolf takes about two hours to play with two to four people, much less time than a traditional golf game.
Cereste said Footgolf reaches a bigger demographic.
“It is pretty neat,” he said. “I love to see different people here, different ages, younger people. It is not as intimidating because they are playing soccer on a golf course.”
Soccer teams, for example, have come to Gambler Ridge as a group outing.
Another option at Gambler Ridge is quoits, a game played with a ring thrown to encircle or land as near as possible to upright peg. Quoit games often continue past dark at the club, with the lights and music on.
This year Gambler Ridge added 9-hole golf option, which has earned Cereste a lot of praise from folks who frequent the club. The club also offers specials on its website to make the game more affordable.
Another change Cereste has noticed is it is no longer as hard to get a tee time on weekends, and groups of 12 to 20 golfers can book tee times up to eight months in advance.
Gambler Ridge Golf Course is located at 121 Burlington Path Road in Cream Ridge. Phone: (609)758-3588. Web: gamblerridge.com.
