I’ve been to the “Happiest Place on Earth” (Disneyland), but I had never played the “Happiest Golf Course on Earth” (Big Little Nine), so a road trip was in order. Being a Jersey Shore kid in my youth, it’s always a trip down memory lane to visit Cape May, Wildwood, LBI, and Seaside Heights.
Shot Value: There is plenty of risk at just about every hole as water and “crowned” greens are everywhere. Accuracy is essential or you will keep reaching into your bag for another ball. Come prepared!
Design Variety: There are two sets of tees – long (ranging from 98 to 167 yards) and short (62 to 101 yards). If you play 18 holes, start with the short and complete the round from the “back” tees. Six of the holes require a shot over water from the long tee boxes.
Memorability: I realize we are “down the shore” and I expect to see water, but this much on a 9-hole par 3 track? Ask my playing partner how many balls he donated. Was it 6, 8, or more? All I know is we made a trip to Walmart for more ammunition! Most of these fun holes are still etched in my mind.
Aesthetics: The scenic values around the course are awesome. Trees, water, crushed shells, pristine sand, and a waterfall make it a fun journey around this course. The landscapes around holes #7 and #9 are terrific.
Conditioning: One word – excellent! The tee boxes are mats, but each is equipped with four spots to easily place a tee for your comfortable ball height. These are placed for both the right and left-handed players.
Ambience: The staff was great; they have an excellent social media presence; they support the community with shared promotions (e.g., MudHen Brewing Company); they encourage BYOB; and they have fun! Carts are also available for the walking-challenged golfer.
Rating – Uncategorized: I don’t rate par 3 courses, but Big Little Nine is definitely a winner. It’s a fun, quick round with additional time to hit the beach in Wildwood; drink a few beers; and spend time with an old Jersey Shore buddy. Beach, Beer, and Buddies! We didn’t BYOB, so post-round we headed to Cape May Brewing Company to regroup and determine the closest golf ball replenishment store. After that venture was completed, we had a chance to eat and drink at the highly recommended MudHen Brewing Company. Are you seeing a trend here? At the end of the day, I have to agree – “It is the Happiest Golf Course on Earth!”
600 Bayberry Drive, Cape May Courthouse, NJ 08210; 609-465-4560; www.biglittle9.com
