Vineyard National at Renault

Vineyard National was once a private club but has been open to the general public and Atlantic City visitors since 2007. As the name hints, the course is part of a winery resort, offering an alternative (or an addition) to a day of sampling.

Perhaps the most distinct portion of the club — in terms of features you won’t see at other courses — is the tee shot at No. 7, where the tee box is set within the vineyard itself, hitting across the grapes to the fairway. Perhaps the most distinct portion of the club — in terms of architectural approaches that you won’t see at other courses — is the tee shot on the next hole. The drivable par four (320 yards) is a much more attractive target when the flag is on the right side, where players must “simply” avoid the centerline bunker that runs vertically down the fairway, but when the flag is on the left, players must also cross the sand as it makes a “J.” to the left fairway.

The Ed Shearon design measures more than 7,200 yards from the back tees...if you choose the wrong set, you’ll need something stronger than the house blend by the time you’re done.