Review of the Month January 2017 – Forsgate Country Club (Banks)

In today's "connected" world it's hard to imagine any "sleeper" courses escaping view. Especially when such courses are in an immediate core area where other courses of distinction exist.

Such is the case with a particular facility located halfway between the large cities of New York and Philadelphia.

Forsgate Country Club Banks course 3rd hole

Although not far away in terms of actual mileage from either of the aforementioned metro areas – Forsgate Country Club in Jamesburg, New Jersey is a top tier quality facility that is known to locals but rarely is mentioned by those living outside a 100-mile radius. It is particularly shocking that many self-proclaimed golf cognoscenti often gloss over the qualities found at Forsgate.

In 1931 – at the height of The Great Depression – Forsgate Country Club opened, the vision of a successful Scottish immigrant who brought his vision to life in the farmlands of rural central New Jersey.

The brainchild was John Forster – co-founder of the Crum & Forster insurance company. As someone who spent a good deal of time in Manhattan, Forster wanted to create a paradise away from the constant drumbeat of The Big Apple. Purchased in 1913 – his getaway included 50 acres of land – an outpost to rejuvenate the mind and body. Within a short time, additional land was purchased and the decision to include a golf club was born.

Forsgate Country Club Banks course 12th hole

The name Forsgate is actually a combination of the first few letters of Forster's last name and that of his wife's family name Gatenby. Forster's dream included creating a most active and highly successful farm. One that developed a considerable reputation over the years in producing a range of crops and various successful food items – promoting the healthy elements of pasteurized milk and its by-product high quality ice cream. For many people throughout the immediate region the food production side of things resonated most clearly.

Forster's love for the golf he knew in Scotland became driving force for him – in creating a golf club equal to that of any other in New Jersey.

By M. James Ward - images courtesy of Forsgate Country Club

Review of the Month January 2017 selected by Editor-in-Chief, Keith Baxter – click here to read the full review