How did a dairy farm in the heart of New Jersey become one of the state’s landmark private country clubs known for its tradition of first-class golf, fine food and hospitality? A combination of exquisitely maintained golf courses, an elegant and historic clubhouse, 75 years of visionary planning and generations of unforgettable moments can be credited with bringing Forsgate Country Club to where it is today. This golf season, Forsgate will hold a 75th Anniversary Celebration that will include the introduction of a retrospective logo, the unveiling of a “Wall of History”, special member events and the construction of a new sports complex.
| 75 Years of Forsgate Country Club |
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Founded in 1931, Forsgate Country Club was the dream and creation of John A. Forster, a Scottish golf enthusiast who founded the successful Crum and Forster Insurance Company in the late 1800’s. On a sprawling piece of property that also housed a large farming operation, Forster commissioned renowned golf course architect Charles “Steam Shovel” Banks to design an 18-hole course that would be reminiscent of famous European golf holes.
Banks, who was well known at the time for his creativity and use of the steam shovel, employed the tool to create an 18-hole masterpiece that boasts awesome traps and deeply sloped greens that cover up to 22,000 square feet in area. The Banks Course was unveiled in 1931 and with the original design remaining undisturbed over the past 70+ years, it has been rated the “No. 2 Private Golf Course in the State” by New Jersey Monthly and “Best in the New York region” by the Met Golfer.
In 1961, Forsgate hired noted Golf Course Architect Hal Purdy to create an additional nine-course golf course for the enjoyment of its members. Ten years later, Purdy returned to Forsgate to expand his original design and create a championship 18-hole traditional American golf course that would challenge golfers with water hazards on 10 of its holes. In 1999, the course was renamed the Palmer Course (formerly the West Course) to honor The King of Golf, Arnold Palmer, on his 70th birthday.
Over the years, Forsgate also has maintained a rich golf tournament history. In the late 1970’s, Forsgate hosted a Ladies Professional Golf Association tournament that featured such notable golfers as Kathy Whitworth and Nancy Lopez. Today the course continues this tradition by hosting the annual Sovereign Bank Charity Golf Classic, a fundraising golf and entertainment event that has featured a veritable Who’s Who of players including Peter Jacobsen, John Daly, Natalie Gulbis and Craig Stadler.
For 75 years, Forsgate’s courses have been the site of many unforgettable moments for thousands of New Jersey golfers and business executives. Interestingly, many legends of golf have also enjoyed rounds at Forsgate including World Golf Hall of Fame members Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, and Sam Snead--who described the greens of the Banks Course as “The most eye-popping I’ve ever seen” in a 1964 GOLF Magazine article.
In addition to golf, Forsgate’s Clubhouse has become a landmark in Monroe Township and is the center stage of the social and business activities at Forsgate. Designed by famous architect Clifford Wendechak, the original Clubhouse opened in 1931.
Over the years, the Clubhouse has expanded to reflect the changing times. In 1989, Forsgate unveiled an extensive $8.5 million restoration project which added 4,500 square ft. to the Clubhouse and in 1997, another expansion project added 13,000 square ft. to the Clubhouse. The centerpiece of that expansion was the Highlands Ballroom--an expansive grand ballroom that accommodates up to 600 people.
Today, the Clubhouse also features award-winning casual and fine dining facilities, a fitness room, men’s and women’s locker rooms, seven meetings rooms and the sun-infused Skye Atrium.
In honor of the Club’s 75th Anniversary Celebration, Forsgate has introduced a “Celebratory Logo” for the 2006 season that fuses the Club’s past using the original logo of Forsgate Farms in the 1920’s and the Club’s logo in the 1930’s with a present-day multi-dimensional look and color. The logo will be featured on merchandise in the Golf Shop, on all collateral material, and throughout the Club.
For those nostalgia buffs, the club will unveil a “Wall of History” in the Clubhouse that will take enthusiasts on a trip through time, with historical artifacts telling the story of Forsgate from its early beginnings. A summer country fair and fireworks celebration this July, monthly themed events and a Reunion Day that will welcome past members are just a few of the events scheduled to commemorate this important occasion.
Later this year, Forsgate is planning to launch the Great Lawn Project that will transform the large circular grass area in front of the historic Clubhouse into a beautifully landscaped tribute to the Club’s place in New Jersey golf history. Plans include a croquet court and a large memorial garden that will honor John Forster and Charles Banks.
Perhaps the most aggressive project slated to be unveiled this anniversary season is Forsgate’s million-dollar sports complex complete with a swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, snack bar, locker rooms and lounges. With this latest addition, the Club will be poised to provide its members and guests with another 75 years of first-class, family-oriented service and amenities.
