Trout, Tiger partner on South Jersey golf course

Los Angeles Angels baseball player and New Jersey native Mike Trout announced a star-studded partnership March 27 with golf legend Tiger Woods to bring the Trout National – The Reserve golf course to Vineland.

“I’m so excited to finally officially announce that we’re doing this project, and doing it in a community that means so much to me,” said Trout, a 2009 Millville High School graduate, in a press release. “I was born in Vineland and raised in Millville. I met my wife, Jessica, in Millville, and my parents and siblings and in-laws still live in the area. I could put down roots anywhere in the country, but Jessica and I make South Jersey our off-season home and always cherish the time we get to spend there.”

The course is being designed by Tiger Woods and his architectural firm, TGR Design. Trout is also partnering with John and Lorie Ruga, owners of Northeast Precast of Vineland, on the development of the private club, which will be located between Sheridan Avenue and Route 55.

Construction is set to begin this year with a goal to open for member play in 2025.

“We promised you all a big announcement and here it is! We are so excited to be able to make a longtime dream of mine a reality, with none other than @tigerwoods and @tgrdesignbytw,” Trout tweeted Monday. “We can’t wait to share more updates with you as we create Trout National – The Reserve.”

“I’ve always watched Mike on the diamond so when an opportunity arose to work with him on Trout National – The Reserve, I couldn’t pass it up,” said Woods in the press release. “It’s a great site for golf and our team’s looking forward to creating a special course for Mike, Jessica, John and Lorie (Ruga).”

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The site was once home to a silica sand mine, which TGR Design says will be evident, with ample playable sandy waste areas strategically found throughout the course set among gentle rolling hills that will weave between two distinct settings: the former quarry and rambling farmland. TGR says more details about the course will be released as its team becomes more immersed in the project.

In addition to an 18-hole championship golf course, Trout National – The Reserve will also include a flexible short course and expansive putting course, along with world-class practice facilities and a performance center. Other highlights will include a modern state-of-the-art clubhouse, five-star lodging, innovative amenities, a wedding chapel, and more.

“We’re going to do some really cool things from a service and offering perspective,” said Trout. “Although plans aren’t quite finalized yet, let me put it this way – this isn’t going to be your grandparents’ country club.”

“Mike’s a great guy and we both care deeply about our community,” said John Ruga in a press release. “Like Mike, I have always dreamed of opening a truly unique club. When we met and started talking about our individual visions, it became clear that we were on the same page. Trout National – The Reserve will be the place where members gather to enjoy an unforgettable club experience. Equally important, we focus on making the club a catalyst for job creation and economic development in our region, while also exploring ways non-members can enjoy it.”

“I love South Jersey and I love golf, so creating Trout National – The Reserve is a dream come true,” said Trout. “And then to add to that we’ll have a golf course designed by Tiger? It’s just incredible to think that this project has grown to where we’re going to be working with someone many consider the greatest and most influential golfer of all time.”