Vineland golf course from Trout, Woods reveals new details

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The stakeholders behind Trout National – The Reserve have released the routing map for the 18-hole, par-72 golf course in Vineland that is slated to complete construction in 2025.

Of course, these are not just any stakeholders — the project is a collaboration between Los Angeles Angels baseball star and New Jersey native Mike Trout, who was born in Vineland and raised in Millville; South Jersey businessman and local partner John Ruga; and golf icon Tiger Woods, who is designing the course via his architectural firm TGR design.

In March, NJBIZ reported on the announcement of the star-studded partnership and ambitious Trout National – The Reserve project, which will also boast a flexible short course, expansive putting area, world-class practice facilities, performance center, a modern state-of-the-art clubhouse, five-star lodging, innovative amenities, a chapel and more.

The private club will be located between Sheridan Avenue and Route 55. The site was once home to a rambling farmland and former silica sand mine – which will be evident to players with ample playable sandy waste areas as well as sprawling fairways throughout the course – and will offer multiple routes from tee to green, according to project stakeholders.

They also note that large and undulating greens with low-cut surrounds will emphasize the course’s challenging – yet fun – design that will provide risk-reward opportunities.

“Some of my favorite golf experiences have been ones that have challenged my game while still having fun and that’s what we wanted to create at Trout National – The Reserve,” said Trout in a press release.

Woods said that Trout and Ruga found a site with a lot of character to make some outstanding golf holes.

“The sandy and diverse terrain has so many great natural features that have given us a lot of options on how to create a world-class golf course,” said Woods.

“Tiger, John and I walked hole by hole and this course will do just that,” Trout added. “Our vision and his design his creating something special here in my hometown.”

Late last week, a video and pictures were posted by Trout on social media showing Woods arriving and touring the site with the group, which also included Trout’s family.

“The land that is home to Trout National – The Reserve has great history here in the City of Vineland,” said Ruga, who owns Northeast Precast of Vineland. “Tiger and his team were able to incorporate the history and let the land shine through in this championship golf course. It will truly be a memorable experience on the course.”

In the initial March announcement, Trout said that the club also plans to do some really cool things from a service and offering perspective — stressing that it is not going to be your grandparents’ country club.

“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.”

More information on the course can be found here and here.

The wait is over. Excited to share the latest from Trout National – The Reserve. We've finalized course routing and are continuing to make progress on this unique and exciting project with @TigerWoods and @tgrdesignbytw. pic.twitter.com/rpu2on1KUg

— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) August 25, 2023