Since the private Trump National Bedminster first opened in September 2004, it has been ranked among the top private clubs in the United States and claims a very select membership. This golf course was ranked #5 on the Best New Private Clubs list by Golf Digest Magazine in 2006. The course was designed by Tom Fazio and plays over 7,500 yards from the championship tees. Trump National Bedminster was built on land in New Jersey that was previously used for farming.

As players walk the grounds, they are transported to a much more sophisticated time when garden parties and fox hunts were the order of the day and the stately main home was the focal point of the property. Donald Trump has taken this property and restored it to its former glory. As guests walk through the clubhouse, they can imagine the tranquility and gentle nature of a time long gone by.

Members of the club have one of the finest practice facilities of any golf course in the area. There is a 3-tiered hitting range that is complimented by a short game practice area with two practice greens. In the short game area, players can practice shots from 20-120 yards. It is no wonder that the members here should have some of the sharpest short games of any private club.

The golf course is surrounded by various leafy trees and pines that define the holes and can cause havoc to an errant tee shot. The green grass is nicely complimented by the sparkling white sand that lines the bunkers.

Don't expect many straight holes on this golf course. Fazio has incorporated many doglegs to make the golf course interesting. The longest par-4 on the golf course is the 5th hole. This hole measures 488 yards from the back tees and plays uphill. Four bunkers guard the right side of the fairway, but the best location to attack the pin is from the right side of the fairway. Although the fairway is fairly straight, the hole takes a sharp left turn right at the green.

You will need a driver to get the ball as far down the fairway as possible on this monster of a hole. You might be able to get roll depending on which side of one of the many mounds your ball happens to hit. The small green on this hole is guarded by four small bunkers that make par a distant memory. This is also the first hole that borders a lake that comes into play on holes 5-7.

The 12th hole at the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster is a long par-5 that plays to 610 yards from the back tee. Although this seems like a long hole, it is not the longest hole on the golf course. This hole gives the player several options off the tee and on the second shot. Many of the longer hitters will have a chance to reach this green in two shots but if they even slightly miss, it could spell disaster for a good score.

From the tee the preferred shot is a draw off the bunkers on the right-hand side of the fairway. It is better to be toward the left side of the fairway in order to have the best shot into the green. If players can hit the ball far enough off the tee they will be able to attack this kidney-shaped green on the second shot.

A pond guards the right side of this green and will have an impact on your shot decision from the fairway. Shorter hitters will need to lay up and have a short iron into this difficult green. Don't try to bite off more than you can chew as this is not the hole to make a big number on.

The Trump National Golf Club Bedminster is not finished growing yet. Plans are underway for the second golf course on the property. Currently this second golf course is to be a joint design between Donald J. Trump and Tom Fazio. If the past work of Donald Trump is any indication of this future design, the members of this club are in for a real treat.

Lots of Great Golf Near Atlantic City
Bright lights and world-class gambling are all on the menu when you visit Atlantic City in New Jersey. New Jersey is one of the smallest states in America and only has around 350 golf courses to choose from. One of the most famous golf courses in