Fiddler's Elbow Country Club

Fiddler's Elbow Country Club is a private country club located in Bedminster, New Jersey.^[1] Fiddler's Elbow is the only private club in New Jersey with three 18-hole championship golf courses.^[2]

History

The property is divided between Somerset and Hunterdon Counties by the waters of the Lamington River, a branch of the Black River. Throughout the late 19th century and the early 1920s, much of the property was planted in intricate peach orchards, a business operated by one-time New Jersey Congressman James Nelson Pidcock.^[3] In the 1920s, the land was part of the 20,000 acres that made up the elegant estate of investment banker Clarence Dillon and his wife, Anne. When the Dillons divested much of their land holdings in 1935, they sold 530 acres along both sides of the Black River to family friends—investment banker Frederick Strong Moseley Jr. and his wife, Jane Hamilton Brady.^[4]

An avid sportsman and World War II Bronze Star recipient for heroism, Frederick Moseley hosted many elaborate fox chases on his estate, complete with foot bassets, foxhounds and horses. The manor house, along with a two-story addition built in 1968, is now the Fiddler's Elbow clubhouse. For some 25 years, the Moseleys were known for their sporting activities. After Jane Moseley died from injuries sustained in a fire, the property was sold and converted into a dairy farm.^[5]

In 1964, Raymond J. Donovan and Ronald A. Schiavone obtained the acreage and transformed it into Fiddler's Elbow Country Club.^[6] It opened the following year with its original 27 holes of golf—the Red, Blue and Green Courses—designed by Hal Purdy. In 1986, the 9-hole Silver Course opened, and the Green Course was renamed the Gold Course in honor of the regal designs of Brian Silva. Rees Jones began work on a third course in 1992. On July 1, 1994, Fiddler's Elbow could claim 54 holes of golf, making it the largest golf facility in the state.^[7] Today it remains the only club in New Jersey boasting three championship courses. The Blue-Red Course, designed around the Lamington River, became known as the River Course. The Gold-Silver Course was christened the Meadow Course, in light of its former use as a pasture. The newest, nestled within a plantation of white pines, beeches, oaks and other hardwoods, was aptly named the Forest Course.^[8]

Following a significant investment and effort in strategic planning, Fiddler’s Elbow entered a new phase under the stewardship of the Donovan Family, Ray, sons Ken and Keith, and daughter Mary Ellen. A multi-phase master plan was commenced that included the new practice facility. Course improvements included several holes on the Meadow Course being redesigned by architect Steven Kay. Dining facilities were renovated with the new Elbow Room Restaurant & Bar becoming the centerpiece of social activity among the members. A brand new pro shop and cart barn and an enlarged locker room space completed the golf facilities upgrades, while the introduction of a brand new state-of-the art Sports and Leisure Center, including aquatics, tennis and fitness, ushered in a new era for the Club.^[9]

Location

The main entrance to Fiddler's Elbow is located on Rattlesnake Bridge Road, adjacent to Interstate 78, at Exit 26. The whole property comprises over 1,200 acres (4.9 km²) of terrain.

Facilities

The club offers its members three championship golf courses - the River Course, Meadow Course, and Forest Course. The pro shop was renovated in 2014, and includes merchandise and equipment from numerous golf manufacturers.

Built of Pennsylvania fieldstone in the 1930s, the three-level Clubhouse retains the architecture of the original English manor home, with modern updates. The Ground Level features the Elbow Room Bar and Grill, the members' upscale dining venue. For large events, the newly-renovated Somerset Ballroom includes chandeliers, a vaulted ceiling and high windows, plus a stage, dance floor and patio. The Lamington Room has a bright, airy ambiance, while the Library and Living Room offer more intimate settings. The Second Level offers a variety of conference and business facilities. Now serving as the bridal suite, the Reagan Room once hosted President Ronald Reagan on the campaign trail.^[10] On the Lower Level, visitors will find the Wine Cellar, locker rooms, and The Grill Room.

In 2014-2015, the club opened the Sports and Leisure Center, featuring a state of the art aquatics facility, 5 har-tru tennis courts, a fitness center, and poolside dining.

The club offers valet or self parking, and access to a helipad.

Membership

The club offers Individual, Family, Sports & Leisure, and Corporate Memberships.^[11]

References

External links

• Official website

Coordinates: 40°38′39″N 74°42′57″W / 40.6442°N 74.7159°W / 40.6442; -74.7159