Sea Oaks Country Club

Sea Oaks Country Club occupies a coastal setting in Little Egg Harbor Township, along New Jersey's southern shore near the gateway to Long Beach Island. Designed by Ray Hearn and opened in the early 1960s, the course reflects the straightforward, playable design philosophy common to many mid-century American layouts intended for daily member use. Hearn, a regional architect active primarily in the Mid-Atlantic, created a routing that works with the flat to gently rolling terrain characteristic of this part of the Jersey Shore. The course plays through a landscape of pines and coastal vegetation, with the design emphasizing strategic positioning over forced carries or severe hazards. Water comes into play on several holes, typical of courses built in low-lying areas near tidal waterways and marshlands. The layout rewards accuracy and course management rather than pure length, making it accessible to a range of skill levels while still presenting challenges for better players who stray from intended lines. Sea Oaks functions as a traditional country club serving the year-round and seasonal communities of Ocean County. The club offers a relaxed atmosphere reflective of its shore location, with members drawn from both local residents and those with summer homes in the region. The course provides a contrast to the links-style layouts found on the barrier islands, instead offering a parkland experience shaped by the mainland's wooded character and the practical demands of a membership course designed for regular play.