The Birth of Birdie
In 1903, an Atlantic City CC member coined the term “birdie” after sinking a well-played shot at the club—a term now fundamental to golf worldwide. That simple exclamation became a global part of the sport’s lexicon.
The verdict
A Living Museum Of Golf
Atlantic City Country Club is a pilgrimage site for anyone who loves golf history—where the game’s language and legends were forged in the coastal winds. While not a modern national bucket-list course, it remains a must-play for devoted students of the game and fans of classic shotmaking strategy.
Course DNA
Difficulty
78
Scenery72
Conditioning70
Shot Variety76
Walkability80
Green Complexity79
Wow Factor85
Design Quality80
Don't miss
Before or after your round, step inside the original clubhouse bar—where the term “birdie” was first coined—and soak in turn-of-the-century golf atmosphere.
At a glance
Quick facts
Original course architect
John Reid (1897), Willie Park Jr. (1921)
Historic shotmaking terms coined
“Birdie” and “Eagle”
Major championships hosted
U.S. Amateur, multiple U.S. Women’s Opens
Noted restoration architect
Tom Doak (1999)
First Senior PGA Tour event
1980 Senior International
Proximity to Atlantic City
15–25 mins by car
Notable view
Atlantic City skyline from the course
The design
The architecture
Atlantic City Country Club is a study in American golf’s evolution, reflecting layers of strategic genius from John Reid’s late-1800s vision to Willie Park Jr.’s links-style upgrades, Toomey & Flynn’s American refinements, and Doak’s restorative touch. The course rewards brains as much as brawn, with positional par 4s and well-defended greens, framed by tidal marshlands and crosswinds off the bay. This is where classic routing meets modern restoration—every hole feels like a page from golf’s living ledger.
The overlapping influence of Reid, Park Jr., Toomey, Flynn, and Doak means Atlantic City Country Club blends UK and American philosophies, championing both history and timeless playability.
Defining features
- Classic positional par 4s
- Guarded, nuanced green complexes
- Strategic bunkering shaped by winds
- Heritage views of Atlantic City skyline
- Open terrain with subtle movement
- Links-inspired land use with historic angles
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 1
Historic Launch Pad
PAR
4
YARDAGE
450
Your round begins on a grand, spacious par 4 that virtually demands focus right out of the gate, with OB lurking and the wind always in play. The historic setting, looking out over marshland and the iconic clubhouse, sets the tone for a round steeped in golf lore.
Play it smart
Favor the left side with a controlled drive to set up a straightforward approach; biting off too much brings trouble fast.
Where it bites
Miss the fairway right and you flirt with marsh or rough—add an early big number, or set up a day-long grind.
Course management
Shots to think about
Windy tee on #1
Take an extra club and favor the safe left half—first swing jitters are better than OB.
Approach to firm green on #5
Land short of the pin and let the contours feed your shot—spin over aggression.
Second shot on #6
Lay up if you’re not perfectly in position—forcing the eagle try risks total disaster.
Club selection on #8
Respect the exposed wind—pick a club for the gust, not the yardage.
Short wedge on #14
Don’t get greedy—take the safest route for a full swing and avoid tight pin-side traps.
Putting on #12
Pay close attention to subtle breaks; even a calm green can turn a birdie look into a three-putt.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Solid but can vary by season; classic turf and strategic bunkering hold up best in dry weather.
Pace
Expect a normal public pace—rounds move but aren’t guaranteed to be brisk during peak hours.
Vibe
Tradition-filled and welcoming, with a sense of occasion driven by the club’s deep historical pedigree.
Dress code
Country club attire (collared shirt and golf-appropriate slacks/shorts) recommended; always confirm for specific events.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Book Tee Times Early
Prime spots at ACCC fill up fast, especially on weekends and during golf season—reserve as far ahead as possible.
02
Brush Up on Course History
Knowing ACCC’s role in golf lore will enrich every step—this is a living museum, not just a round.
03
Sharpen Your Short Game
The course’s small, sloping greens demand touch and creativity on chips and putts—practice before you go.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1897
Founded by John Reid and others, marking a new era in American golf.
- 1901
Walter Travis wins the U.S. Amateur at ACCC.
- 1903
The terms “birdie” and later “eagle” are coined here, entering golf’s vocabulary.
- 1921
Willie Park Jr. reworks the course, adding classic British-influenced shot values.
- 1948
Babe Didrikson Zaharias wins her first U.S. Women's Open at ACCC.
- 1980
Hosts the first event of the Senior PGA Tour, won by Don January.
- 1999
Tom Doak restoration renovates bunkers and greens for heritage texture.
Stories & legends
What makes it special
A Champion’s Cradle
John J. McDermott, America’s first homegrown U.S. Open champion, honed his game as the club pro here, cementing ACCC’s role in launching U.S. golf greatness. The fairways whisper stories of early glory.
Women’s Major Legacy
From Babe Zaharias in 1948 to Carol Mann and Sandra Palmer, the club’s greens have crowned multiple U.S. Women’s Open champions. ACCC’s role in women’s golf lore is as deep as its marsh-side bunkers.
Senior Swing Origins
In 1980, Atlantic City CC hosted the inaugural event of what would become the Senior PGA Tour, etching its name in the chapter of pro senior golf history. The event’s roots remain visible in club heritage.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The term “birdie” was invented here in 1903, followed by “eagle.”
2
Hosted both the 1901 U.S. Amateur and the first-ever Senior PGA Tour event.
3
Babe Zaharias’s first Women’s Open win was at ACCC in 1948.
4
John J. McDermott, America’s first native-born U.S. Open winner, was the club pro.
5
The clubhouse offers expansive marshland and city skyline views from the bar.
Build the trip
Build a South Jersey Classic Golf Trip
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Seaview Golf Club – Bay Course
Resort
Classic, walkable Donald Ross design with Atlantic City views—public access.
Pine Valley Golf Club
Private
Universally regarded as the world’s greatest course (dream to play, if you can get on).
Mercer Oaks Golf Course
Municipal
A highly playable, value-centric public design for another round.
Stone Harbor Golf Club
Semi-Private
Distinctive modern challenge in South Jersey with strong conditioning.
Ballamor Golf Club
Public
Well-reviewed South Jersey public layout; a perfect tune-up or wind-down round.
Atlantic City or Northfield for best access, nightlife, and ease of course hopping.
Course DNA
If You Like Atlantic City Country Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.3
Fort Mill Golf Club
Fort Mill, South CarolinaWhy it matches: Fort Mill Golf Club is a natural next stop after Atlantic City Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match8.2
Manchester Country Club
Bedford, New HampshireWhy it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Manchester Country Club's own setting.
Strong DNA Match8.6
Milwaukee Country Club
River Hills, WisconsinWhy it matches: If Atlantic City Country Club is your kind of course, Milwaukee Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
The architect's other work
More from William S. Flynn
Pine Valley Golf Club
Pine Hill, NJIconic, world-ranked Flynn masterpiece
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (restoration)
Southampton, NYClassic U.S. Open host
Lancaster Country Club
Lancaster, PAAcclaimed Flynn routing and greens
Cherry Hills Country Club
Cherry Hills Village, CONoted for multi-major pedigree
Community Sentiment
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