You’re standing on the first tee, and honestly, the smell of fermenting grapes is stronger than the smell of freshly cut grass. That’s the first thing people notice. It’s weird. It’s cool. It’s Vineyard Golf at Renault. Most golfers in the Tri-State area are used to the same old suburban layouts—rows of houses, maybe a creek, and a lot of generic bunkers. But this place is built right into the bones of one of the oldest wineries in the United States. Renault Winery has been around since the 1860s, and they didn’t just slap a golf course on the side of it as an afterthought. They wove the fairways through the actual vines.
It’s tricky.
If you slice your ball on the back nine, you aren't hitting it into someone's backyard pool or a patch of rough. You’re hitting it into a row of Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay grapes. And no, you shouldn't go crawling under the trellises to find your Titleist. The staff gets kinda protective of the fruit, for obvious reasons.
What Actually Makes Vineyard Golf at Renault Different?
Most "resort" courses are wide open and forgiving because they want tourists to feel good about themselves. Vineyard Golf at Renault doesn't really play that game. It was designed by Ed Shearon, and he clearly wanted to lean into the "low country" feel of Egg Harbor City. The dirt here is sandy. It drains fast. That means even after a massive Jersey rainstorm, the course stays relatively dry while other local spots turn into swamps.
The layout is a par-72, but it plays longer than the scorecard says because of the wind. You’re close enough to the Atlantic City coast that the breeze kicks up in the afternoon, turning a simple 150-yard approach into a three-club guessing game.
Here’s the thing people get wrong: they think the "vineyard" part is just a marketing gimmick. It’s not.
On holes like the 11th and 12th, the vines are literally your out-of-bounds markers. It creates this visual tightness that messes with your head. You see the rows of wood and wire, and suddenly the fairway looks about ten feet wide. It’s a psychological grind. Plus, the greens are notoriously large. You can hit the green in regulation and still leave yourself a 60-foot putt that breaks three different ways. If your lag putting is trash, your scorecard is going to look ugly.
The Hidden History Beneath the Fairways
Renault isn’t just a name. Louis Nicholas Renault came over from France because he couldn't grow his grapes there anymore due to a lice infestation (phylloxera, if you want to be nerdy about it). He landed in New Jersey because the soil in the Pine Barrens was surprisingly similar to the Champagne region of France.
When you’re walking the course, you’re basically walking through a historical landmark. During Prohibition, Renault stayed open by making "medicinal" wine. You could buy it in pharmacies. They’ve kept that old-world aesthetic throughout the property. The clubhouse isn't some modern glass-and-steel monstrosity; it feels like an old European manor.
Strategy for the Back Nine
If you want to survive the turn without losing your mind, you have to play smart. The back nine is where the vineyard integration really peaks.
- Club down on the short par 4s. There are a couple of holes where the urge to grip it and rip it is strong. Don't. The landing areas narrow significantly near the greens.
- Watch the bunkers. The sand at Vineyard Golf at Renault is that fine, white Jersey sand. It’s beautiful but fluffy. If you don't catch it clean, you're staying in the pit.
- Listen to the wind. Seriously. Look at the tops of the vines. If they’re rustling toward the clubhouse, your ball is going to sail.
The 18th hole is a beast. You’re finishing right near the winery complex, usually with a crowd of people drinking wine on the patio watching your final approach. It’s a lot of pressure for a weekend warrior. If you chunk it into the water hazard, everyone sees it. But if you stick it close? You feel like a hero.
Why the "Vibe" Matters More Than the Score
Let’s be real. If you’re playing Vineyard Golf at Renault, you’re probably not trying to qualify for the U.S. Open. You’re there for the experience. The property underwent a massive renovation recently—new ownership poured millions into the hotel (Château Renault) and the tasting rooms.
It changed the atmosphere.
It used to be a bit dusty and "old Jersey." Now, it’s polished. You see bridal parties taking photos near the greens while you’re trying to chip. You hear live music coming from the festival grounds. Some traditionalists might hate that, but honestly, it makes the round feel like an event. It’s one of the few places where you can finish 18 holes and then walk fifty yards to a high-end tasting room for a flight of Port or a glass of their signature "Blueberry Champagne."
Actually, it’s not technically Champagne because it’s not from France. It’s sparkling wine. But you get the point.
The Cost vs. Value Debate
Is it the cheapest round in South Jersey? No. You can find muni courses in the area for half the price. But you aren't paying for just the grass. You’re paying for the fact that you aren’t staring at a highway for four hours.
The maintenance has improved significantly over the last two seasons. In the past, there were complaints about the bunkers being inconsistent and some of the fairways having patches. The current greenskeeping team has tightened that up. The turf quality on the tees is much better now, and the transition between the rough and the vineyards is cleaner.
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Actionable Tips for Your Trip
Don't just show up and wing it. If you’re planning a trip to Vineyard Golf at Renault, follow these specific steps to make sure it doesn't suck.
- Book a late morning tee time. This allows the morning dew to burn off the vines (it can get misty and humid in the pines). Plus, you finish right as the winery kitchen starts cranking out the good food.
- Check the event calendar. Renault hosts massive festivals—fire pits in the winter, wine runs in the fall. If there’s a big event, parking can be a nightmare. Know what’s happening before you drive down.
- Stay on-site if you can. The Château Renault hotel is right there. It turns a stressful drive down the Garden State Parkway into a "stay and play" that actually feels like a vacation.
- Bring a camera. I know, I know—"no phones on the course." But the view of the vineyard rows from the elevated tees is one of the most photographed spots in New Jersey golf. Just take the picture quickly and keep moving.
- Eat at the Wineery Smokehouse. After your round, skip the standard burger. Their smoked meats are legit.
Vineyard Golf at Renault isn't just another notch on your "courses played" list. It’s a weird, beautiful hybrid of South Jersey grit and European elegance. Whether you're there for the history, the wine, or the actual challenge of the Ed Shearon design, it's a spot that stays with you. Just keep your ball out of the grapes.
What to Do Next
- Verify the Pace of Play: On weekends, Renault can get packed with resort guests. Call the pro shop (609-965-2111) to ask about the expected round time for that day.
- Download a GPS App: Because of the unique layout and the way the vineyards mask the landing zones, a standard rangefinder can sometimes struggle to pick up the right targets. Use an app like 18Birdies to see the "hidden" hazards behind the vines.
- Check the Harvest Schedule: If you visit in late August or September, you’ll see the harvest in action. It’s loud, it’s busy, and it’s fascinating, but it might distract you from your putting line. Plan accordingly.