With a new management team, upgraded irrigation and cart paths, and plans for a multimillion-dollar clubhouse, Brigantine is investing in the future of its nearly century-old municipal golf course.
BRIGANTINE, N.J. — A new management team, major infrastructure improvements and plans for a multimillion-dollar clubhouse are helping usher in a new era at Brigantine Golf Links, the historic municipal golf course that will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027.
The changes are already drawing praise from golfers and local officials, including Brigantine Councilman Michael Riordan, who recently called into The Don Williams Show on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND to share his enthusiasm about the course's improved playing conditions.
"Now it's safe to say that Brigantine Golf Course is a great golf course instead of a very good golf course," Riordan told Williams.
Riordan credited the course's new management team and staff for the improvements.
"The improvements and upgrades that the general manager, our new general manager, Mark, and the pro Dean and the whole staff have done is just amazing," he said.
According to Riordan, the improvements have been particularly noticeable to golfers returning to Brigantine after spending time away from the course.
"The compliments I'm getting back from people outside of Brigantine that played for the first time in a while couldn't believe how well it is now," he said.
His comments come as Brigantine undertakes a significant investment in the future of the golf course, including infrastructure upgrades, a change in management and plans for a new clubhouse.
Brigantine Takes Back Management of Its Golf Course
One of the most significant changes occurred at the beginning of 2026, when Brigantine resumed direct management of its municipal golf course after approximately a decade under the Atlantic County Improvement Authority.
In October 2025, Mayor Vince Sera announced that the city would not renew its management agreement with the authority when the contract expired in January.
The authority had helped oversee the course during a period when declining golf revenue and financial challenges made its continued operation difficult.
Sera said improved financial performance had put the course in a position where the city could once again assume direct responsibility for its operation.
"Brigantine is extremely grateful to the ACIA for their assistance and stewardship over the past ten years," Sera said in announcing the transition. "They helped us navigate through a difficult period, and now that the course is thriving again, we are ready to take the next step forward."
The transition placed responsibility for the course's day-to-day operations, maintenance and future development back in the city's hands.
Brigantine has since assembled a management team that includes General Manager Marc Kimminau, Head Golf Professional Dean Halterman and Golf Course Superintendent Cal Livesay.
The team's efforts have drawn praise from Riordan, who said he has been hearing positive feedback from golfers about the course's condition.
Major Improvements to Irrigation and Cart Paths
The changes at Brigantine Golf Links extend well beyond routine maintenance.
The city has undertaken a major irrigation system replacement, with work on the front nine holes completed in 2025 and additional improvements authorized for the back nine.
A modern irrigation system is particularly important for a coastal golf course, where maintaining healthy turf can be challenging because of sandy soil, salt exposure and changing weather conditions.
The city has also undertaken extensive cart path improvements and developed plans for additional work on tees and bunkers.
Golf course architect Joel Weiman of Weiman Golf Design was retained to develop a comprehensive master plan for the property.
The plan is intended to guide future improvements while preserving the character of the historic course.
Brigantine City Council records from July 2026 also document additional irrigation-related work, demonstrating that the city's investment in the course continued through the summer.
Together, the improvements are intended to enhance playing conditions and address aging infrastructure at a course that has served generations of local golfers and visitors.
Millions Allocated for New Clubhouse and Course Improvements
The city's plans also include a substantial investment in a new clubhouse.
In August 2026, Brigantine City Council approved a $16.1 million bond ordinance covering various municipal improvements.
Approximately $6.8 million of that package was allocated to a new golf clubhouse and golf course improvements, according to a report published by The Brigantine Times.
The clubhouse project had already entered the design phase in 2025, when the city announced plans to seek construction bids.
Brigantine also retained Settembrino Architects to design the new facility.
Golfing Magazine reported in June that construction was expected to begin in the fall of 2026, although a confirmed construction start date has not been announced.
The approximately $6.8 million allocation covers the planned clubhouse and golf course improvements and should not be interpreted as money already spent on construction.
The project represents a significant investment in a municipal recreational facility that serves residents while also attracting golfers from outside Brigantine.
A Golf Course With Nearly 100 Years of History
Brigantine Golf Links has been part of the island's recreational landscape for nearly a century.
The course opened in 1927 as part of Brigantine's early development and was designed by golf course architects Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek.
Its 18-hole, par-72 layout draws inspiration from traditional Scottish links golf, featuring relatively open terrain, native marshland and coastal winds that can dramatically change playing conditions.
The course's setting near the bay provides views of the surrounding coastal landscape and creates a playing experience that differs from many inland golf courses.
Originally known as Brigantine Country Club, the property later became Brigantine Golf Links.
The city purchased the course in 2002, preserving it as a municipal recreational facility.
As the course approaches its centennial in 2027, the current improvements represent another chapter in its history.
Looking Toward the Next 100 Years
For Brigantine, the golf course is more than a recreational amenity.
It is a municipal asset that attracts golfers to the island, provides opportunities for residents and contributes to the community's identity as a coastal destination.
The return to direct city management, ongoing infrastructure improvements and plans for a new clubhouse reflect Brigantine's commitment to maintaining and developing the property for future generations.
For Riordan, the results are already evident in the feedback he is receiving from golfers.
His comments suggest that the city's investment is beginning to translate into a better experience for those returning to play the historic course.
With its 100th anniversary approaching, Brigantine Golf Links is preparing for its next chapter while preserving a recreational tradition that has been part of the island for nearly a century.
Councilman Michael Riordan discussed the improvements at Brigantine Golf Links during a recent appearance on The Don Williams Show on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND. The Don Williams Show airs Monday through Friday from 6 to 10 a.m.
About the Author
Scott Stephens
Scott has been an on-air personality, producer and newscaster for 30+ years. He has been a mainstay in the South Jersey Community and on the air across many different area stations. Scott can currently be heard on Kool 98.3 and News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND.
