Links Clubhouse Update: March 4, 2025

Plans for a new clubhouse at Brigantine Links have taken a major step forward with the City receiving Green Acres approval. 

Since the golf course was originally purchased with state funding, any improvements require approval from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres program. The City’s plan met all requirements, allowing the project to move ahead.

The new clubhouse, estimated to cost $12 million, will replace the aging facility, which was found to have significant structural issues. 

Originally, the City considered renovations, but the cost would have exceeded 50% of the building’s value, triggering strict code requirements. 

"In looking at our options, we found that fixing and renovating the old clubhouse would actually cost more than building a new one," said Deputy Mayor Karen Bew. 

The new facility will be two stories and 12,420 square feet but maintain the same footprint as the existing building.

Mayor Vince Sera explained the construction plan: “The plan right now is to construct a new clubhouse next to the existing one, then tear down the old one and restore the area to open space.” 

The updated facility will feature a full-service kitchen, ADA-compliant restrooms, locker rooms for golfers, and improved capacity for hosting tournaments, bringing Brigantine Links in line with other top South Jersey golf courses.

To finance the project, the City will issue bonds as part of its long-term strategic financial planning. "With the existing debt set to retire, we are replacing it with this new investment, ensuring there is no significant impact on the budget.  The only immediate cost to the City will be the down payment for the bond. Half of the money for the down payment was raised in last year's budget, and the other half will be raised in this year's budget," said Mayor Vince Sera. 

The City is in the early planning stages and will share more updates as they become available.