‘Pickleball of golf’ arrives in Sussex County as Great Gorge unveils New Jersey’s first Park Golf course
VERNON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) – The Great Gorge, located at 414 Route 517 in Vernon Township, officially opened New Jersey’s first Park Golf course last Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Vernon Mayor Anthony Rossi and members of the Vernon and Warwick Valley chambers of commerce.
The new attraction, called 1Club, offers a fresh take on golf that combines traditional elements with relaxed rules, shorter play times, and a social atmosphere. Park Golf, which originated in Japan, is played worldwide by more than 2 million people and is designed to be accessible to both golfers and non-golfers. Some are already calling it “the pickleball of golf.”
The 820-yard 18-hole course blends golf and croquet, played with a single flat-faced club and a large ball. Pars vary from three to five, making the game easy to learn but challenging enough for players of all skill levels.
“1Club is a fresh take on golf — designed for fun, built for everyone,” said Greg Stoeckle, partner at The Great Gorge. “Set against the scenic backdrop of Vernon and our storied 27-hole golf course, it offers a new way to play that’s fast, easy, social, and unforgettable.”
The course also features Hef’s Hideaway, a converted mobile shipping container turned into a lively course-side bar serving drinks, snacks, and music before, during, or after rounds.
David Killin, general manager of The Great Gorge, said the sport breaks down barriers for those interested in golf but who may feel intimidated or physically unable to play traditional golf.
Costs to play range from $20 for adults to $16 for military members and first responders. Children five and under play for free. Reservations can be made online at play1club.com.
1Club is the fourth Park Golf course in the United States and the first in New Jersey, joining a growing number of venues promoting the sport, which is governed in the U.S. by the International Park Golf Association of America.
