SAUNDERSTOWN, R.I. -- At a time when many golfers are taking a hiatus from private club membership and families are trimming back vacation plans Morris County's Sunset Valley Golf Course is looking better than ever.

"Golfers may be leaving their home clubs in these trying economic times but they are not leaving the game of golf. They will still be playing 30 or more rounds somewhere. The municipal and daily fee clubs that can keep themselves viable and in a condition that is acceptable to this group of players should see an increase in business," said Robert McNeil, Principal Architect at the Northeast Golf Company.

McNeil began working with the Morris County Park Commission in 2006 to develop a Comprehensive Golf Course Enhancement Plan for Sunset Valley. His renovation work at the course is scheduled to continue in 2009.

Sunset Valley, originally opened in 1974, is well known for the triad of wonderful finishing holes- 16, 17, and 18 - regarded among the very best in New Jersey. The condition of this challenging layout had declined over the years. Trees had squeezed the corridors giving rise to turf quality and growth issues and the design had been compromised.

"Overtime features wear, strategies change, technology advances, competition gains, history is lost and all these have an effect on the overall golf facility," said McNeil.

Hole #7, a par five had played along the base of a rock slope. It offered little strategic value and registered a lot of complaints. Once beyond the initial landing area off the tee it narrowed to a point slightly wider than a bowling alley. Players were eager to see it go but terrain dictated there would be no quick fix.

The resolution at the 7th was two new holes- #2 was a par 4 that has been extended into a par 5 and the downhill 217 yard 3rd now plays into a large meandering green flowing away from the player into deep grass pockets along the right side of the putting surface.

The County undertook the project in stages and will commence phase 3 this spring. Work has been completed on holes 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18.
The new #7 will be built along with improvements on the 6th and 8th. A new pond is also being constructed. All work is scheduled for completion in 2009.

The prior completion of phases 1 and 2 with the program's ability to accommodate a full contingent of players on the course has resulted in an increase in rounds for the first time in several years.

Sunset Valley Golf Course also features a golf shop, snack bar, and locker room. It is handicapped accessible. Morris County also owns and operates three other golf courses - Pinch Brook, Flanders Valley and Berkshire Valley.

For tee time and rates contact Sunset Valley Golf Course, 47 West Sunset Road, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
(973) 835-1515

About the Northeast Golf Company:

The mission of The Northeast Golf Company is to provide clients with the best golf course design service tailored to meet their individual needs. To be the best requires focus on the business objectives of each client by providing a creative and strategic plan that responds to the inherent nature of the land, the players served and the project budget.

Robert McNeil operates as the team leader providing creative direction while bringing together the necessary expertise and overseeing every aspect of a golf course project to ensure that the vision becomes reality.

The McNeil Design Collaborative and McNeil Construction LLC design/build team approach combines years of experience in successful design, construction and project management.

"We take pride in developing relationships that are productive, long lasting and most of all fun, much like the courses we design." --- Robert McNeil

Contact: Robert McNeil, Golf Course Architect, The Northeast Golf Company
(401)-667-4994 in Saunderstown, RI - (732)-747-1888 Red Bank, NJ
Email: design@northeastgolfcompany.com
Visit: www.northeastgolfcompany.com