The Origin Story of Hidden Creek Golf Club
Unearthing the History of Hidden Creek, New Jersey’s Premier Golf Destination
Hidden Creek Golf Club Clubhouse
Some golf courses are built. Others seem to simply emerge, as if they were always meant to be there.
Some golf courses are built. Others seem to simply emerge, as if they were always meant to be there.
Hidden Creek Golf Club feels like the latter. Nestled in the quiet pines of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, just minutes from the buzz of Atlantic City, it’s a course that trades flash for feeling. A place where the walk matters. Where the land sets the rhythm. And where every round feels like a retreat.
As one of Dormie Network’s destinations, Hidden Creek has a history that represents more than masterful course design—it represents vision, patience, and a deep love for the game. And yes, there is a creek—but true to the name, it’s tucked away deep within the 750-acre property
This is the origin story of one of the top private golf courses in New Jersey.
A Passion for Pure Golf: The Vision Behind Hidden Creek
Hidden Creek began as a simple but elegant dream nurtured by Roger Hansen, a lifelong golf enthusiast. He grew up just outside Atlantic City, where his appreciation grew for classic architecture at Atlantic City Country Club, the two courses at Seaview Country Club, and Pine Valley Golf Club. He was also the Chairman of Ole Hansen and Sons, who developed Blue Heron Pines.
Hansen envisioned a course that flowed naturally with the land—one that prioritized playability and beauty over real estate development. His philosophy was simple yet refined: understated, authentic, and welcomed the walking game.
In 1985, Hansen read a golf magazine article where Ben Crenshaw expressed an interest in designing courses. Inspired, Hansen picked up the phone and called Crenshaw. By the end of their conversation, Crenshaw had encouraged him to reach out to Bill Coore. Hansen eventually flew to Corpus Christi, Texas to tour Coore’s work at Rockport Country Club in December 1986. The two connected instantly, and Hansen walked away knowing that if he ever built a course, Coore was the man for the job.
In 1991, Hansen set out to develop two public courses in Galloway Township, New Jersey. He reconnected with the now-established firm of Coore & Crenshaw (est. 1985) and invited Coore to visit the site, but the timing wasn’t right. The duo was deep into designing the Plantation Course at Kapalua in Hawaii, and they had to respectfully decline. Undeterred, Hansen moved forward with the project, bringing in architects Stephen Kay and Steve Smyers.
Finding a Unique Site in New Jersey to Unearth Hidden Creek
By the fall of 1998, Roger Hansen came across a section of promising land just 12 miles west of Atlantic City. What he discovered exceeded all expectations: a sprawling 750-acre property in Egg Harbor Township, with up to 50 feet of natural elevation change—something rare for the region. It's a particularly rugged section of the Pine Barrens, a name that refers to the area’s pitch-pine-covered, incredibly sandy soil. The land was ideal for minimalist golf course design.
Hansen immediately saw its potential. Something timeless. A course that embraced the natural topography and offered a quiet, immersive golf experience just minutes from the shore, yet worlds away in feeling.
He picked up the phone once again and called Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. This time, with a bit of persistence, he persuaded Coore to come walk the site.
Coore spent three weeks onsite, walking and re-walking the terrain, exploring every rise and fall. He didn’t rush the process. Remarkably, this deep level of site study came before any contract was signed, a rarity in modern course development. Aside from one requirement, that the clubhouse be located within 1,000 feet of the entrance road to avoid triggering lengthy state permitting, Hansen gave Coore complete creative freedom across the property.
Coore returned to Texas and discussed the project with Crenshaw. They decided they could build a course that would reflect the site’s charms.
“We are thrilled to have Ben and Bill as our course architects. They are very selective about the projects with which they become involved, and with them we have all the ingredients needed to build a world-class private club.”
- Roger Hansen
Crafting a Masterpiece: Coore & Crenshaw Design of Hidden Creek
The heart and soul of Hidden Creek lies in the thoughtful, hands-on work of Coore & Crenshaw, who are known for their minimalistic philosophy, which blends artistry, restraint, and respect for the land. Construction began in the summer of 2000, and rather than arriving with blueprints and heavy machinery, they worked in the field, letting the topography guide the layout. This meant taking their time, using small equipment, and lots of handwork to ensure every bunker edge and green contour felt as if it had always been there.
“The Hidden Creek site required very little alteration to the landscape. The holes lay on the ground pretty much the way we found it. That’s consistent with the way Ben and I like to work…We look for projects in which the site lends itself to golf in its natural form. Hidden Creek looked like golf in its natural form in terms of rolling terrain and trees. Since the fairways required minimal movement of earth, it enabled us to emphasize details, such as bunkers and the contouring of greens.”
- Bill Coore
Inspired by the heathland courses outside of London, Hidden Creek was designed with large playing corridors eighty-plus yards in width. The course's soft, undulating dunes and subtle movement reflect the very best of classic design, bridging the feel of golf’s early coastal links with the playability of America’s great inland parkland courses.
Hidden Creek offers golfers a remote experience, one that’s strength lies in its subtleties. From the plateaued fairways to the lulling greens, the design works in harmony with the natural charm of the region. The routing Coore created is a standout—naturally exposing the rolls of the land, with minimal transition between green and tee. Hidden Creek is arguably one of the best minimalist golf courses in the U.S.
Only 50,000 cubic yards of earth were moved during construction. That restraint is what gives Hidden Creek its character: a course that feels mature from the moment you step onto the first tee. Quirky in just the right ways, aged in feel but not in wear.
Hidden Creek Opens to Immediate Acclaim for a New Jersey Classic
“Hidden Creek in southern New Jersey is a rare example of a modern course where the key ingredients seamlessly melded together, though from the time that the owner first contacted the architects to when this dream course opened was seventeen years!”
- Ran Morrissett, Co-Founder and President of Golf Club Atlas.
They say good things take time. And 17 years after Hansen’s original pursuit, Hidden Creek Golf Club officially opened its doors in June 2002, and it didn’t take long for the golf world to take notice. From the beginning, the course drew widespread critical acclaim. In its debut year, Golf Magazine ranked Hidden Creek 72nd on its list of the Top 100 Courses in the U.S., a remarkable accomplishment for such a young club. In 2008, it added another accolade to its name, earning Golf World’s Reader’s Choice Award.
Upon opening, the club catered to members who traveled to play, with an eight-bedroom lodge nestled beside the 1st fairway.
Photos from Hidden Creek’s early days before joining Dormie Network.
The Heart of Hidden Creek: Culture, Camaraderie, and Championship Charm
Hidden Creek’s heathland-style layout offers a distinct blend of Old and New World aesthetics, subtle but exceptional, just like the club itself.
The club exudes a relaxed, welcoming vibe. There’s no rush, no pretense, just great golf, meaningful connection, and a shared appreciation for the walk. Thanks to an exceptional caddie program, members can fully immerse themselves in the strategy, rhythm, and beauty of each round.
The clubhouse experience is equally understated. Warm and inviting, it serves as a quiet gathering place—not a grand spectacle—where stories are swapped over a drink, and friendships take root. It’s a culture that values authenticity over excess, where relationships matter just as much as the scorecard.
“Hidden Creek and the people have always felt like home to me and my guests.”
- Dormie Network member
Hidden Creek has had the honor of hosting events as the U.S. Women's Open qualifier (2004 and 2017), the U.S. Senior Open qualifier (2004), the U.S. Open qualifier (2014 and 2018) and the U.S. Senior Amateur Championship (2015).
Hidden Creek Becomes a Part of Dormie Network’s Private Golf Membership
“Hidden Creek is a world-class golf club in every way. Our vision is to bring Hidden Creek into the nation’s premier network of private destination golf clubs, further enhancing the member experience for all.”
- Zach Peed
When it was time for Hansen to sell the club, Dormie Network’s vision aligned with his own, making it a natural choice. “While it was a difficult decision, we feel confident that we are doing the right thing for the club and leaving it in the hands of an ownership group that has a passion for the game of golf and will continue to build on the tradition of quality, service and camaraderie we have established at Hidden Creek,” Hansen explained.
Bill Coore, who had known Hansen was considering a sale, was encouraged to hear Dormie Network would be carrying the club forward. “They told me: Bill, we finally found the right group. And it was Dormie Network. They didn’t want buyers; they wanted caretakers who understand what Hidden Creek was and what it’s meant to be.”
Hidden Creek was acquired by Dormie Network in 2019 shortly after adding Victoria National. It became the sixth club in the collection.
“We have long admired Hidden Creek Golf Club and are very excited about the pending purchase of the club,” said Dormie Network President Zach Peed. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to add another exceptional Coore & Crenshaw design to Dormie Network's portfolio, and to welcome Hidden Creek and its members and staff to the Dormie Network family,” Peed added. “It’s an absolutely exceptional club and a perfect fit.”
Hidden Creek fits seamlessly into Dormie Network’s core ethos of pure golf and genuine hospitality. While preserving the club’s unique character, Dormie Network has invested in several capital projects to elevate the member experience. These include upgrades to maintenance equipment, the golf cart fleet, agronomic improvements, staffing, and technology. Lodging enhancements feature a refreshed interior design in the original onsite house, as well as newly built accommodations—bringing the total to 44 bedrooms. The interiors now reflect a refined Northeastern elegance, complemented by breezy, coastal-inspired décor.
Hidden Creek’s Next Chapter Within Dormie Network
Dormie Network is dedicated to embracing Hidden Creek’s regional charm through the club’s culinary offerings, featuring a seafood-inspired menu that highlights local flavors. The refined Northeastern style lodging blends elegant comfort with a welcoming atmosphere, while personalized trip experiences cater to various group types.
From its visionary beginnings to becoming one of the region’s most beloved private golf courses near Atlantic City, Hidden Creek Golf Club remains a shining example of pure golf and natural beauty. Alongside Dormie Club, it’s one of the two Coore & Crenshaw designs in the Dormie Network portfolio.
Now the origin story’s out (unlike the creek, which still loves to hide).
