Signature 18th hole at Laguna Oaks features over an acre of water to a peninsula green 145 yards away. A multi-tiered waterfall feeding the large pond highlights the hole. Photo by Joe Hart

COURT HOUSE — By the look of Fred Langford’s new golf course, Laguna Oaks, area beginners and pros alike are in for a round of golf as fun to play, as the architect’s waterslides on the Boardwalk are to ride.

Five acres of man made ponds, four waterfalls, architectural concrete bridges, island and peninsula greens as well as hundreds of preserved trees are just some of the features that make this design special and that’s just on the newly finished back nine.

When asked how he went about designing the course, Langford said it was easy.

“The course layout evolved from the existing environment,” he said. “I let the land and trees tell me where to put the holes and the ponds.”

The designer made great efforts to preserve trees; planting, transplanting, surveying and recording over 500 throughout the site. Langford described having to build giant “tree planters” around several of the trees that were on the perimeter of the island green.

Native birds seem to like Laguna Oaks’ environment as herons, egrets, killdeer and osprey can be seen enjoying the many trees and ponds.

Langford plans to open the back nine of the course, located at 600 Bayberry Drive just east of the Garden State Parkway, on June 17 and develop the remainder of the layout over the next couple seasons.

“When it’s complete, my goal is to make Laguna Oaks the finest par-3 golf course on the East Coast,” Langford told the Herald. If the front nine turns out anything like the back, he may accomplish his lofty goal.

Most of the holes, which range in length from 115 to 180 yards, have water in play and all are challenging, but there are a couple that are unforgettable.

The 170-yard 15th is one of the few holes in which water is not in play. But with two giant oak trees standing on either side of the fairway like goal posts, Langford said the hole is one that David Akers, the kicker for the Philadelphia Eagles, might enjoy.

On the 18th hole, golfers play over an acre of water to a peninsula green 145 yards away. A multi-tiered waterfall feeding the large pond highlights the beauty of the hole.

Not only does Langford want his course to be a great one, he also wants it to be accessible to everyone.

“It’s golf for the ages and for all ages,” was how he described his concept. “The course will be a challenging par-3 layout for lower handicapped golfers, but for high handicaps and young players an innovative scorecard will make some of the holes par-4 or even par-5.”

Greens fees at the new course will be $29 with a small extra charge for a cart, Langford said.

Laguna Oaks is a labor of love that Langford has been working on for a number of years. He’s gone through countless planning board hearings and state approvals along the way including the latest on May 22 to gain approval for some temporary structures on the course.

At that meeting, Middle Township Engineer Vince Orlando called the golf course a first class project noting that Langford’s exacting, meticulous standards often exceed the town’s expectations.

Township Mayor F. Nathan Doughty expressed similar feelings at a May 19 committee meeting.

“If you want to see a piece of work that’s a great asset to this community, check out Fred Langford’s endeavor on Bayberry Road,” the mayor said. “His par 3 golf course there is ingenious. We are all very proud of him and Laguna Oaks.”

Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com