For many players, the round is only half the story. The conversations, the food, the drinks, and the shared moments that follow are what people remember.
Across the country, golf is blending with food, craft drinks, and unique activities. It’s less about keeping score and more about enjoying the whole day. At the Great Gorge in Vernon, NJ, that idea comes to life. Here, golf is just the start.
Golf as a social event
Part of golf’s charm is its pace. You’re never in too much of a rush, which leaves plenty of room for conversation. Fairways and greens become places where friendships grow, whether it’s a regular foursome or a group outing.
Drinks have always been part of that rhythm. A cold beer, a cocktail, or even something non-alcoholic keeps things relaxed. The 19th hole has become the unofficial clubhouse of stories and laughter, where wins and losses are toasted the same way.
Even during the round, drinks often make their way onto carts and into coolers. Sharing a round of beers between holes or passing a soda while waiting on the tee box turns golf into something bigger than competition. It’s connection.
That connection turns out to be measurable. A study published in the International Journal of Golf Science found that golfers scored significantly higher on social trust and personal wellbeing compared to the general population, which makes intuitive sense to anyone who has spent four hours walking a course with people they care about. Phones stay in pockets. Conversations happen naturally. Friendships form and endure. Golf has always known this. The research just caught up.
Golf and good times, a culture of connection
That sense of community has always been part of golf, but in recent years, it’s gone further. Courses and resorts across the country are pairing the game with lifestyle experiences: craft beer, dining, outdoor adventures, and live entertainment.
At Great Gorge, this culture thrives. Whether you’re a serious player, a family out for fun, or someone just looking for a day outdoors, there’s something here for you.
Hef’s Hut, where the round never ends
Every great course needs a great 19th hole. At Great Gorge, that’s Hef’s Hut Grill & Bar. Set against stunning views, Hef’s Hut is the go-to spot after your round, or even if you’re just here to hang out.
Good food, cold drinks, and a view of the course that makes it genuinely hard to leave. Hef’s Hut works for a quiet dinner just as well as it does for a group of twenty celebrating something. The atmosphere takes care of itself.
TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park
If someone in your group has had enough golf for the day, or never wanted to play in the first place, TreEscape is the answer. Zip lines, rope courses, and climbing obstacles set up in the trees above the property give you a completely different way to experience the same landscape you just played through. Kids love it. Adults who thought they were just here to watch end up strapping in. It rounds out the day in a way that most golf destinations simply cannot offer.
1Club Park Golf
One club. A shorter course. No handicap required and no experience necessary. 1Club Park Golf exists for the people who want to be part of the day without committing to a full round, and it turns out those people have a lot of fun with it. Beginners get to actually play golf without feeling thrown in the deep end. Seasoned golfers find it surprisingly entertaining once they stop treating it as a warm-up and start playing it on its own terms.
What actually makes Great Gorge different
- Legendary design: 27 holes designed by George Fazio, with three unique nines – Rail, Lake, and Quarry.
- Rich history: Opened in 1970 by Hugh Hefner as part of the Playboy Club resort, the course quickly became an icon, drawing celebrities and golfers alike.
- Complete facilities: driving range, pro shop, and those one-of-a-kind views that make every round stand out.
- Outings and leagues:
What sets Great Gorge apart is the mix. It’s not just a golf course or just a bar. It’s championship golf, food and drinks at Hef’s Hut, outdoor thrills at TreEscape, and laid-back fun at 1Club Park Golf, all in one place.
Tips for staying hydrated and pacing your drinks
A good round of golf takes a few hours, and between walking the course, the sun, and the excitement of the game, it’s easy to forget how much energy you’re using. Staying hydrated makes a big difference, not only for how you feel but also for how well you play.
Water should always be your go-to, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beer or cocktail during your round. The key is pacing. Many golfers follow a simple rule: alternate every alcoholic drink with water or something non-alcoholic like iced tea or sparkling water. Another approach is to save the drinks for specific holes or the back nine, keeping your focus sharp early on.
It also helps to choose lighter options. A light beer or spritzer keeps things social without weighing you down. And always listen to your body, if you start to feel dry, tired, or dizzy, it’s time for a hydration break.
Find that balance and the whole day improves. Better company, better golf, better stories at Hef’s Hut when it is all over.
The Great Gorge experience
The round is a good reason to come. Everything else is a good reason to stay. Tee off, climb something, eat well, and linger over drinks with the course still visible out the window. That combination is harder to find than it should be, and Great Gorge has had it for a long time.
Reserve your round today.