The $18 Million Question: What Happened To Woodlake Country Club In Lakewood, NJ?

The definitive answer to what happened to the iconic Woodlake Country Club in Lakewood, New Jersey, is a story of real estate, urban development, and a major institutional acquisition. As of late 2025, the once-premier golf destination has been officially defunct for years, its 150-acre expanse off New Hampshire Avenue now under the ownership of a prominent educational institution. The golf course, which was a staple of Northern Ocean County for decades, permanently closed its doors to the public in 2018, marking the end of an era for Jersey Shore golfing. The closure was not sudden; it was a consequence of a reported decline in popularity and the increasing value of developable land in the rapidly expanding Lakewood Township. The property's owner, Matrix Development Group, ultimately sold the valuable tract, leading to significant changes for the community and local real estate landscape. The transition of this large, open space has been one of the most talked-about local news stories, with its future tied directly to the growth of one of the area's largest entities.

The Definitive Timeline: Closure and $18 Million Acquisition

The history of the Woodlake Country Club in Lakewood, New Jersey, is a classic example of a golf course succumbing to real estate pressure and changing demographics. The course, known for its challenging layout and proximity to the Jersey Shore, was a fixture in the region for years.

• Ownership: Prior to its closure, the club was owned and operated by the Matrix Development Group.
• Temporary Closure: The club initially announced a temporary closure due to a reported decline in popularity.
• Official Closure (2018): The Woodlake Country Club golf course in Lakewood, NJ, officially closed for business in 2018.
• The Sale Contract: Following its closure, the property entered into contract for sale. The buyer was identified as Beth Medrash Govoha (BMG), the prominent Jewish college in Lakewood.
• Final Acquisition Price: Beth Medrash Govoha closed on the deal, purchasing the defunct 150-acre Woodlake golf course property for a reported $18 million.
• Location: The property is located off New Hampshire Avenue in Lakewood Township, Ocean County, NJ.

This acquisition was a major development in Ocean County real estate. The $18 million transaction confirmed the end of the golf course and signaled the potential for a massive expansion project for BMG. The sale reduced the number of public golf courses in the area, leaving a gap for local golfers who frequented the popular destination.

Future Plans for the 150-Acre Woodlake Property

The immediate future of the 150-acre tract is centered around the expansion needs of its new owner, Beth Medrash Govoha. The college, which has experienced significant growth, has been actively seeking space for new facilities, including educational buildings, dormitories, and administrative offices. The purchase of the Woodlake land provides a substantial opportunity for this expansion. The acquisition is part of a broader trend where golf courses, facing economic headwinds and high maintenance costs, are sold to developers or institutions looking for large parcels of land. In the case of Lakewood, the land is strategically located to support the college's growing infrastructure needs. While specific, approved development plans are still evolving and subject to local zoning and planning board approvals, the intention behind the BMG Woodlake sale is clear: to repurpose the land from recreational use into an institutional and possibly residential complex to support the college community. This move aligns with the rapid development and population growth characteristic of Lakewood Township. The transition of the former Woodlake golf course from green space to a developed campus is a key indicator of the area's changing real estate landscape. The surrounding residential area, known as the Woodlake Country Club neighborhood, continues to feature midsize, reasonably priced homes. Residents in this area, which includes streets like Woodlake Manor Drive, are now watching closely as the former golf course views transform into a new institutional campus. The shift will undoubtedly impact local traffic, infrastructure, and property values in the immediate vicinity of the New Hampshire Ave corridor.

Clearing the Confusion: The Other Woodlake Country Club

A common point of confusion for those searching for the status of "Woodlake Country Club" is the existence of a *completely different* and actively developing property with the same name, located far from New Jersey. This distinction is crucial for understanding the current state of the name "Woodlake Country Club." The Woodlake Country Club that is currently open, undergoing massive renovations, and actively selling new homes is located in Vass, North Carolina.

Woodlake Country Club, Vass, NC: An Active Development

Unlike its defunct counterpart in New Jersey, the North Carolina Woodlake is experiencing a major resurgence.

• Current Status: The NC club is actively unveiling a phased opening and a comprehensive Master Development Plan after undergoing two years of significant redevelopment.
• New Ownership: In 2021, local investor Atlantic National Capital secured the Woodlake community, including the golf courses, lake, and undeveloped real estate.
• Amenities & Development: The master plan includes new amenities, a Marina development with rental boat slips, and new homes for sale by builders like Ascot Homes and Caruso Homes.
• Management: Bobby Jones Links was tapped to relaunch and manage the club, focusing on resort-style amenities and a revitalized golf experience.

This active development in Vass, NC, is the reason why many recent search results show beautiful new facilities, active golf, and homes for sale. It is vital to remember that the Woodlake Country Club in Lakewood, New Jersey, remains closed, defunct, and is slated for institutional expansion by Beth Medrash Govoha. The Lakewood Golf Course is no longer a premier golfing destination, but a future site for a major campus.

The End of an Era for Lakewood Golf

The permanent closure of Woodlake Country Club in 2018, followed by the significant $18 million sale to BMG, represents a pivotal moment in Lakewood Township's history. It underscores the intense demand for land in the Northern Ocean County region. The property's transition from a recreational green space to a site for institutional expansion is a clear reflection of the area's rapid growth and changing priorities. For golf enthusiasts, the closure reduced the options for public play, leaving the area with fewer accessible courses. The former Woodlake Country Club now serves as a landmark for a major real estate shift, where a defunct golf course is transformed into a vital asset for community expansion. The legacy of the club lives on in the surrounding residential community, but its future lies entirely in the hands of its new institutional owners and their ambitious development plans.

Detail Author:

• Name : Shany Rice II
• Username : bednar.jason
• Email : savanah09@wolff.com
• Birthdate : 1992-10-23
• Address : 590 Tavares Vista Apt. 985 Greenholtbury, IN 46525
• Phone : +1-650-741-7119
• Company : Becker and Sons
• Job : Host and Hostess
• Bio : Veritatis sint eius reprehenderit sunt consectetur quo sed quasi. Nihil adipisci consequatur odio aperiam. Nemo officiis sunt omnis quae.

Socials

tiktok:

• url : https://tiktok.com/@felix7539
• username : felix7539
• bio : Totam tenetur perferendis maxime ex laborum necessitatibus.
• followers : 6151
• following : 669

facebook:

• url : https://facebook.com/felix_conroy
• username : felix_conroy
• bio : Maiores et eos libero quod.
• followers : 210
• following : 934

twitter:

• url : https://twitter.com/felix.conroy
• username : felix.conroy
• bio : Aut deserunt aperiam et veritatis natus aut. Voluptas iusto velit consectetur laudantium libero. Eos beatae quisquam et optio.
• followers : 1651
• following : 204

instagram:

• url : https://instagram.com/conroy2021
• username : conroy2021
• bio : Omnis maxime ipsam tenetur blanditiis. Suscipit quibusdam et amet officiis tenetur.
• followers : 3402
• following : 2007