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Thursday, April 17, 2014

Historic Atlantic City Country Club Sold To The Ottinger Family Group

Group Also Owns, Operates Scotland Run Golf Club and Ballamor Golf Club

(Northfield, NJ) - Caesars Entertainment, Inc. has announced the sale of Atlantic City Country Club to the Ottinger family group who also own and operate the Atlantic City area courses, Ballamor GC and Scotland Run GC effective April 15.

“Caesars Entertainment Atlantic City has proudly been associated with the Atlantic City Country Club for many years,” said Rick Mazer, Regional President and General Manager for Harrah’s Resort.  “The Club has consistently served the Atlantic City community with world-class golf for over a century and is a major reason why Atlantic City has become one of the greatest resort and entertainment destinations on the East Coast,” continued Mazer.  “Caesars Entertainment is proud to expand the offerings for premier golf and country club experiences for our most loyal guests through this newly forged partnership with the Ottinger family group.”

Named the #1 public course in the state of New Jersey by Golfweek, Golf Magazine and Golf Digest, Atlantic City Country Club is notably most famous for being the hailed as the “Birthplace of the Birdie” and the site of six USGA major championships.  The acquisition of the prestigious 117 year-old golf course, gives the Ottinger family group three of the top ten public golf courses in the state of New Jersey.  They also own and operated the award-winning courses Scotland Run Golf Club located in Williamstown and Ballamor Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township.

Spokesperson for the Ottinger family, Liz Norton-Scanga said, “We are pleased to make this announcement and look forward to carrying on the long traditions of what makes this property one of the most revered golf courses in the country.”  She added, “Atlantic City Country Club is truly a gem.”

According to Tom Sullivan, President of the Greater Atlantic City Golf Association, “It’s reassuring to know that the Ottinger family, a name synonymous with premium golf in the region, has purchased Atlantic City Country Club. They have been an important partner to the Greater Atlantic City Golf Association with Ballamor and Scotland Run. Adding Atlantic City Country Club transforms their offerings into one of the best trifectas in our growing golf and gaming destination.”

Expanding the breadth of the Caesars Entertainment loyalty program, Total Rewards Atlantic City guests will now have access to preferred tee times and discounted round pricing at the three Ottinger Family courses: Atlantic City Country Club, Balamor and Scotland Run.  These three premier courses will be known to the Caesars Entertainment customer as “Official Golf Courses” for Total Rewards Members in the PA/NJ markets.  The partnership expands to the hotel side with Caesars Entertainment hotels and resorts in Atlantic City being the “Official Atlantic City Hotel Provider” for the Ottinger Family courses.

The par 70 golf course measures 6,577 yards, with a course rating of 72.3 and slope of 133.  Designed by John Reid in 1897 with renovations by Willie Park Jr (1915), Howard C. Toomey & William S. Flynn (1925), Tom Doak (1999) the course is situated on the bayside of Atlantic City offering a setting reminiscent of Scotland or Ireland as well as providing amazing views of the city skyline.

The early traditions of this seaside links course are still evident today. Finely manicured fairways and large sloping green complexes protected by deep sand bunkers remain the course’s signature as it did more than a century ago.  Long carries over natural marshland waste areas, nearly 98 sand bunkers strategically placed near landing and greenside areas and water in the form of ponds and salt water marshes also make the course a formidable challenge for any golfer.  Shifting breezes, the distinct scent of saltwater, and windswept fescue only add to the total experience.

The Clubhouse features a fully-stocked golf shop, bar & grill and many banquet room options for meetings, weddings and special events.  Walking into the Clubhouse is like taking a trip back in time. Golf history comes alive in this personality packed clubhouse filled with charming character, memorabilia and photos.

In addition to hosting six USGA major events, Atlantic City Country Club welcomed many legendary golfers and celebrities including Sam Snead, Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan and Howard Everitt among others.  Bob Hope was an Atlantic City Country Club regular, first becoming acquainted with the Club when he worked on the vaudeville circuit. Arnold Palmer frequented the course from 1951-1952 when he was a relatively unknown Coast Guard enlisted man.

For tee times, rates and more information, individuals may call 609-236-4411.  Reservations may also be made online at www.accountryclub.com.

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