BGC_BookPages

For golfers to practice putting they will find a beautiful 10,680 sq. ft.
bentgrass surface offering similar contours as found on the golf course.

Photo 2017.

The clubhouse interior, pany moved to set up production opera-
tions in Ohio and continues today to do
warm and inviting business in its original manufacturing fa-
cility.
The clubhouse interior was designed to in- The clubhouse windows were custom
clude a stately living room to greet mem- manufactured by La Finestra, a company
bers and guests upon entering the main dedicated to constructing products that
floor front door; a pro shop positioned combine beauty and versatility with high
close to the first tee; a ladies locker room European technology of the style and ele-
located next to the pro shop; the library, gance characteristic of Italian designs.
dining area and spike bar all placed on the
first floor; the men’s locker room is situat- The Vermont quarried stone walls constructed
ed on the second floor along with the post around the outside of the clubhouse are capped
golf pub bar. The goal was to make all who with Jerusalem limestone. This imported
entered the clubhouse feel like it was their limestone is the same material common
home, warm and inviting. for building in and around Jerusalem
since ancient times. Photo 2017.
The interior design of the clubhouse was
developed by Kimberly Bergstol, Eric’s
wife. Working with Kimberly was Dora
Capio and Andrea Bergstol, Eric’s eldest
daughter. It was Kimberly’s vision that in-
spired the old world charm of the club-
house in both the color and materials
used. Many people comment on how the
clubhouse, though new, looks and feels
like it has been there for a hundred years.

Only the best building

materials identified for use

The building materials selected for finish-
ing the clubhouse were of the highest qual-
ity to include pecky cypress wood boards
cut to finish the ceiling on the lower out-
side patio, Jerusalem limestone capping
atop the Vermont quarried stone walls that
ring the clubhouse, clay roofing tiles, and
custom windows.

The Bayonne clubhouse clay roof tiles are
from Ludowici, a legacy old world Italian
industry leader for producing tile. In the
early 1900’s the Ludowici Roof Tile Com-

90

Interior finished with Centuries old fireplaces

reclaimed chestnut Within the clubhouse are four historic
and oak planking fireplaces -- one each located in the en-
trance living room, the downstairs library,
Almost all of the clubhouse interior doors, the men’s upstairs locker room, and in the
trim, flooring, and millwork originated men’s private locker room lounge.
from reclaimed lumber to include chestnut
and white oak lumber and beams quar- The four solid stone, hand carved and en-
ter sawn. The chestnut flooring and oak graved fireplaces range from 300 to over
beams were recycled from old barns and 800 years old. Three were hand crafted on
houses primarily from locations through- the Mediterranean island of Cyprus and
out the northeastern United States. one was carved from stone originating in
France. Two of the unique fireplaces dated
The extensive clubhouse woodworking from the period 1470 to 1580 originally
includes chestnut plank flooring and oak graced the likes of villas, vacation estates,
wall panels; the two custom bars, one up- or hunting lodges of wealthy Venetian
stairs in the pub and a “Spike Bar” down- merchants.
stairs; as well as the hand-mitered mold-
ing.

All of the clubhouse woodwork was cut
and fitted by up to 20 professional crafts-
men of Polish descent from the local eth-
nic community of Wallington, New Jer-
sey. The main millwork was done in their
shop in Wallington while also setting up
an onsite small millwork fabrication shop
in the Bayonne clubhouse. The crafts-
men planed and milled old reclaimed
lumber and beams into flooring, planks,
and moldings. In all, approximately six to
eight months was required to complete the
wood finishing in the clubhouse interior.

91

Situated in the living room of the Bayonne clubhouse
is a fireplace from a Franciscan cloisters in the historical
Christian city of Salamis, in the Famagusta region, on the
island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea. This mantle likely
belonged originally to an early Franciscan friary dated from
the mid 13th century AD. The mantle is Gothic art in the form
of early Franciscan missionary architecture. Photo 2017.





Sitting area on the first floor of the clubhouse. Photo 2017.

The framed cartography

painting in the living room

In 2006 the Bayonne Golf Club commis-
sioned Redstone Studios’ Connie Brown
and Duncan Milne to commemorate the
opening of the Club with an exclusive 9
feet wide by 7 feet tall canvas cartography
painting. This original work of art has been
exhibited on the clubhouse living room
wall, opposite the fireplace, since opening
day for the clubhouse in April 2008.

Featured on each side of the painting are
vertical panels that include paintings of
eight historical references that are con-
nected with our American heritage, City
of New York, or the Hudson River.

On the left side is the Statue of Liberty,
the American flag, torpedo boat PT109
- built in Bayonne and commanded by
Lieutenant John F. Kennedy in WWII, and
the Verrazano Bridge. On the right side
is a bull to represent Wall Street, a stur-
geon - once plentiful in the Hudson River,
a three-masted barque tall ship named the
Eagle - a US Coast Guard vessel used to
train officers, and on the bottom right is
an American eagle.

Postcard of the
cartography used by
the club for membership
services. Image 2008.

96

According to the artists this painting
represents a marriage of art and

geography. The scene for the painting
focuses on the Hudson River, New York

Harbor, the island of Manhattan, and
recognizes the site of the Bayonne
Golf Club. Photo 2017.

97

The second floor gallery
displaying chestnut plank flooring,
large solid oak tournament boards,
and hand-mitered custom oak features.

Photo 2017.

98

When entering the men’s locker room, look up, as there is a one of a kind custom commissioned,
7 feet in diameter, stained glass bowl affixed to the open ceiling. Photo 2017.

bLoawrgleinsttahineemdegnl’saslsocckeielrinrgoom

This stained glass feature is a special piece
designed and constructed, as an original,
by Frank Quaglia of Full Circle Glass,
Pearl River, New York exclusively for the
Bayonne Golf Club men’s locker room.

99

The men’s locker room reception area where the stained glass bowl is affixed to the ceiling. Photo 2017.

The men’s locker room provides a relaxed atmosphere before and after a round of golf. Golfers and their
guests enjoy large leather cushioned seats to sit on while changing clothes. Photo 2017.

100

The ‘pub’ is located on the left side of the clubhouse, on the second floor, adjacent to the lighthouse.
Photo 2017.

Some sgaoyltfhpeumb oinstAimnteerriceasting

after

The pub bar is located on the second floor
of the clubhouse and has been described
as one of most interesting after golf “wa-
tering hole” sites in America. The pub of-
fers a panoramic view of the golf course.
While sitting in the pub one cannot help
but gaze and appreciate the golf course,
Hudson River water traffic, and the New
York City views.

101

Few, if any, golf courses offer an ‘after golf pub’ as
impressive as what members and their guests enjoy at
the Bayonne Golf Club. From the interior of the pub
and adjacent outdoor patio, all can take pleasure in
notable views of the golf course to include holes No.
8, 9, 14, 15, 16, and 18, the Hudson River, Manhattan,
Brooklyn, Staten Island, and the Verrazano Bridge.
Photo 2017.



On the day the wood workers
were to start building the spike bar
the following question was asked of Eric,
“How high do you want the top of the bar.”
The reply by Eric was, without hesitation,
“About this high (as he raised his elbow).”

Photo 2017.

The spike bar Decorating the interior

Traditionally, a spike bar as found in Scot- of the clubhouse
land and Ireland is one that allows golfers
to enter wearing their spiked golf shoes. The design team for decorating the inte-
The spike bar in the Bayonne clubhouse is rior of the clubhouse was led by Kimber-
on the first floor, allowing golfers to stop ly Bergstol - Eric’s wife, assisted by Dora
by for a beverage on their way walking Capio - Eric’s administrative assistant, and
from the 13th green to the 14th tee. Andrea Bergstol - Eric’s oldest daughter.
Selection of the furniture, light fixtures,
The photo below shows the primary dining room wall and decorative accoutrements were
located on the first floor. Photo 2017. researched and acquired leading up to,
during, and through completion of the
clubhouse.

105



Building a carriage road

and dry stack stone wall

Beginning at the clubhouse area is an at-
tractive ‘carriage road’ that meanders by
fairway No. 18 and around tee No. 16,
down the hill, past fairway and tee No. 17,
to the marina.

This 500 yard long ‘carriage road’ is edged on
each side with a classic four-foot six-inch high
by two-foot wide granite dry stack stone wall.
The stone was acquired as blast rock rubble
from the New York City second avenue tunnel
construction project. Photo 2017.

The dry stack stone wall was constructed
in 2005 using the efforts of 11 workmen who,
over an eight-month period, would first crack
large granite rocks with a hydraulic hammer
followed by breaking and sizing rocks with a
sledge hammer. Each of the smaller rocks were
dry stacked, by hand, to construct the wall.
The larger base stones were set as a foundation
using a mini excavator. Photo 2017.



The carriage road was constructed to provide access from the clubhouse
to the marina area and the water range. Photo 2017.

A one of a kind Members and their guests can take a sce-
nic ride (either to or from) Lower Manhat-
customized ferry tan, passing by the Statue of Liberty and
docking at the marina near green No. 16.
How many golf clubs can boast having
their own 64-passenger ferry to transport Amenities inside the ferry cabin include
golfers on a 25 minute ride to or from Man- interior walls fitted with cherry veneer
hattan? With approximately one-third of wood and matching bar, leather lounge
club membership residing in New York chairs, television, wool carpet, and a cus-
City, this amenity offers a most convenient tom bathroom.
travel option to and from the golf course.

110

Located in back and to the side of the No. 16
green is the Bayonne Golf Club marina and
the site where the club owned ferry named
‘Heaven’s Gate’ is permanently docked.
Photo 2017.

111

112

The club helistop pad water, to the right and in back of the No.
16 green. At this location can be found a
The interest to have all amenities avail- wind sock and legally permitted FAA he-
able to the membership created the desire licopter landing site. Coordinates, latitude
to identify an appropriate location for a 40 degrees .39 .53 North, longitude 074
helistop on the golf course. An ideal site degrees .05 .28 West.
was selected, close to the marina, near the

Photo 2017.

Photo 2017.

113



Old Glory,
a Memoriam in Perpetuity

Eric is often asked about the enormous Photo 2008.
flag erected next to the eighteenth hole
at the Bayonne Golf Club and what is the Eric enjoyed his time with Deeg noting his
meaning behind its tremendous size. fine character, respectful nature, and love
of life. The weekend prior to 9/11, at the
The date was Tuesday, September 11th conclusion of Deeg’s first week at work in
2001 and Eric Bergstol was playing golf at New York, Eric, Davis, Deeg, with other
Pine Hill Golf Club with his good friend friends and family enjoyed a party at Pine
Davis Sezna. They were joined by a cou- Hill Golf Club in South Jersey.
ple of banking associates from California.
At around 9:00am one of the wives of the Deeg enjoyed the same passion for golf
bankers called saying that there were news and hospitality that filled his father’s life.
reports of a plane striking the World Trade At that event Deeg shared with Eric about
Center in New York City. The concern was his first week of work in his office on top
immediate as Davis’ eldest son, Davis Grier of the World Trade Center. He said that he
Sezna, Jr. (Deeg) had just begun his career kept binoculars at work and would show
working in the offices of Sandler, O’Neill his associates the golf club under construc-
on the 104th floor of the South Tower after tion across the Hudson River. Several days
recently graduating from Vanderbilt Uni- later the world changed forever.
versity.
A life cut short, having endless possibili-
ties, is what inspired Eric to erect a flag as

115

large as he could manage. The flag is for The Bayonne Golf Club American flag
Deeg and the size is such that this memo- waves proudly, atop the highest point on
rial can be seen from as far away as possi- the property and can be seen from as far
ble so binoculars would not be needed to away as Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten
recognize this enduring symbol. Island, as well from all ships in the Hud-
son and planes flying in and out of New-
Today, the 150 foot high flagpole with a 24 ark Liberty International Airport.
inch diameter 23k gold leafed ball affixed
to the top of the flagpole, is located in back Bayonne Golf Club largest American flag is
of No. 18 green, across from the Bayonne 75 x 40 feet and has been noted to be the
Clubhouse. The base of the flagpole is 28 second largest flag and 150 foot tall flag-
inches in diameter, tapered up to the top. pole combination on the East coast, sec-
Anchoring the flagpole is a 5 foot diameter ond only to West Point. The Club main-
x 15 feet deep poured concrete block that tains an inventory of four flags for use, as
provides support. the wind commonly frays the ends requir-
ing a repair to the flags.

On most days the wind blows briskly allowing the American flag to
wave firmly and in view from all holes on the golf course. Photo 2016.

116

Nature Will Rebound
if Offered a Chance

“Some environmentalists had a difficult time accepting
the significance of how a links golf course would assist
with rehabilitation of a sterile waterfront landfill.”

Richard Hurley

There is only one word to describe the re- Offered the opportunity
mediation of the Bayonne landfill ... “re-
markable” recognizing that no Federal, nature will rejuvenate
State or City funds were required to plan
and construct this project. Ongoing main- Nature is resilient and can rebound if of-
tenance and upkeep of the adjacent water- fered the opportunity. Constructing the
front public walkway is the responsibility Bayonne golf course allowed for estab-
of the Bayonne Golf Club. lishing approximately 100 acres of native
grasslands on the upland property and for
Results of a Hudson River environmental rejuvenating the wetlands marsh habitats
survey conducted in 1997 reported fish with the planting of spartina, a native salt
counts of less than 200 in the waters off marsh grass species, all designed to create
the Bayonne landfill site. The findings of a an expanded range of healthy environ-
low fish count were extremely disappoint- ments in which wildlife could thrive in
ing to those interested in a healthy Hud- this urban community.
son River ecosystem.
Feeding the birds
When a second survey was conducted in
2007, after the opening of the Bayonne all winter long
Golf Club, there were more than 12,000
fish recorded in the same area, including The grasslands that were seeded on the
striped bass, bluefish, and flounder. slopes and hills of the Bayonne Golf Course
included fescues, switchgrass, little blue-
This dramatic and highly significant re- stem and Indiangrass. All are native grass
bound in fish counts offered an important species known to be prolific seed produc-
measure of how much the Hudson River ers that yield a crop of seed each summer
water quality had improved in the area providing an important food source for
around the golf course. birds.

117

These grasses also provide winter cover protection for birds along with nesting sites and night roosting
areas. The seed produced by the grasses, on and around the Bayonne Golf Club property, offer a food
source and cover for granivorous birds to include sparrows, finches, juncos, doves and a variety of
upland game birds and songbirds. 2017 photo.

118

Snowy owl on the Bayonne golf course in late
winter. Photo 2015.

Since the opening of the golf course in
2006 there has been an impressive ar-
ray of birds observed on and around the
golf course to include great egrets, snowy
egrets, black crowned night herons, great-
er scaup, snowy owls, killdeers, mocking
birds, sand pipers, golden plovers, black
bellied plovers, lesser yellow legs, yellow
crowned night herons, clapper rail, king
rail, horned grebe, red breasted mergan-
sers including a range of duck species,
large and small, some common, some ex-
otic making their summer, winter or tran-
sient migrating home around or in the sur-
rounding wetlands of the golf course.

Also found are ospreys circling the wet-
lands and tidal areas, as well as blue her-
ons and hawks, all either on or around the
Bayonne golf course. On the golf course
itself are populations of rabbits and voles
that are a natural food source for hawks,
falcons and owls.

After a rare sighting of a king rail adult and
chick nesting in the Bayonne Golf Club
tidal wetlands it was reported as “hard for
the bird experts to believe” what they were
observing.

119

No. 8 green, public walkway, and the tidal salt marsh with the front nine holes in the distance.
As part of the permitting arrangement with the City of Bayonne, a public walkway had been
designed and constructed. The public walkway included building three steel bridges that cost
$3.0 million in total to construct, paid for, and maintained by the Bayonne Golf Club.
The bridges were constructed to allow emergency vehicles, both EMT and fire,
access along the entire route of the public walkway. Photo 2016.



“The Bayonne Golf Club gives me a chance to explore
a successfully restored marsh that is not overrun by phragmites

and observe many birds at close proximity, especially from
two plank bridges. This site is known recently for a resident king rail,

the hot spot has yielded many sought after species, such as
American avocet, snowy owl, and purple gallinule.

As an under birded location with a variety of shorebirds
and ducks passing through, have no doubt
that more rarities will be discovered here.”

James McCormick,
Ecologist and biology teacher

Classroom for teaching about Upkeep for not only the public walkway,
but all bridges and benches, is continuous-
nature and the environment ly maintained by the Bayonne Golf Club.

Student clubs from the local Bayonne Since opening for member play in 2006
schools have built and placed osprey nests the Bayonne Golf Club has received envi-
on the wetland mitigation area near hole ronmental recognition and citations as a
No. 8, have conducted mussel and oyster model for rehabilitation and remediation
planting parties in the Bayonne Golf Club of a brown field, and most importantly for
tidal basins and are frequently seen on en- improving the Hudson River ecosystem, to
vironmental walks to include bird watch- include the quality of life for locals who
ing. enjoy the public walkway for exercise,
fishing, and bird watching.
All months of the year birding hobbyists
and bird watching clubs are seen on the
public walkway with their binoculars iden-
tifying resident and migrating bird popu-
lations. The Bayonne Nature Club alone
has over 600 members who frequently use
the golf course public walkway and bridg-
es for wildlife sightings.

122

Hole No. 3 tees on the right, public walkway on the left, and the 14 acre wetland mitigation
area located both to the left and the right of the public walkway. Photo 2016.

The reclaimed tidal salt marsh, the public walkway on the left, and the green for hole No. 8. Photo 2017.

123



Before and After...
a Work of Art

The artists clay ‘so to speak’ was the Hud- Keep in mind this is where, prior to the
son River dredged material. The artist was mid-1990s, the site was best known as a
Eric Bergstol who molded the proper- garbage dump with abandoned cars and a
ty from a gloomy waterfront landfill into place for teenagers’ late-night parties.
a one of a kind classic links golf course.

Above is a 2006 rendering of the completed golf course. Note the water practice range with the
rass tee on the breakwater on the right side and the ferry marina and helistop at the top of the
graphic on the peninsula. Image 2006.

125

Two portable cement plants were constructed and Dredged material that has the appearance of a
located on the future site of No. 16 green. Hudson moonscape is the future site for constructing hole
River dredged material was received on barges, No. 17. Photo 2002.
mixed with 8% cement and relocated around the
property to make the features you see today.
Photo 2003.

Three months after seeding in 2005 we see hole Hole No. 17 was transformed and created out
No.16 is maturing with the tee and fairway in the of a formless pile of dredged material into a
center and green on the right, and Lower Man- beautiful and most demanding waterfront par 4.
hattan, Empire State Building, on the right, in the Photo 2006.
distance. Photo November 2005.

126

No. 8 green cavity under construction with No. 9
fairway capped with sand on the plateau and the
future site of the clubhouse in the distance on top
of the hill. Photo 2005.

No. 8 green and fairway for this most impressive par 5 hole. Photo 2017.

127

The public walkway is at the bottom, No. 8 green in lower center, and No. 9 fairway on the ‘plateau’
upper right. The Verrazano Bridge can be seen in the upper left of the photo and Staten Island
beyond the golf course, in the distance. Photo 2016.

128

Dredged material being shaped to create hole No. Hole No. 1 showing the green two weeks after
1, the last hole to be completed on the golf course. seeding in late summer 2005. At the top of the
Photo 2004. hill, in the center of this photo, is the twenty foot
high stability test mound of soil on the future
clubhouse footprint. Photo 2005.

The picturesque green for hole No. 1 looking towards the fairway
and tee placed close to the clubhouse pro shop. Photo 2017.

129

The No. 1 Championship tee is located only a few yards from the pro shop. Photo 2017.

The par 4 hole No. 1 as it looked during the sum- On hole No. 1 from the right side of the fairway
mer of 2017 with the green situated in the ‘Dell’ and rough the golfer has a direct view to the
(hollow) in the distance. The green for hole No. green. From the left side of the fairway the
9 is on the right. Photo 2017. golfer cannot see the green and has a blind shot.
Photo 2017.

130

Eric pointing to what, in his mind’s eye, was to be No. 13 green and fairway three weeks
hole No. 13. Photo 2004. after seeding. Photo 2005.

No. 13 tee looking towards the fairway of The par 5 hole No. 13 with a tri-level modified
this uphill par 5 hole, the green is located ‘Biarritz’ contoured green. Photo 2016.
approximately 50 yards to the left of
the flagpole. Photo 2016.

131

The photo was taken from the future site of hole The green for Hole No. 11 is roughed out.
No. 10. The green site is in the foreground and The black pipes are storm drains and the black
the fairway filled with dredged material in the ring in the distance is a plastic liner outlining
background. Photo 2003. the green under construction. Photo 2005.

For the long par 4 hole No. 10 golfers will The par 3 hole No. 11 from the championship tee.
find the largest green on the golf course Photo 2017.
at 13,157 sq. ft. Photo 2017.

132

Hole No. 11 is named ‘The Nook’ with the green located partially behind the hill on the right. Photo 2017.

The long dog leg par 4 hole No. 10 on the left with the par 3 hole No. 11 on the right with the green
placed in a hollow with surrounding mounds on three sides of the green. Photo 2017.

133

No. 18 green site and fairway in the early stages The above early pre finish area is the future site
of construction. Photo 2004. of holes No. 14 and 15. Photo 2004.

Hole No. 18 looking over the green and down Sand on No. 14 tee on the bottom left,
the fairway. Photo 2016. No. 15 tees in the center of the photo.
A cruise ship docked at the Port Liberty
Cruise Port. Photo summer of 2005.

134

The tees for hole No. 14 tees at the bottom with The practice putting green is on the lower left, the
the fairway and green for hole No. 16 at the end tee and green for the par 3 hole No. 14 is in the
of the pier. Photo November 2005. center, the tee and fairway for hole No. 15 is on
the right with the green for hole No. 16 on the far
right, in the distance. Photo 2016.

In the center of the photo is hole No. 14, a downhill par 3 hole named ‘High Tide’ with a short cut grass
collection area surrounding the green. To the left is hole No. 15 fairway and green and to the right is the
fairway for hole No. 9. Photo 2015.

135



The Bayonne Golf Club,
a Beautiful Sight...

The Bayonne Golf Club is a one of a kind The Bayonne golf course meanders through
experience. For those who have played vast man-made fescue covered hills and
the great links courses of Ireland and Scot- dunes some almost 93 feet high. The to-
land will understand that Bayonne offers pography looks and has the feel of a totally
a similar experience as one would find at natural landscape. From the golfers view-
some of the finest natural links courses of point, walking the fairways, down in the
the world. dunes, one could easily imagine being in
a far-away place playing a traditional links
course.

What makes the Bayonne Golf Club so surreal is that you know you are surrounded by one of the largest
metropolitan industrial areas in the world and yet you can let your mind relax and enjoy the golf, beauty
of the site, the New York cityscape scenery and the Hudson River boat traffic. Photo 2016.

137

The Hudson River walkway and the salt marsh is at the bottom of this photo with the Verrazano Bridge in
the distance. The International Matex Tank Terminal (IMTT) tank farm is located between the golf course
and the Kill van Kull water channel with Staten Island in the distance. Photo 2007.

138