Mike Trout, a 10-time Major League Baseball All-Star for the Los Angeles Angels, and a South Jersey developer are set to begin construction this year on a new state-of-the-art golf club in Vineland that will be designed by golf legend Tiger Woods.
Trout, a three-time American League MVP, is partnering with developer John Ruga, and his wife, Lorie, on the project. Ruga is also president and CEO of Northeast Precast LLC, a Vineland manufacturer employing 475 people that make precast concrete products used in residential and commercial building construction, highway infrastructure and heavy marine construction markets.
Trout, who was raised in nearby Millville, made the announcement Monday on Twitter that he’s “excited to be able to make a longtime dream” a reality by having Woods and his golf course design company, TGR Design, create the 18-hole course, which they hope to open to members in 2025.
Accompanying the championship golf course will be a flexible short course and expansive putting course along with world-class practice facilities and performance center. Other club highlights include a modern state-of-the-art clubhouse, five-star lodging, a wedding chapel and more.
“I love south Jersey and I love golf, so creating Trout National – The Reserve is a dream come true,” Trout said in his announcement. “And then to add to that we’ll have a golf course designed by Tiger? It’s just incredible to think that this project has grown to where we’re going to be working with someone many consider the greatest and most influential golfer of all-time.”
Trout, who starred in baseball and basketball at Millville Senior High School before being selected by the Angels in the first round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft, continues to make South Jersey his home in the off season. He met his wife, Jessica, in Millville and his parents, siblings and in-laws still live in the area.
TGR Design says the new course will be a “challenging, yet fun-focused design” that promotes creative shot taking and optionality, underscored by a par 3 match hole featuring multiple tee and green options. The course will leverage the site’s strong topography, with some holes meandering through deciduous and evergreen forest and others draped over rolling farmland. The sandy site was once home to a silica sand mine, so drainage and turf conditions are expected to be excellent.
“I’ve always enjoyed watching Mike on the diamond so when the opportunity arose to work with him on Trout National – The Reserve, I couldn’t pass it up,” Woods said. “It’s a great site for golf and our team’s looking forward to creating a special course for Mike, Jessica, John and Lorie.”
John Ruga said the golf club will drive new economic benefits and jobs to the Vineland area.
“Trout National – The Reserve is going to be the place where members gather to enjoy an unforgettable club experience,” Ruga said. “Equally as important, we’re focused on making the club a catalyst for job creation and economic development in our area, while also exploring ways for non-members to enjoy it.”
