Hominy Hill property recognized for historic significance

COLTS NECK – The Colts Neck Historical Preservation Committee has awarded an historic marker to the Hominy Hill Farm and Golf Course to honor the property’s historical significance to the municipality.

The presentation was made at the Hominy Hill Golf Course, Mercer Road, on Sept. 26 and was attended by Monmouth County Freeholder Director Lillian Burry of Colts Neck, Mayor Russell Macnow, Township Committeeman Frank Rizzuto, Monmouth County Park System Director Jim Truncer and Monmouth County Park System Chief, Acquisition and Design Department, Gail Hunton.

The historic marker states, “On this site in the 1940s, Henry Mercer bred prize-winning cattle; it was known as Hominy Hill Farm. Robert Trent Jones Sr., golf course architect, transformed the farm into a championship golf course. The large dairy barn became the clubhouse. In 1976 (the farm was) purchased by Monmouth County.”

Burry said the bronze marker is the continuation of a program the Colts Neck Historical Preservation Committee initiated years ago.

“The intent has been and continues to be the memorialization of historic sites and structures in Colts Neck,” Burry said. “This particular marker is the 13th site. As the marker indicates, Hominy Hill Golf Course has an interesting history. This is particularly meaningful because the clubhouse, formerly the large dairy barn, will be completely renovated by the Monmouth County Park System.”

“Hominy Hill Golf Course is a great example of what happens when philanthropists and government work together for the betterment of the community,” Macnow said. “The residents of Monmouth County get to enjoy one of the finest public golf courses in the country.”

“The Monmouth County Park System is honored that Colts Neck has designated Hominy Hill Farm and Golf Course as a historic landmark, and we appreciate the township’s support for our county’s heritage,” Truncer said.