Sea Oaks Golf Resort in New Jersey gets $4.5 million renovation, new owner, new name

LITTLE EGG HARBOR, N.J. — A renamed Sea Oaks Golf Resort will reopen in June under new ownership with plans for a multimillion-dollar upgrade to its guest rooms and restaurants.

The resort is now LBI National Golf & Resort following its purchase by Accountable Equity, owners and operators the Renault Winery Resort and Vineyard National Golf Course in Egg Harbor.

The firm purchased the property including its 194-acre 18-hole golf course, inn, country club, and restaurants and bars, in a transaction valued at more than $6.5 million.

Sea Oaks closed in March 2021 after filing for bankruptcy protection. Atlantic Homes Inc., which held the mortgage to the golf course, bought its assets out of the bankruptcy. The golf course was later put up for sale.

In a statement, Accountable Equity said it plans to reopen with a new name, LBI National Golf & Resort, in June as a public golf course. It will soon announce plans for a hotel, restaurants, and wedding and event venues.

“We’re excited at the prospect of Sea Oaks Golf Resort becoming part of the VIVÂMEE Signature Collection,” said Josh McCallen, Accountable Equity’s founder and chief executive officer, in a statement.

“We believe our blend of hospitality culture and development expertise puts us in a unique position to provide tremendous long-term dividends for Sea Oaks in the years to come as we grow,” the statement continued.

The property includes an inn with 31 rooms and suites, 35,000-square-foot country club, banquet space, two restaurants, three bars, an outdoor dining space, an 18-hole championship golf course and driving range with skyline views of Atlantic City.

Barbara Balongue of Villanova, Pennsylvania-based Balongue Design has been commissioned to lead a $4.5 million resort renovation, beginning immediately, including upgrades to guest rooms, entertainment spaces, bars and restaurants, the company said.

Accountable Equity said the reopening of the golf course will bring back 25 to 30 jobs in Ocean County with the potential to create an additional 175 positions by next year.