Mike Trout Partners With Tiger Woods To Bring Golf Course To His Native South Jersey

VINELAND, NJ — Mike Trout plans to bring something big to his old stomping grounds. The Major League Baseball star and South Jersey native will open a private golf course to Vineland, and Tiger Woods's company will design the course, Trout announced Monday.

Developers expect construction of Trout National – The Reserve to begin in 2023, with an anticipated opening in 2025. The club will offer an 18-hole championship course, a clubhouse, a wedding chapel and other amenities.

Trout was born in Vineland and grew up in Millville. His illustrious career with the Angels includes three American League MVP awards, nine Silver Sluggers and 10 All-Star appearances — and he's only 31.

"I’m so excited to finally officially announce that we’re doing this project, and doing it in a community that means so much to me," Trout said in a news release. "I was born in Vineland and raised in Millville. I met my wife, Jessica, in Millville, and my parents and siblings and in-laws still live in the area. I could put down roots anywhere in the country, but Jessica and I make south Jersey our off-season home and always cherish the time we get to spend there."

While it's not clear how much Woods will get directly involved with course design, the golf star's firm, TGR Design, is leading the endeavor.

Trout is developing the course with business partners John and Lorie Ruga, who own Northeast Precast — a concrete manufacturer based in Vineland.

"Mike’s a great guy and we both care deeply about our community," John Ruga said in a statement. "Like Mike, I always dreamed about the possibility of opening a truly one-of-a-kind golf club. When we met and started talking about our individual visions, it became clear that we were on the same page."

Trout and the Angels begin regular-season action Thursday against the Athletics. He most recently captained the United States national team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, leading the U.S. to the finals before Japan won the title.