By Paul Giordano

Not one, not two, but three new 18-hole championship golf courses are on the drawing board for Cape May County and should be ready for play as early as 2002.

The first to open will be John and Doug Turner's Shore Gate Golf Club in Ocean View.

Edson and Malcom Robertson of the Sand Barrens Golf Club are negotiating a project that could bring another 18 holes to Woodbine at the Woodbine Airport.

And the third comes by way of brothers Larry and Danny Young, golf course developers at Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Williamsburg, Va. The Youngs have their sights on an 18-hole project in Burleigh.

These developers are not taking shots in the dark, either.

High-end, 18-hole layouts average about $11 million to build from start to finish.

There is a need for more courses in Cape May County, especially when its been reported that it can take five to six hours to play public courses like Cape May National and Avalon.

But Cape May County is not alone. According to a report in USA TODAY, new home development along New Jersey's barrier islands increased 108 percent between 1990 and 1998.

Add Sir Charles: Former Sixers star Charles Barkley has joined the field and will be part of the Celebrity Tour Players Atlantic City Celebrity Kids' Classic field Aug. 17-20 at the Atlantic City Country Club. Barkley carries a 14 handicap with a career-best 80. For ticket and volunteer information call (609) 383-8330.

Dial it up: Golfers who want information about STRAIGHT 8 Golf's new line of clubs, which have an octagon-shaped shaft, can call the manufacturer at (888) 718-1667.

Collectibles: Limited ``Champion Images'' golf prints autographed by Arnold Palmer and Bob Hope are available at the Marriott Seaview Golf Resort for a limited time. The framed prints retail for $1,500, with proceeds benefiting the Children's Miracle Network. Each print comes with a certificate of authenticity. Call (407) 206-6280.

On the Web: Dedicated to golfers from beginners to competitive level players, amateurgolf.com has launched its new Web site www.amateurgolf.com.

Selections include:
Compete: A national golf tournament database for players of all levels.
Play: A national golf course database, travel articles and Internet tee times portal.
Shop: Members receive an introductory 10 percent discount at Chipshot.com for equipment, accessories and clothing.

Call (650) 326-4024 or e-mail eric@amateurgolf.com.