#42 Marina Alex
Home Course: North Jersey Country Club (public-access roots: Bergen County municipal courses – NJ)
From New Jersey Public Golf to LPGA Victory
Marina Alex is a testament to how determination, grit, and a public-course upbringing can carry a player to the top tier of professional golf. While she eventually trained at private facilities later in her junior career, her foundation was laid on the Bergen County municipal golf courses of New Jersey, accessible, affordable layouts where she learned to compete in every kind of weather and condition.
Alex’s path wasn’t the smooth junior-to-pro conveyor belt many golf stars ride. Instead, her journey was built on adaptability, perseverance, and the sharp competitive edge that public golf tends to produce.
Early Days in Bergen County Golf
Born in 1990 in Wayne, New Jersey, Alex’s introduction to the game came at a time when golf wasn’t yet seen as the go-to sport for kids in her area. She first picked up clubs thanks to her parents’ encouragement, and quickly fell in love with the challenge.
Her early rounds were spent at Bergen County’s public courses, including Darlington Golf Course and Orchard Hills, which operate under a true muni model, low fees, open access, and a melting pot of golfers from all walks of life. Playing alongside retirees, high school athletes, and working-class regulars gave Alex a competitive toughness that would define her game.
Weathering New Jersey Golf
Unlike the year-round golf climates of Florida or California, Alex’s early seasons were short and often chilly. She learned to play in cold, wind, and occasional drizzle, conditions that later became an asset in her professional career, especially in overseas events where weather is always a factor.
Public-course golf in New Jersey also meant slower greens, tight lies, and adapting to variable conditions, a far cry from the pristine setups seen on the LPGA Tour. That adaptability became a cornerstone of her game.
College Years at Vanderbilt
Alex’s public-course-hardened skills earned her a scholarship to Vanderbilt University, where she became one of the top collegiate players in the country. She won the 2010 SEC Championship and earned All-American honors, cementing her status as a pro prospect.
Even during college breaks, she often returned to her Bergen County roots to keep her game sharp, reminding herself of the grind it took to reach that level.
Professional Career Highlights
- LPGA Tour Wins: 2 (2018 Cambia Portland Classic, 2022 Palos Verdes Championship)
- Solheim Cup: 2019 Team USA member
- Best Major Finish: T9 at the 2014 Women’s British Open
Her first win, the 2018 Cambia Portland Classic, came against a stacked field and proved she could close out a tournament under pressure. Her second win in 2022 was particularly meaningful, coming after a stretch of injuries and career uncertainty.
The Muni Influence on Her Game
Alex’s public-golf upbringing instilled:
- Resilience – She’s known for battling through tough starts and fighting until the final hole.
- Shot Creativity – Muni courses demand improvisation; she’s comfortable shaping shots to fit the situation.
- Grounded Perspective – No matter how bright the lights of the LPGA Tour get, she remembers she started on courses where kids carried their own bags and kept score with worn pencils.
Giving Back and Growing the Game
Alex remains active in promoting junior golf in New Jersey, often returning to Bergen County municipal courses to host clinics. She’s a strong advocate for making golf more accessible, telling young players they don’t need a country club membership to dream big.
Why She’s #42 on the Countdown
Marina Alex’s rise from chilly New Jersey munis to LPGA victories proves that great golf isn’t born only in perfect conditions. Her adaptability, competitive grit, and commitment to her roots make her a perfect fit for the Muni Kids Muni 50. She’s a reminder that a public-course start can carry you anywhere, even to the winner’s circle on the world stage.
Key Stats
- Born: August 2, 1990 – Wayne, NJ
- Public Course Roots: Bergen County Municipal Golf Courses (Darlington, Orchard Hills)
- Professional Wins: 2 LPGA Tour
- Teams: Solheim Cup (2019)
Quote
“You can play golf anywhere. If you have the passion, a public course is more than enough to build your game.” – Marina Alex
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