Atlantic City is undergoing a makeover. The changing landscape of legalized gaming is forcing the legendary New Jersey resort to diversify. Golf courses, shopping and dining are all part of a transformation local officials hope will position Atlantic City to better compete with the expanding plethora of gambling destinations.

A quarter-century or so ago, when Atlantic City's casinos were just opening their doors, the closest (legit) competition was a world away in the Nevada desert. But these days East Coast gamers have multiple alternatives to a trek west. New Yorkers can hit Turning Stone or Foxwoods. Delaware has added slot machines to it's racetracks. Pennsylvania is gearing up to spread some 61,000 one-armed bandits across the Keystone State. Suddenly gambling is not enough.

"Much as Las Vegas has become more than just a gambling destination, Atlantic City has to take a similar path," American Gaming Association President Frank Fahrenkopf says. "If you're not moving forward, you're falling behind. The opening of the Borgata casino a couple of years ago was the first step and now there is momentum in that direction."

"We're really starting to come into our own as a golf destination," said Tedde O'Keefe of the Greater Atlantic City Golf Association. "The marketing effort is letting golfers in on the secret that this region offers wonderful options. The reality and the reputation will come together and this area will emerge as a premiere golf destination."

Harry Bittner, general manager at Shore Gate Golf Club and president of the Greater Atlantic City Golf Association, believes golf can contribute to elevating the destination. "The fact that we've developed a first-class golf destination means tourists who don't have any interest in gambling can still come to the area," Bittner says. "A group of golfers can come in for four or five days, play some outstanding courses and sample the casino nightlife as often or as little as they want." "It's only been within the past 10 years that the region has evolved into a golf destination," says Thom Pierre of Margate, an avid local player.

"Golfers are still surprised what is available here. Everyone knows about the casinos, but there is more than just gambling around here." "I don't see it as an either/or thing," says Kevin McCarty, marketing head for the Renault Winery and Vineyard Golf Course in nearby Egg Harbor. "We don't need to ignore gambling, just do a better job of explaining that you can visit south Jersey and never step inside a casino if you don't want to." Atlantic City has been down this road before. It was once the country's premiere ocean-side resort. From the late 19th century through the Depression huge hotels were built along the coast to accommodate vacationers from up and down the Eastern Seaboard.

The state legislature moved to legalize casino gambling in the 1970s, ushering in a new era in the history of Atlantic City. Now there are those who feel the city has to turn another page, to up the glitz and glamour to bring a new generation to the party. It may not be Vegas-on-the-beach yet, but there are a lot folks trying to up the voltage a little in old A.C. The bright lights of Atlantic City have never shone as bright as Las Vegas, but the craps tables and slots create another diversion for the golfer with some energy and money left after a day on the links.

Among Atlantic City's dozen or so casinos, the Borgata has the reputation as the trendiest and the hippest and the closest thing to a Vegas-style hotel. It's upscale and draws a younger crowd. But other casinos, like Harrah's and the Tropicana, have recently spent millions upgrading their gaming dens.

The likes of Wolfgang Puck and Bobby Flay are launching new restaurants in and outside the casinos, and a new shopping pier along the boardwalk will offer top designer stores such as Tiffany and Louis Vuitton. "The restaurants and the stores help change the dynamic of the town," O'Keefe explains. "Those are the kinds of things that will draw younger, upscale people."

The upscale component is also reflected in the golf options. "Atlantic City Country Club, Seaview, Twisted Dune, right here at Shore Gate and others are what some will call 'destination' courses," Bittner says. "You get this quality grouped together and that's great golf. Mix in the restaurants and the shopping with the gaming that's already there and you see whole scene expands."

The mix of great old New Jersey golf courses and some top-notch modern designs is drawing some much warranted attention. Within a half-hour drive of Atlantic City you can tee up at enough quality courses to keep you and your buddies busy during a weeklong getaway without playing the same hole twice. So whether it's on the course or at a blackjack table, Atlantic City provides plenty of opportunity for the fool and his money to go their separate ways.

MUST PLAYS

Atlantic City Country Club was private for more than 100 years, but now the gates have been thrown open. Its current status gives it a commanding spot atop the must-play list along the Jersey shore. The club sits across the bay from Atlantic City in Northfield and it is the epitome of a classic private country club from the valet waiting to park your car to the caddies waiting to tote your bag. The course has some great holes and no weak ones. The pricey greens fees keep the riffraff out and the number of rounds low. It's a must-play.

Seaview Marriott Resort features two outstanding courses: the Pines course, which was designed by William Flynn, and the Bay course, which was laid out by Donald Ross. The latter hosted the Shoprite Classic on the LPGA Tour until the supermarket chain announced recently that it was pulling its sponsorship. The resort is in Absecon, a short drive inland from Atlantic City. It is also home to a Nick Faldo Golf School.

Shore Gate Golf Club is one of the most challenging designs in the region. The course is in Ocean View and the trick is negotiating your ball around the course without spending most of the day in its sprawling bunkers. It's the track to play when you remember to pack you're A-game along with your clubs.

Twisted Dune Golf Club is shaped by sand and large mounding. It also packs plenty of punch and demands solid ball striking. Spray the ball and you'll spend your day hacking out of the traps and looking in the high natural grasses. The course is in Egg Harbor Township.

Blue Herron Pines Golf Club has an East and West Course, but the East is due to fall under the plow of residential development. Both courses provide a quality golf experience, with the West generally rated slightly higher. The East course was scheduled to close following the 2006 season. The club is in Cologne.

The design team of Hurdzan and Fry were architects of the 27-hole Sand Barrens Golf Club in Swainton. As the name indicates, sand is the big challenge. Many of the holes have bunkers that run the entire length of the hole from tee to green. Some greens are literally islands in a sea of sand.

Harbor Pines Golf Club is 10 years old and a little more playerfriendly than some of the others on this list. The course has some water and sand to avoid, but there is ample room to get your ball around without too much anxiety. The course is in Egg Harbor Township.

Vineyard Golf at Renault Winery features another playerfriendly design. The course still needs some growing in, but it's in a very pretty setting among the vineyards. The course is in Egg Harbor City, about a half hour west of Atlantic City.

SOLID SECONDS

Mays Landing Country Club has tree-lined fairways and pretty good conditions.

Avalon Golf Club is similar with flat terrain and a decent design.

Brigantine Golf Links is the closest course to the casinos and local legend has it that Walter Hagen would play the course as a warm up prior to the British Open.

McCullough's Emerald Golf Links is a muni that seems destined for the must-play list. The young design has holes that replicate some of the great holes on courses in the British Isles.

STAY AND PLAY

The Seaview Marriott is a throwback to the days of grand old resorts. Drive up to the entrance of the hotel, they'll send your golf bag to the clubhouse, your luggage to your room and the valet will take your car. It's a first-class operation with great customer service. If you're looking for a casino experience, the Borgata is the new kid on the block. It's big, bright and shiny. It attracts the youngest crowd and is probably the closest thing to a Vegas casino in Atlantic City.

DINING OUT

At Seaview, they have a huge circular dining room that on the weekends features one of the best seafood buffets anywhere. It's upscale and worth it.

If you stay at the Borgata, they have recently added a group of upscale restaurants. Bobby Flay Steak for the carnivores and SeaBlue for seafood lovers are fantastic. Tasty cheap eats can be found at the White House Sub Shop in Atlantic City for Philly style cheesesteaks and hoagies.