New Jersey boasts some of the most picturesque and highly regarded golf courses in the country, suitable for all skill levels.
The top 12 courses include Pine Valley Golf Club, Baltusrol Golf Club, Plainfield Country Club, and Atlantic City Country Club, each offering unique experiences with challenging layouts and scenic views.
Many of these courses have hosted prestigious tournaments, further enhancing their appeal. Golfers can enjoy state-of-the-art practice facilities, expert instruction, and excellent clubhouse amenities.
Local dining options and convenient accommodations make New Jersey an ideal golfing destination, promising an unforgettable experience for every enthusiast.
Whether you’re a novice looking to improve your game or an experienced golfer seeking new challenges, the Garden State has something for everyone. Discover why New Jersey is a golfer’s paradise.
From lush, tree-lined fairways to meticulously maintained greens, these courses provide an unparalleled golfing experience. Each destination not only meets but exceeds your expectations, making New Jersey a must-visit.
12 Best Golf Courses in New Jersey
New Jersey’s golf scene goes beyond beaches and boardwalks. Discover the Garden State’s top 12 golf courses, offering diverse challenges and stunning landscapes for every golfer’s delight.
1. Old Bridge Golf Club
Located in Old Bridge, NJ, Old Bridge Golf Club is known for its well-designed layout and challenging greens. The course features expansive greens that test even experienced golfers.
Its driving range, large putting greens, and onsite mini golf offer varied practice options. Although the course officially opens in Spring 2024, early reviews from lucky guests like eric1075 highlight its potential.
“The greens were perfect, and the layout is impressive,” he said. The pro shop and the hopeful addition of a short game practice area will further enhance the golfing experience. At a green fee of $55, it’s an affordable choice for golf enthusiasts.
2. Francis Byrne Golf Course
Francis Byrne Golf Course in West Orange, NJ, established in the 1920s, offers a par-71, 6,847-yard layout with challenging greens and well-maintained facilities, including a driving range, putting greens, a pro shop, and a restaurant, all for a $50 green fee.
Pine Valley Golf Club in Pine Valley, NJ, is known for its exclusive membership and top global ranking, featuring a par-70, 7,057-yard layout with pristine fairways and challenging bunkers, making it a premier destination for golf enthusiasts.
Atlantic City Country Club in Northfield, NJ, boasts a rich history dating back to 1897 and offers a par-70, 6,577-yard course. Its lush fairways and seaside views make it a memorable experience.
3. Neshanic Valley Golf Course
Located in Neshanic Station, the Neshanic Valley Golf Course, designed by Hurdzan-Fry, is a top-rated destination for avid golfers.
It features 27 holes across three 9-hole layouts: the Lake, Meadow, and Ridge courses, each presenting unique challenges like water hazards and fescue grass.
With a green fee of $60, golfers can enjoy this meticulously maintained course, praised for its condition even in winter, along with a friendly staff and fast pace of play.
Amenities include a state-of-the-art driving range, an expansive putting green, and a well-stocked pro shop, making it an exceptional choice for those seeking a challenging and beautiful golfing experience.
4. Spooky Brook Golf Course
Located in Somerset, NJ, Spooky Brook Golf Course is favored by locals and visitors for its wide fairways and challenging layout, suitable for both beginners and experienced players.
Designed by Ed Ault, the 6,612-yard course features well-maintained greens and scenic views. With a green fee of $48, it offers excellent value. User reviews highlight the course’s good condition during winter and the friendly, attentive staff.
Golfers also appreciate the deals on platforms like GolfNow and recommend arriving early to utilize the driving range and practice green. Spooky Brook’s blend of accessibility and challenge makes it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts in New Jersey.
5. Eagle Ridge Golf Club
Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Lakewood, NJ, is a premier golfing destination featuring three distinct nine-hole courses: the Ridge, Pines, and Links, each offering unique challenges and views.
The club provides top-notch amenities, including a pro shop, practice facilities, and a clubhouse with dining options. With an $85 green fee, golfers experience excellent value on well-maintained courses.
Another standout is Twisted Dune Golf Club, located in Egg Harbor Township. Known for its unique links-style layout, the course challenges players with deep ravines and sprawling bunkers.
The $100 green fee is justified by its meticulously crafted design and dramatic landscapes, providing an unforgettable round of golf.
6. McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links
Situated in Egg Harbor Township, McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links draws inspiration from traditional Scottish links courses.
Offering a par-71 layout, this course spans 6,535 yards of challenging terrain, with fescue-lined fairways and massive greens.
Designed by architect Stephen Kay in 2002, the course features 17 replica holes from famous layouts such as St. Andrews and Carnoustie, providing a unique experience.
Green fees range from $55 to $75, making it accessible for a variety of golfers. A golfer noted, “Nice course, played on a hot deal so made it affordable. A nice layout but too many blind shots for me.” This highlights the course’s affordability and challenging nature.
7. Ballyowen Golf Club
Rated consistently as one of the best public courses in New Jersey, Ballyowen Golf Club exemplifies a remarkable golf experience. Set on 250 acres in Hamburg, it’s designed by golf architect Roger Rulewich.
The course emulates a heathland style, featuring rolling fairways and tall grasses akin to the Scottish Highlands. Golfers enjoy the challenge of its 7,094-yard layout, which integrates natural elements seamlessly.
Managed greens at Ballyowen ran true but faced criticism for pitch mark scars, highlighting player responsibility. While the Clubhouse bar’s closure for private events has been noted, players appreciate the efficient rangers and the overall pristine state of the course.
8. Heron Glen Golf Course
Heron Glen Golf Course in Ringoes, New Jersey, is a public municipal course known for its challenging layout and fast, meticulously maintained greens, offering great value with a $56 green fee.
It features strategically placed hazards, undulating fairways, and well-designed holes, appealing to golfers of all skill levels. Amenities include a practice range, golf shop, and cozy clubhouse.
Next, the renowned Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster is a private course praised for its stunning design, luxurious facilities, and immaculate landscaping, providing an exclusive golfing experience for members and guests.
9. Quail Brook Golf Course
Quail Brook Golf Course in Somerset, New Jersey, offers an outstanding public golfing experience with a reasonably priced green fee of $43, known for its excellent condition year-round and fast, well-maintained greens.
The Seaview Bay Course in Galloway is famous for its seaside views, challenging holes, and for hosting the ShopRite LPGA Classic.
Ballyowen Golf Club in Hamburg features a links-style layout with scenic countryside views, emphasizing meticulously crafted fairways and a unique design.
These courses showcase New Jersey as a prime location for golf enthusiasts, boasting a diverse and rich golfing landscape.
10. River Vale Country Club
River Vale Country Club offers a unique golfing experience in New Jersey. The green fee is $95, ensuring good value for the quality provided. Players often praise the course for its excellent condition, regardless of weather conditions.
One player, tfsgolf1, shared a positive review even on a gray, overcast day, appreciating both the course’s upkeep and friendly playing partners.
The course layout is designed to challenge golfers of all skill levels, with strategically placed bunkers and water hazards.
River Vale Country Club is known for maintaining its greens well, making it a top choice for enthusiasts aiming to end their golf seasons on a high note.
11. Knob Hill Golf Course
Knob Hill Golf Course in Manalapan is praised for its well-maintained fairways and challenging holes by Mark McCumber, suitable for golfers of all levels.
Ballyowen Golf Club in Hamburg boasts exceptional course conditions, scenic views, and a unique links-style layout, providing an unforgettable experience.
Pine Valley Golf Club is renowned worldwide for its outstanding layout, demanding play, and pristine conditions, offering an unparalleled golfing experience.
Twisted Dune Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township features dramatic elevation changes and expansive fairways, designed by architect Archie Struthers. It offers a thrilling round amid stunning landscapes and well-maintained greens.
How We Rank Our Courses?
We rank golf courses using a rigorous process that evaluates course conditions, layout and design, pace of play, customer feedback, and overall facilities.
Smooth rolling greens, well-maintained fairways, unique holes with strategic challenges, and a brisk pace of play during busy times are key factors.
High rankings also require positive feedback for tournament-quality conditions and excellent amenities, including the clubhouse and practice areas.
We have compiled a list of the 12 best golf courses in New Jersey, offering scenic locations, state-of-the-art facilities, and challenging layouts. Stay tuned for our top picks to help plan your next golf outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which golf courses are highlighted in the article?
The article discusses Old Bridge Golf Club, Francis Byrne Golf Course, Neshanic Valley Golf Course, Quail Brook Golf Course, River Vale Country Club, and Knob Hill Golf Course, among others.
What makes Quail Brook Golf Course special?
Quail Brook Golf Course in Somerset is known for its well-kept greens and affordability, making it a popular choice among golfers.
Why is River Vale Country Club notable?
River Vale Country Club stands out for its challenging layout, offering an exciting golfing experience for players.
Who designed Knob Hill Golf Course?
Knob Hill Golf Course in Manalapan was designed by Mark McCumber, featuring meticulously maintained fairways and greens for year-round playability.
How does customer feedback contribute to the article?
Customer feedback is emphasized as crucial in evaluating course conditions, layout, and facilities, guiding golfers to the best experiences in New Jersey.
Conclusion
Golf enthusiasts in New Jersey have access to a variety of top-tier courses. Old Bridge Golf Club and Francis Byrne Golf Course offer unique challenges and scenic views.
Neshanic Valley Golf Course is notable for its expansive layout and excellent facilities. Quail Brook Golf Course in Somerset provides affordable play and well-kept greens, while River Vale Country Club is recognized for its challenging design.
Knob Hill Golf Course in Manalapan impresses with meticulous fairways and year-round playability. Customer feedback emphasizes the importance of well-maintained conditions and smooth pace of play.
Other notable mentions include Ballyowen Golf Club, known for its links-style design, and Hominy Hill Golf Course, consistently ranking among the top public courses.
Overall, these 12 top golf courses in New Jersey offer memorable experiences for players of all levels.
Colin McCarthy