5 of the Best Golf Courses in New Jersey

There are over 200 public and private golf courses in The Garden State, with options to please golfers of all skill levels. Depending on how much time you have, you can drive, pitch and putt nine, 18, 27, or 36 holes at various courses throughout New Jersey. Here are some of the best in the state, according to Golf Digest.

Pine Valley Golf Club

Pine Valley Golf Club is not only ranked first in the state, but it was also chosen as the best in the country by several golf publications. This private South Jersey course was opened in 1918 and golf course reviewers rave about its excellent condition, wide fairways, amazing driving range, and spectacular scenery. The 7,101-yard, par 70 course is pretty exclusive, but if you can get in and play it’s worth it.

Nearby 55+ Communities

• Four Seasons at Forest Meadows – Sicklerville 

• Montebello – Berlin

Baltusrol Golf Club

Baltusrol Golf Club is a private, championship course poised at the bottom of northern New Jersey’s Baltusrol Mountain. Its two 18-hole courses were designed by legendary course designer A.W. Tillinghast in 1922, More impressively, the course has hosted several professional tournaments, including seven U.S. Opens and two PGA Championships. Non-members can play provided they know a member. Fortunately, the member list here is a bit more extensive than Pine Valley.

Nearby 55+ Communities

• Four Seasons at The Promenade – Warren

• Viera at Hanover

Somerset Hills Country Club

Somerset Hills Country Club is an 18-hole private course that was also designed by A.W. Tillinghast. Opened in 1918, its exquisite layout includes rolling hills, small water hazards, and dramatic rock outcroppings spanning 6,756 yards. The par 71 course is unique in that it remains almost unchanged since it first opened. If you want to play a Tillinghast original, this is it.

Nearby 55+ Communities

• Hearthstone at Hillsborough – Hillsborough Township

• Renaissance at Raritan Valley – Franklin Township

Atlantic City Country Club

Atlantic City Country Club was christened as the top public golf course in New Jersey by Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and Golf Week. This lovely, 18-hole complex features deep bunkers, sloping fields, ponds, and saltwater marshes. It’s hosted several professional and amateur events, including the several U.S. Women’s Opens. The 6.577-yard, par 70 course is noted for being where the term “birdie” was coined. 

Nearby 55+ Communities

• The Fairways at Mays Landing

• Gatherings at Bel Aire Lakes – Absecon

Ballyowen Golf Club

Ballyowen Golf Club is a gorgeous, 18-hole semi-private course opened in 1998. Considered a “modern day classic,” it is perched on top of a plateau with beautiful views of the Wallkill River. It is located in Crystal Springs Resort and is a 7,094 yard, par 72 course. The course allows the public to play without a membership.

Nearby 55+ Communities

• Bald Eagle Commons – West Milford

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Ellen Kershner

Ellen Kershner is our creative content writer from New Jersey. She has 20+ years of experience writing for local publications, websites, and real estate marketing companies. She has a knack for crafting reader-friendly, original content that educates our readers with clear information. Ellen has lived in Central NJ, Southern NJ, Washington, DC, and Owings Mills, Maryland. View all authors