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.
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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.
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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.
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Hearthstone at Hillsborough – Hillsborough Township
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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.
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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.
