New Jerseyans might live in the shadow of New York (when it comes to certain things, of course), but as far as golf is concerned, the Garden State holds its own.
With plenty of serene golf courses, New Jersey offers some of the finest golfing experiences in the country for any level of golf.
Here are seven of the best golf courses in New Jersey that you need to check out.
Pine Valley Golf Club
Location: Pine Valley, NJ
Pine Valley Golf Club is often hailed as the best golf course in the world, and it’s easy to see why. This masterpiece was designed by a dream team of legendary architects, including H.S. Colt and A.W. Tillinghast.
This 18-hole course is known for its meticulous maintenance. Recent renovations by Tom Fazio have only made it better, with intricate bunkers and natural sandy landscapes that are both beautiful and challenging.
As one of the top golf courses in New Jersey, it is loved by golfers for its tough layout and pristine conditions.
So, if you’re looking for a course with stunning scenery that will test your skills, Pine Valley Golf Club should be at the top of your list.
Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower)
Location: Springfield, NJ
Baltusrol Golf Club’s Lower Course is steeped in history, having hosted multiple U.S. Opens and PGA Championships. Designed by A.W. Tillinghast and later updated by Gil Hanse, the course features wide fairways and fast, undulating greens.
The Lower Course is mainly known for its challenging par-4 holes and the famous “Quarry” holes. Jack Nicklaus won two U.S. Opens here, and Phil Mickelson clinched the PGA Championship in 2005.
Baltusrol’s Lower Course has a rich history and a challenging layout that keeps you on your toes. For that reason, it’s one of the best public golf courses in NJ.
Somerset Hills Country Club
Location: Bernardsville, NJ
Somerset Hills, designed by A.W. Tillinghast, is a slice of golf history that’s stayed true to its 1918 roots. The course features rolling terrain, striking rock outcroppings, and charmingly quirky minor water hazards.
What stands out about this course is the “dolomite” mounds and Tillinghast’s unique take on the Redan par-3.
For golfers who love classic design, Somerset Hills is a must-visit and stands out as one of the top golf courses in NJ.
Ridgewood Country Club
Location: Paramus, NJ
Ridgewood Country Club, a classic Tillinghast design, is renowned for hosting big events like the Ryder Cup and Barclays Championships. Its 27 holes, divided into East, West, and Center, offer much variety and can be mixed up for a new experience each round.
Thanks to some recent updates by Gil Hanse, the course looks and plays even better. With its tricky fairways and gorgeous tree lines, Ridgewood is a top pick for serious golfers who want golf courses in NJ that test their abilities.
Galloway National Golf Club
Location: Absecon, NJ
Galloway National, designed by Tom Fazio, stands out in the South Jersey pine barrens. It’s got rolling fairways, tricky fall-away greens, and gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The course, famous for its rugged terrain and smartly placed bunkers, makes each round both challenging and stunning – it’s no surprise that it’s a favorite on lists of the top 100 courses in the U.S.
Thus, without question, Galloway National is at the top of our list of the best South Jersey golf courses.
Liberty National Golf Club
Location: Jersey City, NJ
Liberty National Golf Club, designed by Bob Cupp and Tom Kite, offers spectacular views of the NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
This beautiful course is known for its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and undulating greens. So, it’s a challenging round for golfers of all skill levels, that’s for sure.
Liberty National has hosted multiple PGA Tour events, including The Northern Trust. Its prime location and meticulously maintained, challenging layout make it stand out among the best public courses in New Jersey.
Eagle Ridge Golf Club
Location: Lakewood, NJ
Eagle Ridge Golf Club offers 27 holes of championship golf spread across three distinct nines: the Ridge, the Pines, and the Links. The course is known for its pine-lined fairways and rolling terrain, which provide a challenging yet enjoyable round for golfers.
Eagle Ridge is managed by PGA/LPGA Professional Rylee Plitz and is renowned for its exceptional junior programs and welcoming atmosphere.
Located in Central New Jersey, Eagle Ridge is a popular choice among NJ public golf courses, as it’s suited for players of all skill levels.
Crystal Springs Resort
Location: Hamburg, NJ
Crystal Springs Resort redefines golfing in New Jersey with its six distinct courses, each designed by celebrated architects like Robert von Hagge and Roger Rulewich.
At Ballyowen, you’ll experience an authentic Scottish links-style course, while Black Bear presents a classic parkland layout that offers unique challenges. Wild Turkey and the other courses add even more variety, each with their own distinct character.
For anyone on the hunt for top public golf courses in New Jersey, Crystal Springs Resort should be on your radar with its outstanding variety and quality.
Twisted Dune Golf Club
Location: Egg Harbor Township, NJ
For golfers looking to try something unique, Twisted Dune Golf Club is a top choice in New Jersey. As one of the best public golf courses in NJ, Twisted Dunes Course combines stunning scenery with a tricky, strategic layout.
The course features dramatic elevations, deep ravines, and rolling fairways, closely mimicking traditional Scottish links courses. They moved over 2 million cubic yards of earth to create the distinct contours, resulting in a course that’s as fun to look at as it is to play.
What sets Twisted Dune apart is how it demands both strategy and precision. You can’t just power through this course; you must think about every shot. And mind out, the deep bunkers and tricky greens keep you on your toes.
Seaview Golf Club
Location: Galloway, NJ
Seaview Golf Club is a real treasure in New Jersey. It features two fantastic courses that every golfer should check out.
First, there’s the Bay Course. With its links-style layout and stunning ocean views, it’s easy to see why this course hosts the annual ShopRite LPGA Classic. This course is all about precision – the challenging greens and cleverly placed bunkers will test your skills, that’s for sure.
Then there’s the Pines Course, which offers an entirely different vibe. This course winds through picturesque woodlands, with tree-lined fairways and sharp doglegs that require thoughtful play.
What makes Seaview Golf Club stand out, besides its rich history, is the immaculate upkeep of both courses. Because of that, the club truly deserves its reputation as one of the best public golf courses in New Jersey.
Why New Jersey’s Best Golf Courses Are a Must-Play
Golfing in New Jersey offers more than just a few rounds; it’s about experiencing some truly standout courses.
These top NJ golf courses provide everything from stunning views to unique challenges that keep the game exciting.
So, if you’re up for great golf and a few memorable moments, the best golf courses in New Jersey are waiting for you.