New Jersey boasts some of the finest public golf courses in the country, offering diverse designs and challenges for golfers of all skill levels.
Here are the top five: Ballyowen Golf Club, Twisted Dune Golf Club, Hominy Hill Golf Course, Atlantic City Country Club, and Heron Glen Golf Course.
Keep reading for a detailed explanation of what makes each of these courses stand out.
Ballyowen Golf Club – Hamburg, NJ
Ballyowen Golf Club in Hamburg, NJ, is frequently celebrated as the premier public golf course in the state.
Designed by Roger Rulewich, this course offers a unique links-style layout that evokes the feel of the British Isles, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Wallkill River.
Course Overview
Ballyowen Golf Club was designed by Roger Rulewich, a renowned golf course architect known for his ability to create challenging yet beautiful courses.
Ballyowen, often ranked as the best public golf course in New Jersey, features a links-style design reminiscent of the traditional courses found in Scotland and Ireland.
The course spans 7,094 yards with a par of 72, incorporating rolling farmland and tall grasses to enhance its authentic links feel.
The design philosophy focuses on integrating the natural landscape into the course layout, creating a visually stunning and challenging golfing experience.
Course Layout
The layout of Ballyowen Golf Club is meticulously crafted to provide both beauty and challenge.
The course features wide fairways that navigate through the rolling terrain, with strategically placed bunkers and water hazards that demand precision and strategy from golfers.
Notable holes include the par-4 9th, which offers a stunning view of the Wallkill River, and the par-5 18th, which challenges golfers with a narrow fairway and a well-guarded green.
The course's design ensures that every hole offers a unique challenge, making it a favorite among both amateur and professional golfers.
Playing Experience
Playing at Ballyowen Golf Club is a feast for the senses, with its scenic views and tranquil atmosphere.
The course's location provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and the Wallkill River adds a serene backdrop to the golfing experience.
The course is known for its challenging play, with rolling fairways and unpredictable winds that test even the most skilled golfers.
Ballyowen caters to a diverse range of golfers, from those looking to enjoy a relaxing round in a beautiful setting to serious players seeking to test their skills on a demanding course.
Rates and Accessibility
Ballyowen Golf Club offers a range of rates that vary depending on the day and season.
Typically, weekend rates are around $125, while weekday rates are slightly lower.
The course provides various booking options, including online reservations and membership packages for frequent golfers.
The best times to visit are during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the course is in peak condition.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a tee time at this popular course.
Reviews and Ratings
Ballyowen Golf Club consistently receives high praise from both experts and players.
It is frequently ranked as the top public golf course in New Jersey and has garnered accolades for its design, maintenance, and overall golfing experience.
Expert reviews highlight the course's unique links-style design and challenging layout, while player feedback often emphasizes the scenic beauty and well-maintained conditions.
Compared to other top courses, Ballyowen stands out for its combination of challenging play and stunning natural surroundings, making it a must-visit for any golf enthusiast.
Twisted Dune Golf Club – Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Twisted Dune Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, offers a distinctive links-style golfing experience that sets it apart from many traditional American courses.
Designed by Archie Struthers, this course is characterized by its dramatic landscape of sand dunes, rolling fairways, and numerous bunkers.
Course Overview
Twisted Dune Golf Club was designed by Archie Struthers, who envisioned a course that would bring the essence of Scottish and Irish links courses to New Jersey.
This 7,248-yard, par-72 course is known for its rugged, natural landscape featuring large sand dunes, extensive bunkering, and undulating fairways.
The design philosophy focuses on creating a challenging yet enjoyable experience that tests a golfer's strategic thinking and shot-making abilities.
The course's natural elements are harmoniously integrated into its design, providing a unique and memorable golfing experience.
Course Layout
The layout of Twisted Dune Golf Club is meticulously crafted to offer both aesthetic beauty and golfing challenges.
The course features wide, rolling fairways that weave through significant sand dunes, with strategically placed bunkers and waste areas demanding precise shots.
Notable holes include the par-4 7th, which requires a carefully placed tee shot to avoid a large bunker guarding the fairway, and the par-5 11th, which challenges golfers with its length and strategically positioned hazards.
Each hole presents a unique challenge, with the ever-present dunes and bunkers keeping golfers on their toes throughout their round.
Playing Experience
Playing at Twisted Dune Golf Club is an experience that combines strategic shot-making with breathtaking scenery.
The course's links-style design demands accurate drives and well-placed approach shots, as the numerous bunkers and waste areas can quickly add strokes to a scorecard.
The atmosphere is enhanced by the course's natural beauty, with rolling fairways and towering sand dunes creating a sense of isolation and tranquility.
Twisted Dune is suitable for golfers of all skill levels, offering a challenging yet fair test that rewards thoughtful play.
Rates and Accessibility
Twisted Dune Golf Club offers a range of rates that vary by season.
Generally, rates range from $76 to $100, with peak prices typically occurring during the summer months.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season and on weekends, to secure a preferred tee time.
The course also offers various specials and discounts throughout the year, making it accessible for regular play.
It's advisable to check the course's website for the latest rates and availability.
Reviews and Ratings
Twisted Dune Golf Club receives consistently positive reviews from both players and experts.
Golfers frequently praise the course for its challenging layout and unique links-style design, which stands out among other courses in the region.
Expert reviews highlight the course's strategic demands and well-maintained conditions, noting its ability to provide a true test of golfing skill.
Compared to other top courses, Twisted Dune is often recognized for its distinctive landscape and the memorable playing experience it offers, making it a favorite destination for golf enthusiasts looking for a unique and rewarding round.
Hominy Hill Golf Course – Colts Neck, NJ
Hominy Hill Golf Course in Colts Neck, NJ, is renowned for its well-maintained conditions and challenging layout.
Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr., this course is a favorite among skilled golfers looking for a tough but fair test.
Course Overview
Hominy Hill Golf Course was designed by the acclaimed Robert Trent Jones Sr., a name synonymous with top-tier golf course architecture.
Established in 1964, the course quickly gained a reputation for its pristine conditions and challenging design.
Spanning 7,049 yards with a par of 72, Hominy Hill is characterized by its traditional parkland style layout.
Key features include meticulously maintained fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards that enhance both the beauty and difficulty of the course.
The design philosophy emphasizes shot-making and strategic play, with Jones's signature style evident in the course's demanding greens and layout.
Course Layout
The layout of Hominy Hill Golf Course is designed to test every aspect of a golfer's game.
The course features a combination of long and short holes, with rolling fairways, challenging bunkers, and water hazards coming into play on several holes.
Notable holes include the par-4 5th, which requires a precise drive to avoid water on the left and bunkers on the right, and the par-3 15th, where a well-protected green demands an accurate tee shot.
The course's layout ensures a variety of challenges, from tight fairways to complex green complexes, making it a comprehensive test for any golfer.
Playing Experience
Playing at Hominy Hill Golf Course is an experience marked by its exceptional conditions and demanding layout.
The course is known for its consistently well-maintained fairways and greens, providing a smooth and enjoyable playing surface.
Golfers can expect a challenging round, with the course's layout requiring careful planning and precise shot execution.
The overall atmosphere is tranquil and scenic, with the parkland setting offering a peaceful backdrop to the round.
Hominy Hill caters primarily to skilled golfers due to its difficulty level, but it remains accessible and enjoyable for those up for the challenge.
Rates and Accessibility
Hominy Hill Golf Course offers a range of affordable rates, typically between $51 and $75.
These rates vary depending on the day of the week and the season, with discounts available for residents and frequent players.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially on weekends and during peak golfing season, to secure a tee time.
The course's accessibility is further enhanced by its well-developed facilities, including a practice range and professional instruction services.
For the best experience, consider visiting during the late spring or early fall when the weather is ideal and the course is in peak condition.
Reviews and Ratings
Hominy Hill Golf Course consistently receives high marks from both players and experts.
Golfers praise the course for its challenging layout and excellent maintenance, highlighting the well-manicured fairways and fast, true greens.
Expert reviews often commend the course's strategic design and the quality of its playing conditions, noting its ability to provide a thorough test of golfing skills.
Compared to other public courses, Hominy Hill stands out for its combination of affordability, quality, and challenge, making it a top choice for serious golfers in New Jersey.
Atlantic City Country Club – Northfield, NJ
Atlantic City Country Club in Northfield, NJ, is a historic gem in the golfing world, known as the birthplace of the term “birdie.”
With a rich history dating back to 1897, this course combines classic design with modern updates by renowned architect Tom Doak.
Course Overview
Atlantic City Country Club was originally designed by John Reid in 1897 and has undergone several updates, most notably by Tom Doak, a respected modern golf course architect.
This historic course is known for its significant contributions to golf, including being the origin of the term “birdie.”
Spanning 6,577 yards with a par of 70, the course combines classic design elements with contemporary enhancements to provide a challenging and enjoyable golfing experience.
Doak's updates have preserved the traditional character of the course while incorporating modern features to keep it relevant for today's golfers.
Course Layout
The layout of Atlantic City Country Club is a blend of traditional and modern design elements, offering a unique golfing experience.
The course features strategic bunkering, well-placed hazards, and small, undulating greens that require precision and careful planning.
Notable holes include the par-4 1st, which sets the tone with a challenging tee shot over a marsh, and the par-3 14th, known for its picturesque views and difficult green complex.
The course's relatively short length demands accuracy over power, making it a strategic test for golfers of all skill levels.
The layout takes full advantage of the coastal setting, incorporating natural landscapes into the design.
Playing Experience
Playing at Atlantic City Country Club is both a nostalgic and challenging experience.
The course's coastal location means that wind can be a significant factor, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the round.
Golfers will enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding wetlands and the Atlantic City skyline in the distance.
The atmosphere is steeped in history, giving players a sense of connection to the game's past.
Despite its shorter length, the course demands precise shot-making and strategic play, with its well-protected greens and challenging bunkers providing a rigorous test.
This course appeals to golfers who appreciate both the historical significance and the strategic challenges it offers.
Rates and Accessibility
Atlantic City Country Club offers a range of rates that vary depending on the time of year and day of the week.
Typically, rates range from $76 to $100, with higher prices during peak season.
The club also provides various membership options and special packages that can offer savings for frequent players.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during the summer months and on weekends, to secure a tee time at this popular and historic venue.
The best times to visit are during the spring and fall when the weather is favorable, and the course is in prime condition.
Reviews and Ratings
Atlantic City Country Club consistently receives high praise from both players and golf experts.
The course is lauded for its well-maintained conditions, challenging layout, and historical significance.
Players often highlight the unique blend of traditional and modern design elements, as well as the scenic beauty of the coastal setting.
Expert reviews commend Tom Doak's updates for preserving the course's classic character while enhancing its playability.
Compared to other historic courses, Atlantic City Country Club stands out for its rich heritage and the quality of its golfing experience, making it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts looking to walk in the footsteps of history while enjoying a top-notch round of golf.
Heron Glen Golf Course – Ringoes, NJ
Heron Glen Golf Course in Ringoes, NJ, is celebrated for its scenic views and meticulously maintained fairways.
Designed by Dan Schlegel, this course offers a unique layout that includes five par-5s and five par-3s, providing a distinctive and enjoyable golfing experience.
Course Overview
Heron Glen Golf Course was designed by Dan Schlegel, a respected golf course architect known for his ability to create courses that blend challenging play with natural beauty.
The course spans 7,065 yards and has a par of 72. It is set against the picturesque backdrop of the New Jersey countryside, featuring rolling hills, mature trees, and well-placed water hazards.
Key features include the variety in hole lengths and designs, which keeps the golfing experience fresh and engaging.
The course is recognized for its scenic elements, offering golfers beautiful vistas throughout their round.
Course Layout
The layout of Heron Glen Golf Course is thoughtfully designed to test a range of golfing skills.
The course includes five par-5s and five par-3s, a unique configuration that challenges golfers to use different clubs and strategies.
The par-5s provide opportunities for long hitters to reach the green in two shots, while the par-3s demand precision and control.
Notable holes include the par-5 6th, which features a double dogleg and requires strategic shot placement, and the par-3 17th, which is protected by water and bunkers, making accuracy crucial.
The remaining holes are a mix of challenging par-4s that test both distance and accuracy.
Playing Experience
Playing at Heron Glen Golf Course is an enjoyable experience, thanks to its well-maintained conditions and beautiful surroundings.
The fairways are lush, and the greens are smooth and fast, providing an excellent playing surface.
The course is suitable for golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players, due to its balanced design that offers both challenging and forgiving elements.
The tranquil environment, enhanced by the natural scenery and wildlife, adds to the overall enjoyment of the round.
Golfers can expect a satisfying blend of strategic play and aesthetic appeal.
Rates and Accessibility
Heron Glen Golf Course offers a range of affordable rates, typically between $51 and $75, making it accessible for most golfers.
The rates vary depending on the day of the week and the time of year, with peak prices during weekends and in the high season.
The course provides various booking options, including online reservations, which are recommended to secure a preferred tee time.
Ideal visiting times are during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and the course conditions are at their best.
Additionally, the course offers special packages and discounts, particularly for frequent players and local residents.
Reviews and Ratings
Heron Glen Golf Course consistently receives positive reviews from players and experts alike.
Golfers praise the course for its well-kept fairways and greens, as well as its scenic beauty.
The unique layout, featuring five par-5s and five par-3s, is often highlighted as a standout feature that enhances the golfing experience.
Expert reviews commend the course for its challenging yet fair design, making it enjoyable for a wide range of players.
Compared to other scenic courses, Heron Glen stands out for its combination of affordability, quality, and natural beauty, making it a top choice for golfers seeking an excellent round in a picturesque setting.
Conclusion
New Jersey's top public golf courses offer diverse designs, challenging layouts, and stunning settings that cater to golfers of all skill levels.
From the links-style Ballyowen and Twisted Dune to the historic Atlantic City Country Club and the scenic Heron Glen, each course provides a unique and memorable experience.
Whether you're seeking a challenging round or simply want to enjoy beautiful surroundings, these courses are must-visit destinations for any golf enthusiast.
