Crystal Springs is a very difficult and quirky layout that won’t appeal to everyone, but is arguably the most unique and memorable public course in New Jersey. It is worth a play at least once for this reason and is a good challenge for better players. … More Review: Crystal Springs Golf Club
Although a bit bland in places, the 27-hole Neshanic Valley provides strong value, great conditions, and excellent practice facilities for a municipal course. It is one of the better public courses in New Jersey and one worth playing if in the area. … More Review: Neshanic Valley Golf Course (Ridge/Lake)
With numerous outstanding holes and an overall fun, cohesive, minimalist design, Hidden Creek is one of the best courses in South Jersey and is well-worth a play. … More Review: Hidden Creek Golf Club
A great example of the very strong private golf depth in New Jersey, Watchung Valley is a challenging yet fun design featuring many of Raynor’s template holes on a hilly property. Recent restoration efforts have only enhanced it and it is well-worth a play if given an invite. … More Review: Watchung Valley Golf Club
While not perfect, Galloping Hill is one of the better public layouts and values in the greater NYC area and is worth a play with its hilly topography and strong challenge for better golfers. … More Review: Galloping Hill Golf Course
A municipal course in North Jersey lined by the highway and creeks, Overpeck is overall rather forgettable and not worth a play unless you have no other options. … More Review: Overpeck Golf Course
Although not one of New Jersey’s elite clubs, the historic Green Brook was always in extremely strong condition and featured some fun and memorable holes. The back nine’s hilly terrain and repetitive design held the course back, but it was still well-worth a play if given the opportunity. Sadly, the course closed in 2024 amidst financial difficulties. … More Review: Green Brook Country Club
Reinvigorated by Stephen Kay’s 2021 renovation, Hendricks Field is an excellent municipal course located just outside New York City featuring a walkable, playable course with numerous template holes. It is on my short list of affordable publics I’d recommend in the greater New York City area. … More Review: Hendricks Field Golf Course
Royce Brook East is a solid course with good conditions, fair value, and a decent collection of holes. However, a very boring property fails to leave a strong lasting impression and for this reason it is not among the Garden State’s elite public offerings. … More Review: Royce Brook Golf Club (East)
The oldest public course in New Jersey, the short but classic Weequahic is one of several quality offerings from the Essex County municipal system. It isn’t the best of the group, but is worth a play and offers good value for the area. … More Review: Weequahic Golf Course