Ah, that’s right. Today, we’re talking about the 6 best golf courses in New Jersey. These are some of the most beautiful courses where you can count on the greens being absolutely pristine and those fairways being about as challenging as they come. So whether you’ve been playing golf your entire life, or you’re simply looking to impress those you know at the next company outing, these golf courses in New Jersey aim to make you feel like you’re teeing off at a PGA event. This list covers the cream of the crop in the Garden State. So be sure to grab your clubs, double-check your swing, and let’s explore the best Jersey has to offer together!
TL;DR
- Pine Valley Golf Club: World-class challenge, extremely exclusive, legendary history, brutal yet beautiful design.
Plainfield Country Club: Donald Ross masterpiece, recently restored, tough greens, private but worth the challenge.
Hollywood Golf Club: Walter Travis design, unique bunkering, historic charm, and one of the trickiest courses around.
Bayonne Golf Club: Links-style course with stunning NYC views, challenging conditions, and a lighthouse clubhouse.
Liberty National Golf Club: Modern design with iconic NYC and Statue of Liberty views, luxurious and exclusive, tournament-worthy.
Trump National Golf Club Bedminster: Presidential pedigree, Fazio design, championship caliber, and political intrigue.
Notable Mentions: Atlantic City Country Club, Neshanic Valley Golf Course, Ballamor Golf Club, and Twisted Dune Golf Club—each offering unique experiences, from historic roots to public gems.
Criteria Breakdown Summary
When we decided to put together this list of the best New Jersey golf courses, we didn’t just look at how many times it made golfers cuss after a bad shot (though that’s part of it too). Now, to make our list of Jersey golf courses we took a close look at everything from design to history and all that lies in-between. Here’s the breakdown:
Course Design: Does it challenge your strategy, or can you just grip it and rip it? We’re looking for courses that engage both your brain and your swing.
History: Has it hosted big tournaments? Did a golf legend play here? Historical significance adds prestige.
Conditioning: Are the greens smooth, or will they ruin your day? Pristine conditions are a must.
Scenery: Golfing should be as much about the views as it is about the game. We want courses that are as easy on the eyes as they are tough on your scorecard.
Accessibility: While many of these courses are exclusive, we considered how easy it is for the average golfer to get a tee time.
Now that you know how we’ve found the cream of the crop, let’s take a good hard look at these New Jersey gems:
Pine Valley Golf Club
Best Known for: World-Class Challenge
From 1985-2000, the Pine Valley Golf Club, located in Clementon, New Jersey, ranked #1 by Golf Digest on America’s list of 100 Greatest Golf Courses. In 1922, the first tournament was held, known as the Crump Cup and was played at the Pine Valley Golf Club.
In 1936 and 1985, Pine Valley hosted the Walker Cup and as we look towards the future in 2034, Pine Valley will host the Curtis Cup.
As best golf courses in New Jersey go, the list of members for the Pine Valley Golf Club are closely guarded and highly secret intel. Former members are said to include George H.W. Bush, Sean Connery, and Arnold Palmer.
Architect: George A. Crump
Features
Here’s the features that make Pine Valley Golf Club stand out in New Jersey:
Layout: The course design is as beautiful as it is brutal, with every hole presenting a new challenge.
Hazards: Pine Valley is famous for its strategically placed hazards, which can turn a great round into a frustrating one.
Natural Beauty: The course is surrounded by lush forests and pristine landscapes, making for a visually stunning experience.
Clubhouse: After a tough round, the clubhouse offers a cozy retreat with all the amenities you’d expect from a top-tier course.
Pros
Unparalleled Course Design
Immaculate Conditioning
Rich History
Cons
Extremely Exclusive
Challenging for High Handicappers
Limited Public Access
Criteria Evaluation
Design: 5/5
History: 5/5
Conditioning: 5/5
Scenery: 5/5
Accessibility: 1/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Price
Where to Find
Plainfield Country Club
Best Known for: Donald Ross Masterpiece
Established in 1890 and one of the oldest clubs in America! As one of our top public golf courses in New Jersey (even if it’s somewhat limited), the Plainfield Country Club was recently restored by Gil Hanse. This course blends tradition with modern touches and offers challenges that’ll keep you on your toes from start to finish. For those who get the chance to play here the green and bunkers can be particularly treacherous, so be prepared for things to get tough, yet rewarding. The Plainfield Country Club offers more than world-class golf. Within the community, you can play tennis, paddle, squash, and swim, all in a comfy setting.
Architect : Donald Ross
Features
The Plainfield Country Club golf course was brought to life over 100 years ago and is still thriving with features like these:
Signature Design: Every hole at Plainfield has its own character, with no two holes playing the same.
Restoration Work: Gil Hanse’s restoration has brought out the best in Ross’s original design, making the course more playable without sacrificing its challenge.
Greens and Bunkers: The greens are fast and true, while the bunkers are strategically placed to test your accuracy.
Clubhouse Atmosphere: The clubhouse is the perfect blend of history and modern luxury, providing a welcoming atmosphere after a tough round.
Pros
Classic Donald Ross Design
Recently Restored by Gil Hanse
Excellent Tournament History
Cons
Private Club
Limited Public Access
Challenging for High Handicappers
Criteria Evaluation
Design: 5/5
History: 4/5
Conditioning: 5/5
Scenery: 4/5
Accessibility: 2/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Those who’ve played golf at the Plainfield Country Club state that it’s some of the best 15 holes of golf you’ll ever play. Here’s what others had to say:
“Had the pleasure to play Plainfield C.C. in Edison , NJ. Place was gorgeous” - Reddit User
Price
Where to Find
Hollywood Golf Club
Best Known for: Walter Travis Design and Unique Bunkering
When it comes to great golf courses in New Jersey, the Hollywood Golf Club was designed in 1898, and then restored in 2020 to return it to its original “Travis” design. This course’s design has eye-catching slopes and features with a variety of holes (short par 3s, longer par 4s). Additionally, the Hollywood Golf Club has been known to host many tournaments and matches including the USGA Women’s Amateur in 1921. The professional golf staff is available all year long to give one-on-one lessons to groups and juniors at the club, making this a fun golf activity for all ages.
Architect: Walter J. Travis
Features
- Unique Bunkering: The bunkers at Hollywood are a work of art, strategically placed and designed to challenge even the best golfers.
Challenging Greens: The greens are fast and undulating, requiring careful reads and precise putting to avoid three-putts.
Historic Clubhouse: The clubhouse is steeped in history, offering a glimpse into the club’s storied past while providing all the modern amenities you need.
Signature Hole: A particularly challenging par-4 that doglegs around a series of bunkers, testing both your accuracy and course management skills.
Pros
Classic Walter Travis Design
Unique and Artistic Bunkering
Rich History
Cons
Private Club
Limited Public Access
Can Be Very Challenging
Criteria Evaluation
Design: 5/5
History: 4/5
Conditioning: 4/5
Scenery: 4/5
Accessibility: 2/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Golfers state that the Hollywood Golf Club in Deal, New Jersey has some features worth remembering such as the greens that are distinct and flow like waves. Or how the bunkers are a challenge if you’re up for a more awkward recovery shot. Oftentimes, golfers state that the course looks like it’s easy, when it’s more challenging, which makes it fun. Here’s what some are saying about one of the greatest golf courses in New Jersey:
“Hollywood golf club is a terrific Walter Travis design, with lots of old school vibes and a wonderfully strategic golf course.” - Adam Winkler
“Hollywood Golf Club is a Walter Travis treat.” - Frank N
Price
Where to Find
Bayonne Golf Club
Best Known for: Links-Style Golf with NYC Views
Next up on our list of incredible golf courses in New Jersey is the Bayonne Golf Club. It’s nestled on a 150-acre site along the Hudson River, five miles from the heart of Manhattan, offering quite the golfing experience. This is another private club experience on our list, which means you’ll need to know a member to get on the course. The views at the Bayonne Golf Club allow you to line up a putt with the Statue of Liberty in your periphery and the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop.
This course was designed in the spirit of the classic Scottish and Irish seaside courses. The Bayonne’s fairways twist and turn through man-made sand dunes leading you to greens perched on raised plateaus. Many find the course unapologetically challenging with no trees, no cart paths, and not a single flat in sight. No matter what, this course promises an unforgettable round of golf.
Architect : Eric Bergstol
Features
When we’re sizing up what makes the best courses in New Jersey, the Bayonne’s golf course has features like these:
Links-Style Layout: The course is designed to mimic the links courses of Scotland, with artificial dunes and fast, firm fairways.
NYC Skyline Views: The views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty make Bayonne one of the most visually stunning courses in the area.
Challenging Conditions: The wind and firm ground make for a tough test, especially around the greens.
Unique Clubhouse: The clubhouse is designed to resemble a lighthouse, adding to the course’s coastal theme and offering panoramic views of the area.
Pros
Unique Links-Style Design
Stunning NYC Skyline Views
Excellent Course Conditions
Cons
Expensive
Limited Access
Can Be Extremely Challenging
Criteria Evaluation
Design: 5/5
History: 3/5
Conditioning: 5/5
Scenery: 5/5
Accessibility: 2/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
When it comes to the best golf courses in New Jersey, golfers have good things to say about the Bayonne Golf Club. They state that the course is creative and strategic, that even a slightly wayward shot can be penalized. The course is challenging but well-groomed and staffers can offer tips. Many people talk highly of the unforgettable and stunning course views. Here’s what others are saying about this as one of the best golf courses in New Jersey:
“I have had the privilege of playing Bayonne more than twenty times, beginning in the year that it opened (2006) through this year.” - Mark White
“Bayonne is a marvelous marriage of engineering and architectural imagination.” - Fergal O’Leary
Price
Where to Find
Liberty National Golf Club
Stunning NYC Views and Modern Design
Up next on our list of the best golf courses in New Jersey is the Liberty National Golf Club. Now, this is a place where luxury meets history, all with a front-row seat to the Big Apple. This 18-hole masterpiece sits on land with a story as colorful as the city it overlooks. Once a superfund site and former landfill, the grounds have seen ownership by notable names like the Rockefellers and, if rumors are true, the Gambino family. It wasn’t until Paul Fireman—who famously made $700 million by selling Reebok—took the reins that Liberty National became the golfing gem it is today, officially opening its doors in 2006.
Perched on the Hudson River, just 2,000 yards from Lady Liberty herself, this course offers more than just a round of golf; it’s a visual feast. This course has some serious credentials that include major tournaments such as the 2017 Presidents Cup where Team USA totally dominated the International team with a 19-11 win.
Architects: Tom Kite & Bob Cupp
Features
Liberty National GC is highly regarded due to features like these:
Modern Design: The course is a blend of challenging golf and cutting-edge technology, offering a modern playing experience with top-notch conditions.
NYC and Statue of Liberty Views: The breathtaking views of the city and the iconic Statue of Liberty are worth the price of admission alone.
State-of-the-Art Clubhouse: The clubhouse and practice facilities are as luxurious as they come, making Liberty National a true destination for golfers.
Exclusive Atmosphere: This is one of the most exclusive clubs in the country, with membership offering access to a world-class golfing experience.
Pros
Spectacular NYC Views
Modern, High-Tech Design
Excellent Conditioning
Cons
Extremely Expensive
Limited Access
Lacks Traditional Feel
Criteria Evaluation
Design: 4/5
History: 3/5
Conditioning: 5/5
Scenery: 5/5
Accessibility: 2/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Golfers who’ve had the privilege of playing at the Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey have said many positive things about its including:
"I think it’s one of the most stunning settings for professional golf there is on the planet."
-Tim Finchem, Commissioner PGA Tour
“It’s right near Manhattan. The practice facilities are excellent. The golf course is in great shape and really is a fun layout to play…Unlike any golf course in the world.”
-Phil Mickelson
“Well, 10-out-of-10 for the golf course. The golf course is everything...it's a great match-play course. There's a lot of risk/reward golf out there.”
-Nick Price
“It's a spectacular venue, as far as the views, the facility, and then the golf course itself. It's a fantastic setup.”
-Matt Kuchar
Price
Where to Find
Trump National Golf Club Bedminster (Old Course)
Best Known for: Presidential Pedigree and Championship Caliber
Last but certainly not least on our epic list of the best golf courses in New Jersey is the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster. It rests on over 600 acres in New Jersey’s countryside. Before it became a destination for world-class golf, this land was known as Lamington Farm. It was actually the site of a faltering golf course project. But that all changed in 2004 when Trump National Bedminster opened its doors, offering 35 holes of championship golf and earned its spot on a global stage.
The Old Course, in particular, has seen its fair share of high-profile events. These include the U.S. Women’s Open in 2017, highlighting its status as one of the most sought-after clubs in the country! Golf is only the beginning at Bedminster. The clubhouse is a 1939 Georgian Revival Manor clubhouse that once belonged to auto executive John DeLorean. With this golf getaway and private club, you get a place to play golf with a touch of presidential flair.
Architects: Tom Fazio and Tom Fazio II
Features
Here’s what’s awesome about the Trump National Bedminster Golf Course:
Tom Fazio Design: The course is a masterpiece of modern design, with every hole offering a unique challenge.
Championship Conditions: The course is always in pristine condition, making it a true test of your golfing abilities.
Opulent Clubhouse: The clubhouse is as luxurious as they come, offering a perfect place to relax and enjoy the high-end amenities after your round.
Signature Hole: A par-5 that requires precision off the tee and a strategic approach to the green, offering both risk and reward.
Pros
Tom Fazio Design
Championship Caliber Course
Excellent Conditioning
Cons
Expensive
Limited Access
Potential Political Controversy
Criteria Evaluation
Design: 4/5
History: 3/5
Conditioning: 5/5
Scenery: 4/5
Accessibility: 2/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Depending on if you’re truly about golf, or if you’re truly about politics here is where you should determine your own thoughts on this course. From where we’re teeing off, this is a challenging course, no if, ands, or buts about it. However, when you’re digging through things online, politics tend to come into play. We say do your best to use your own discernment, question everything, and if you get the opportunity to play a round here, keep the politics out of it, and see what you think of the fairways, bunkers, and holes. That’s where it counts. Here’s some reviews that we found to be helpful and not misinformation on the subject:
“Take politics out of the equation, pound for pound one of the toughest test’s of golf in the Garden State.” - David Salzman
“Fun and exciting, you will hit lots of GIR but that is not guaranty of a birdie, in my case not even a par! Greens were extremely fast given than it rained most of the week and the course had wet patches (nothing dramatic)” - Golf Pass Reviewer
Price
Where to Find
Notable Mentions
With so many incredible options in New Jersey when it comes to the best golf courses, we knew we couldn’t squeeze them all onto one list. That’s why we decided we’d throw in a few more worth looking into below. Just remember, there’s more where these came from too! New Jersey sure knows what they’re doing when it comes to golf courses!
Atlantic City Country Club
With the Atlantic City Country Club, you’re looking at one of the oldest and most prolific clubs in America. Since 1897, this club has been notoriously documented for the “firsts” in golf. (The term “birdie” and the term “Eagle” have their roots here. The Atlantic City Country Club is a member-only Club, but they welcome new members with open arms!
Neshanic Valley Golf Course
Ballamor Golf Club
Twisted Dune Golf Club
FAQ
What is the best public golf course in New Jersey?
Which New Jersey golf courses have hosted major championships?
New Jersey has hosted US Opens and PGA Championships. The Plainfield Country Club had its moment with the PGA Championship. And let’s not forget that the Trump National Bedminster also held the PGA Championship at one point in time. The Atlantic City Country Club has held the U.S. Women’s Open. Indubitably, if you’re into golf history, there’s a lot to learn from the Garden State.
Are there any links-style courses in New Jersey?
Of course, there are plenty of links-style golf courses in New Jersey. There are some of the best golf courses in New Jersey like those included on our list, such as the Bayonne Golf Club and many others that are open to the public, as well as courses you can find at resorts.
What's the best time of year to golf in New Jersey?
One of the greatest things about golfing in the Garden State is that it’s a hotbed for winter golf. Most public courses will remain open year round, as long as weather permits. However, you’ll probably want to aim for the sweet spot where crowds aren’t overwhelming late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October).
Final Thoughts
Top 6 Best Golf Courses in New Jersey
We’ve taken quite the tour through some of the best golf courses in New Jersey and to be honest, they could very well be everything that a golfer could dream of. From the exclusivity of Pine Valley to the incredible beauty of Liberty National. Although some of these courses could be harder to set foot on than winning the lottery, that’s what truly sets them apart. And whether you’re getting your hopes high to be playing at one of these elite clubs or just looking to enjoy around at a local spot, New Jersey’s golf scene has a lot that meets the eye.
And hey, while you're out there chasing birdies and dodging bogeys, don't forget to keep your trusty smartphone safe and secure. Rokform's rugged phone cases and mounts are the perfect sidekick for any golfer. You can compare swings or capture Instagram-worthy views with the Rokform Eagle 3 Cases knowing that Rokform has got your back with some of the strongest magnets in the world! Now get out there and tee it up!
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