155 Most Popular Public Golf Courses in New Jersey
New Jersey’s golf courses encapsulate the state’s diverse charm, merging world-class designs with terrains that journey from its bustling shorelines to the serene pinelands and rolling hills. From the vibrant boardwalks of Atlantic City, the historic aura of Princeton, the scenic wonders of Morristown, to the urban pulse of Newark, New Jersey’s golfing landscapes blend the state’s metropolitan essence with its country roots. I cherish memories of a round where the distant sound of the Atlantic Ocean waves caught my attention, and another in the lush landscapes of the Garden State’s hinterlands, where each fairway was pristine. In this article, I’ll recount my golfing adventures, focusing on the most prestigious public courses New Jersey has generously introduced to me. Whether you’re drawn to a game with views of the state’s iconic coastline or one set against its forests and meadows, my handpicked selections embody the rich tapestry of golfing in the Garden State.
- Cape May Court House
- Clifton
- Colts Neck
- Egg Harbor Township
- Far Hills
- Farmingdale
- Jackson
- Lafayette
- Lakewood
- Lincroft
- Marlton
- Mcafee
- Monroe Township
- Moorestown
- Mount Laurel
- Neptune
- Newton
- Paramus
- Piscataway
- Princeton
- Ringoes
- River Vale
- Salem
- Scotch Plains
- Somerset
- Swainton
- Swedesboro
- Union
- Wayne
- West Orange
- West Windsor
Cranbury Golf Club - Best Public Golf Course in West Windsor
Cranbury Golf Club, nestled in West Windsor, New Jersey, is a charming 18-hole course established in 1964. The course is open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the earliest tee time also at 6:00 AM, perfect for early risers. With a par of 70, the course boasts Bent Grass greens and Winter Rye fairways, providing a diverse playing experience. However, the aeration schedule varies, so it's worth checking in advance. The course features around 50 bunkers adding a challenging twist, but please note that fivesome groups are not allowed. At a reasonable rate of $57, whether on a weekend or a weekday, this course offers a blend of history, challenge, and value.
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Francis Byrne Golf Course - Best Public Golf Course in West Orange
Francis Byrne Golf Course, nestled in West Orange, New Jersey, is a charming course with a rich history dating back to 1903, masterfully designed by Chillenquist. This 18-hole course offers a par of 70, beautifully laid out on Bent Grass greens and fairways, providing a consistent playing surface. The course is dotted with 40 challenging bunkers to test your skills. For a reasonable fee of $15, you can enjoy a round of golf any day of the week, with tee times starting as early as 6:30 AM. However, keep in mind that fivesome golf groups are not permitted. They typically aerate the greens in July and October, which keeps the course in top-notch condition. This course operates from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM, welcoming golfers to experience a delightful day on the green.
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Quail Brook Golf Course - Best Public Golf Course in Somerset
Quail Brook Golf Course, nestled in Somerset, New Jersey, is a charming 18-hole course designed by Ed Ault in 1982. With a par of 71, it offers a challenging yet enjoyable game for golfers of all skill levels. The course features Bermuda Grass greens and Bluegrass fairways, which are meticulously maintained and typically aerated in April and September. With 70 strategically placed bunkers, it presents a fair test of skills. The course is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the earliest tee time at 7:00 AM, and the fee is a reasonable $29, whether you play on a weekday or weekend. Please note, however, fivesome groups are not permitted.
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Ash Brook Golf Course - Best Public Golf Course in Scotch Plains
Ash Brook Golf Course in Scotch Plains, New Jersey is a classic course with a rich history, having been designed by Alfred H. Tull and established in 1951. This 18-hole course boasts a par of 72 and is adorned with 40 bunkers that add a challenging yet fun twist to your game. The course is meticulously maintained with Bent Grass greens and Bluegrass fairways, which are typically aerated in April, September, and October. The course opens at 7:00 AM, with the same earliest tee time, and closes at 5:00 PM, offering ample time for golfers to enjoy their round. At a reasonable cost of $28, whether on a weekday or weekend, Ash Brook provides a great value for money experience. However, keep in mind that fivesome golf groups are not allowed, ensuring a smooth pace of play for all.
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Heron Glen Golf Course - Best Public Golf Course in Ringoes
Heron Glen Golf Course, located in Ringoes, New Jersey, is a beautifully designed 18-hole course by Ault, Clark & Associates, established in 2002. With a par of 72, the course is covered in Bent Grass, from the green to the fairway, providing a consistent and smooth playing surface. A golfer's day can start as early as 7:00 AM and can play until dusk. The course, however, is quite challenging with over 60 strategically placed bunkers. The green fee is $60, regardless of whether you choose to play on a weekday or weekend. Unfortunately, fivesome groups are not allowed, so plan your group accordingly.
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Valley Brook Golf Club - Best Public Golf Course in River Vale
Valley Brook Golf Club in River Vale, New Jersey, is a charming course steeped in history, having been designed by John Handwerg Jr. back in 1943. This 18-hole course, par 71, offers an engaging experience with its Bent Grass greens and fairways, and the challenge of navigating through 60 strategically placed bunkers. The course is open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, allowing for an early morning tee-off at 6:00 AM. Priced at $58, regardless of whether you play on a weekday or weekend, it offers value for the golfing enthusiast. However, it's worth noting that fivesome groups are not allowed, so plan your party accordingly. Aeration schedules vary, so it's best to check ahead for optimal playing conditions.
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Princeton Country Club - Best Public Golf Course in Princeton
The Princeton Country Club, a charming 18-hole golf course designed by the esteemed William & David Gordon, is nestled in the heart of Princeton, New Jersey. Established in 1964, this par 70 course offers a challenging game with 40 strategically placed bunkers and a landscape of Winter Rye fairways and Bent Grass greens. For a reasonable fee of $26, you can tee off any day of the week from 8:00 AM, with the course operating until 5:00 PM. It's worth noting the greens are typically aerated in April and September, ensuring optimal playing conditions. However, keep in mind that fivesome golf groups are not permitted. With its long history and well-maintained grounds, Princeton Country Club promises an enjoyable golfing experience.
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Rutgers University Golf Course - Best Public Golf Course in Piscataway
Rutgers University Golf Course in Piscataway, New Jersey is a golfer's delight, offering a par 71, 18-hole course that is sure to challenge players of all skill levels. The course is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the earliest tee time at 7:00 AM, giving golfers plenty of time to enjoy their game. It’s a great value, with a flat rate of $42 whether you choose to play on a weekday or weekend. The course is beautifully maintained with Bent Grass greens and Bermuda Grass fairways, providing excellent playing conditions. However, be prepared to navigate around 60 bunkers, adding a strategic element to your game. Please note that fivesome golf groups are not permitted, ensuring a smooth pace of play for all.
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Paramus Golf Course - Best Public Golf Course in Paramus
Paramus Golf Course in New Jersey is a gem for golfers looking for a well-maintained, reasonably priced course. With a par of 71, this 18-hole course offers a fair challenge, set on beautiful Bent Grass greens and Fescue fairways. The course opens at 6:00 AM, with the earliest tee time also at 6:00 AM, and closes at 5:00 PM, providing ample time for a fulfilling game. However, do note that fivesomes are not permitted here. The course has up to 20 bunkers, adding a level of complexity to your play. Keep in mind that the greens are aerated in April and October, which might affect the play slightly during these months. With a consistent fee of $35, whether it's a weekday or weekend, Paramus Golf Course offers great value for money.
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Shark River Golf Course - Best Public Golf Course in Neptune
Shark River Golf Course in Neptune, New Jersey, is a historic gem designed by Joseph back in 1900. This 18-hole course offers a par of 71 and features Bent Grass greens and fairways, which are typically aerated in April and September to maintain their pristine condition. With an affordable rate of $42, you can enjoy a round of golf any day of the week, starting as early as 6:30 AM until 5:00 PM. However, keep in mind that fivesome golf groups are not permitted. The course also presents a challenge with its 50 strategically placed bunkers, adding a layer of complexity to your game. So, if you're looking for a mix of history, value, and challenge, Shark River Golf Course is worth considering.
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Indian Spring Golf Club - Best Public Golf Course in Marlton
Indian Spring Golf Club in Marlton, New Jersey, is a charming course established in 1955 that offers a classic golfing experience. With 18 holes and a par of 70, this course is both challenging and rewarding. The course features Bent Grass greens and Bluegrass fairways, with around 30 strategically placed bunkers adding to the test. The green fees are quite reasonable at $27, whether you're playing on a weekend or a weekday. Tee times start as early as 6:30 AM and the course stays open until 5:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your game. However, do note that fivesome groups are not allowed, so plan your golf outing accordingly.
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Lakewood Country Club - Best Public Golf Course in Lakewood
Lakewood Country Club in New Jersey, a historic golf course designed by Willie Dunn Jr. back in 1892, offers a classic golfing experience with its 18-hole, par 72 layout. The course, beautifully maintained with Bent Grass greens and Bluegrass fairways, typically undergoes aeration in April and October to ensure optimal playing conditions. With a reasonable rate of $26, whether you choose to play on a weekend or a weekday, you can tee off as early as 6:00 AM, with the course staying open until 5:00 PM. However, keep in mind that fivesome groups are not permitted. The course also boasts a challenging landscape with up to 30 strategically placed bunkers. Overall, Lakewood Country Club offers a blend of history, affordability, and challenge for golfers of all levels.
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Pine Barrens - Best Public Golf Course in Jackson
If you're looking for a challenging yet rewarding golf experience, Pine Barrens in Jackson, New Jersey, is a course you should consider. Designed in 1999 by Eric Bergstol, this 18-hole course boasts a par of 72 and a well-maintained Bent Grass green and fairway. Open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Pine Barrens offers golfers flexibility with the same rate of $112 whether you play on a weekday or weekend. Keep in mind, the greens are typically aerated in September, and with 20 bunkers scattered throughout, strategic play is key. Unfortunately, fivesome groups are not permitted. So gather up to four of your golfing buddies and enjoy a day at Pine Barrens.
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Cruz Farm Golf Club - Best Public Golf Course in Farmingdale
Cruz Farm Golf Club, located in Farmingdale, New Jersey, is a charming 18-hole course designed by Evaristo Cruz. It's a great value, with a flat rate of $29 whether you're playing on a weekday or weekend. The course opens at 8:00 AM and stays open from dawn until dusk, giving golfers plenty of time to play. The greens, aerated twice a year in April and September, are made of Bent Grass, while the fairways feature Bermuda Grass. With 40 strategically placed bunkers, it offers a healthy challenge for golfers of all levels. Please note that groups larger than four, or "fivesomes", are not allowed on this course.
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Twisted Dune Golf Club - Best Public Golf Course in Egg Harbor Township
Twisted Dune Golf Club, nestled in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, is a captivating 18-hole course designed by Archie Struthers in 2001. The course is a par 72, boasts Bent Grass greens and fairways, and is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the earliest tee time also at 7:00 AM. The course offers a challenging layout with over 100 strategically placed bunkers, and greens that are typically aerated in April and October for optimal play. However, it's worth noting that fivesome golf groups are not permitted. At a rate of $109, regardless of whether you choose to play on a weekday or weekend, you can immerse yourself in the beauty and challenge of this top-notch golf course.
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Hominy Hill Golf Course - Best Public Golf Course in Colts Neck
Hominy Hill Golf Course, nestled in Colts Neck, New Jersey, is a classic course designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones, Sr. in 1965. This 18-hole course, par 72, is a golfer's delight with its Bent Grass greens and fairways, offering a challenging play with nearly 999 strategically placed bunkers. Golfers can start their day as early as 6:00 AM, with the course remaining open until 5:00 PM, providing ample time for a fulfilling round. The green fees are reasonably priced at $50, whether you choose to play on a weekday or the weekend. However, do note that fivesomes are not permitted. Also, keep in mind that the greens are usually aerated in April and September, which may slightly affect your play.
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Avalon Golf Club - Best Public Golf Course in Cape May Court House
Avalon Golf Club in Cape May Court House, New Jersey, is a classic course with a rich history dating back to its construction in 1971 by Bob Hendricks. A round of golf here is quite affordable, priced at $53 whether you choose to play on a weekday or weekend. The course, featuring 18 holes with a par of 71, opens early at 5:30 AM to accommodate those who enjoy a sunrise tee-off and closes at 5:00 PM. The course is meticulously maintained, with Bent Grass greens and fairways that are typically aerated in April and September for optimal playing conditions. However, be prepared to navigate through 40 strategically placed bunkers that add a challenging element to the game. Please note, the course does not allow fivesome golf groups, maintaining a smooth pace of play for all golfers.
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