OT: NJ Golf season

[RUBubba]

I'm sure we are all pretty much ready for golf season, though there are probably some brave souls here who have been out playing.

What public courses are you looking to play outside of your normal "home" course?
Any special invites to an fancy place?
Any golf trips upcoming?

I'm a Somerset County Course guy, but am planning on going to Architects since I haven't been in probably 10 years. I also try to play at least 2 new courses every year, thinking something "south" like AC Country Club or one of the others there, any maybe something "north" like Crystal Springs

 

[Njbound1]

Crystal Springs is worth it just for the par 3 tenth hole. I really like Wild Turkey up in that same area.

 

[darkcheck]

I think I’m going to finally bite the bullet and buy the Monmouth co out of county card and play Hominy as much as I can. My “home” courses are in Middlesex co but Hominy is so much nicer. As for a trip, my son who lives in FL and I are planning on a Hilton Head trip. Enjoy the season! Hit em straight.

 

[Section124]

Crystal Springs is worth it just for the par 3 tenth hole. I really like Wild Turkey up in that same area.

Ballyowen is my favorite public course in NJ but love Wild Turkey as well. I played a bunch of the AC area courses about 10 years ago and loved Twisted Dunes. Been wanting to play Scotland Run since it's the opposite end of the state from me. Was there for a wedding and with no nieces/nephews at Rowan, weird location to go to for me unless there is a reason.

 

[knightfan7]

Was playing Crystal Springs when a bear came walking across the fairway. i didn't play the other courses but heard they're top flight.

 

[knightfan7]

I think I’m going to finally bite the bullet and buy the Monmouth co out of county card and play Hominy as much as I can. My “home” courses are in Middlesex co but Hominy is so much nicer. As for a trip, my son who lives in FL and I are planning on a Hilton Head trip. Enjoy the season! Hit em straight.

Have you played Old Bridge or Pebble Creek? Decent publics imo. Greens at Old Bridge are tough. The course is only 18 months old and will be a test when the rough matures.

 

[batts]

I live in Parsippany so I will join the lower Knoll course again this year. It's only about 2 miles from my home.

I purchased the Crystal Springs package (Crystal Springs, Wild Turkey, Black Bear) of half price for 4 outings.

My golf buddy and I like the Pocono Mountain courses of Pocono Hills, Pocono Manor and the Country Club of the Poconos.

We also play High Point and Harkers Hollow two or three times a year.

 

[darkcheck]

Have you played Old Bridge or Pebble Creek? Decent publics imo. Greens at Old Bridge are tough. The course is only 18 months old and will be a test when the rough matures.

I haven’t played pebble in sometime. Don’t like that they don’t have a range. Want to play OB Rose but I play a lot of nines and that one is 18 or bust. Thanks.

 

[Unionst]

Scotland Run is very much worth playing. I was in the area for a month last year and played it 4 times. Probably my favorite layout of public courses in NJ an and I have played all of the notable ones.

 

[Lerxst72]

When I lived in Mercer county, I always thought the price of playing as a resident was good at the Mercer Oakes courses in West Windsor and they're usually kept up pretty well. Haven't played them in over a decade though.

 

[charliem24]

Ballyowen is my favorite public course in NJ but love Wild Turkey as well. I played a bunch of the AC area courses about 10 years ago and loved Twisted Dunes. Been wanting to play Scotland Run since it's the opposite end of the state from me. Was there for a wedding and with no nieces/nephews at Rowan, weird location to go to for me unless there is a reason.

Crystal Springs is the least of the Vernon Valley courses IMO. Berkshire Valley is a Morris County course it open to everyone. Beautiful course (first 3 holes are a bit much) by the same designer as Wild Turkey.

 

[knightfan7]

Scotland Run is very much worth playing. I was in the area for a month last year and played it 4 times. Probably my favorite layout of public courses in NJ an and I have played all of the notable ones.

Ballyowen is my favorite public course in NJ but love Wild Turkey as well. I played a bunch of the AC area courses about 10 years ago and loved Twisted Dunes. Been wanting to play Scotland Run since it's the opposite end of the state from me. Was there for a wedding and with no nieces/nephews at Rowan, weird location to go to for me unless there is a reason.

Never made it to Scotland Run but did play Twisted Dune which I really liked. Played Seaview Bay twice. Mixed emotions but not all the joints fault. Both rounds were after storms along with 1 being a tee time behind an outing. That was about a 5.5 hour round not counting an hour delay in tee time due to the weather (T-storms),

 

[Section124]

Was playing Crystal Springs when a bear came walking across the fairway. i didn't play the other courses but heard they're top flight.

I've said this before but there are always black bears on Berkshire Valley. Been there a few times where the mama bear and her 2 cubs were rolling around on the 8th green. Always causes a slight delay.

 

[Section124]

Never made it to Scotland Run but did play Twisted Dune which I really liked. Played Seaview Bay twice. Mixed emotions but not all the joints fault. Both rounds were after storms along with 1 being a tee time behind an outing. That was about a 5.5 hour round not counting an hour delay in tee time due to the weather (T-storms),

That is the negative of Ballyowen...usually a 5.5 hour round during the warmer months...doesn't matter the day or time.

 

[knightfan7]

I've said this before but there are always black bears on Berkshire Valley. Been there a few times where the mama bear and her 2 cubs were rolling around on the 8th green. Always causes a slight delay.

Yup. Ran into one approaching the 6th Tee the only time there too along with a big sucker at Fernwood in Pa. I seem to have a habit of running into things that could kill me and that doesn't include PO'd groups playing behind me lol. Came across a water moccasin on a green at a course south of Myrtle.

 

[Purple-Ed]

Have you played Old Bridge or Pebble Creek? Decent publics imo. Greens at Old Bridge are tough. The course is only 18 months old and will be a test when the rough matures.

Love, love, love Pebble Creek.

 

[RUBubba]

I want to get back to Twisted Dune. Played it in October last year and loved the layout.... except the course conditions sucked. It had been aerated and there wasn't a grain of sand in the bunkers, only rocks.

 

[kupuna133]

Love, love, love Pebble Creek.

I like pebble creek. But mostly because I know I can take beginners there with zero judgement. What makes you love the place? Many other options in the area that blow Pebble away. Not meant to be condescending. Have a hard time convincing anyone but beginners to go.

 

[kupuna133]

I think I’m going to finally bite the bullet and buy the Monmouth co out of county card and play Hominy as much as I can. My “home” courses are in Middlesex co but Hominy is so much nicer. As for a trip, my son who lives in FL and I are planning on a Hilton Head trip. Enjoy the season! Hit em straight.

Get the card. Best deal out there. But as a Monmouth County resident I hate the fact that Monmouth offers this privilege to people outside of the county. Big enough demand for tee times amongst county residents. No need to offer tee time making availability to non residents.

 

[darkcheck]

Get the card. Best deal out there. But as a Monmouth County resident I hate the fact that Monmouth offers this privilege to people outside of the county. Big enough demand for tee times amongst county residents. No need to offer tee time making availability to non residents.

I can understand that

 

[Purple-Ed]

I like pebble creek. But mostly because I know I can take beginners there with zero judgement. What makes you love the place? Many other options in the area that blow Pebble away. Not meant to be condescending. Have a hard time convincing anyone but beginners to go.

I've played many ,many golf courses in NJ and 60 or 70 courses in New England. I agree, it's a very easy golf
course to play but I just like the vibes. After my Grandson takes his golf lessons this spring I thought about
starting him at PC.

 

[Erial_Lion]

Scotland Run is very much worth playing. I was in the area for a month last year and played it 4 times. Probably my favorite layout of public courses in NJ an and I have played all of the notable ones.

Scotland Run is unfortunately going Private this year.

 

[Unionst]

Scotland Run is unfortunately going Private this year.

That was rumored last year. Same ownership as AC Country Club. Ugh. Got one round in at AC before it went back to private. Loved that course.

 

[yessir321]

Down my way, I get to play a true bucket list course next month for my B day. One of my clients is a member at Congressional and I’m getting on Blue!

 

[kupuna133]

I've played many ,many golf courses in NJ and 60 or 70 courses in New England. I agree, it's a very easy golf
course to play but I just like the vibes. After my Grandson takes his golf lessons this spring I thought about
starting him at PC.

Absolutely and agree with you. A live and let live vibe when it comes to that place. Walk through parking lot over to Huddys after the round for some entertainment in the summer stage.

 

[kupuna133]

Down my way, I get to play a true bucket list course next month for my B day. One of my clients is a member at Congressional and I’m getting on Blue!

Congressional is one of my all time favorites. Great experience. Been able to play a couple times. Fantastic people watching.

 

[Purple-Ed]

Absolutely and agree with you. A live and let live vibe when it comes to that place. Walk through parking lot over to Huddys after the round for some entertainment in the summer stage.

Didn't know about Huddys. Will try it.

 

[knightfan7]

I like pebble creek. But mostly because I know I can take beginners there with zero judgement. What makes you love the place? Many other options in the area that blow Pebble away. Not meant to be condescending. Have a hard time convincing anyone but beginners to go.

I like it because at this stage I might play 5 times a year so a fairly tough course is not going to be enjoyable. Plus my last hole of my last round of '24 was sinking a 25' Birdie putt on Pebbles 18th. You're only as good as your last shot or in my case you only choose to remember your last shot.😄

 

[kupuna133]

I like it because at this stage I might play 5 times a year so a fairly tough course is not going to be enjoyable. Plus my last hole of my last round of '24 was sinking a 25' Birdie putt on Pebbles 18th. You're only as good as your last shot or in my case you only choose to remember your last shot.😄

Last shot on the last hole keeps you coming back!

 

[yessir321]

Congressional is one of my all time favorites. Great experience. Been able to play a couple times. Fantastic people watching.

Really looking forward to it.

Then I’ll just have one left around me of the ‘must plays’, and I genuinely don’t think I’ll ever have the opportunity to play it…. Caves Valley. The things I would do to get on that course. But unless your friggan Kevin Plank you can all but forget it

 

[kupuna133]

Really looking forward to it.

Then I’ll just have one left around me of the ‘must plays’, and I genuinely don’t think I’ll ever have the opportunity to play it…. Caves Valley. The things I would do to get on that course. But unless your friggan Kevin Plank you can all but forget it

I know a couple people that have played caves. They spoke very highly of it and raved about the experience. I never heard of the place nor saw it on any lists until they went a couple of years ago. Just like Congressional, you need to know the right people. I’m sure your congressional guy can get you on because it’s all about the reciprocal. It’s about being a member of a club that is held in equal regard as Caves.

 

[jtung230]

My goal is to play the top 25 courses in NJ. Have done 13. Will try to get Bayonne, Ridgewood and Balty upper in this year.

 

[yessir321]

I know a couple people that have played caves. They spoke very highly of it and raved about the experience. I never heard of the place nor saw it on any lists until they went a couple of years ago. Just like Congressional, you need to know the right people. I’m sure your congressional guy can get you on because it’s all about the reciprocal. It’s about being a member of a club that is held in equal regard as Caves.

So as insane as this might sound, it’s not unheard of for people to get on congressional just like you and I, Caves is a different animal and you have no idea how jealous I am of anyone who gets to play it, lol.

Caves you must be a member of another elite country club to even be invited as a member. My client who’se a member at congressional has only been able to play caves less than 5 times in his life, he’s been a member at congressional for nearly a decade now. It’s friggan impossible almost to get on so genuinely if you’re buddies have a way to get on I will do/pay a SILLY amount to play it.

When I say it’s the most exclusive club on the east coast north of Augusta it’s really not an exaggeration…. God I wanna play it so bad

They hosted the BMW championship in 2021 if you wanna see some footage of the place

 

[Section124]

Scotland Run is unfortunately going Private this year.

Thanks! I guess I have no reason to go there now. Unless they have some limited open times.

Edit: Just went to their website. Still a daily fee course with membership options. Will try to get there this year.

 

[Section124]

Absolutely and agree with you. A live and let live vibe when it comes to that place. Walk through parking lot over to Huddys after the round for some entertainment in the summer stage.

I haven't played Pebble Creek in about 10 years but I recall it being a dog track. Great place for beginners and outings. The course was pretty beat up last time I played and I am always wary of courses with power lines (especially the first hole). My brother lives just down the road in Freehold and still plays it but he's a hack. 😀 He will typically book something else when I am in the area.

 

[kupuna133]

So as insane as this might sound, it’s not unheard of for people to get on congressional just like you and I, Caves is a different animal and you have no idea how jealous I am of anyone who gets to play it, lol.

Caves you must be a member of another elite country club to even be invited as a member. My client who’se a member at congressional has only been able to play caves less than 5 times in his life, he’s been a member at congressional for nearly a decade now. It’s friggan impossible almost to get on so genuinely if you’re buddies have a way to get on I will do/pay a SILLY amount to play it.

When I say it’s the most exclusive club on the east coast north of Augusta it’s really not an exaggeration…. God I wanna play it so bad

They hosted the BMW championship in 2021 if you wanna see some footage of the place

I’ve seen pics and videos. They are members of some of the best clubs in the US and regularly host members of similar clubs. As I said that’s how they got on. Not uncommon for high end clubs to require you to be members of other clubs. Caves is more of a national club versus local club and it is meant to be a “secondary club” similar to Secession in South Carolina and Old Mo on Florida . But they said it was less of the golf and more of the experience. They stayed onsite at one of the cottages. They said the rankings for the course. Somewhere in the 150’s from what I recall too low. Should definitely be in top 100.

 

[knightfan7]

My goal is to play the top 25 courses in NJ. Have done 13. Will try to get Bayonne, Ridgewood and Balty upper in this year.

Pine Valley?

 

[Purple-Ed]

Anyone play The Rose in Old Bridge? - Thoughts/comments.

 

[RUBubba]

I played Caves Valley. Course was no better than an average county course, the cabin I stayed in was no better than a Motel 6, and the food was about as good as a Golden Corral.

Ok, I lie. It really was top notch. The course I believe is 100% corporate membership, or at least it was when I was there. Thankfully we had caddies, because the greens were very tricky. I also ran a tee shot right next to a hole, unfortunately it was on the next hole...

Best part was sitting on the porch having cocktails before dinner listening to stories from the Director of Golf. Dennis something I think. He was the very first Vice Captain of the Ryder Cup team, but at the time, it was a real and legit job, more of a travel secretary. Stories about the players, how the team was ready to run through a wall after an inspirational speech from GWB (think it was him) and all of the other Presidents that played there (without being political) was just special. And yes, I'm trying to worm my way into that invite again.

 

[Njbound1]

I've said this before but there are always black bears on Berkshire Valley. Been there a few times where the mama bear and her 2 cubs were rolling around on the 8th green. Always causes a slight delay.

A few years back I was getting ready to play BV, when a very large black bear wandered onto the driving range. All of a sudden, this kid who worked there pulled up in a cart and said, “get in!” He starts chasing the bear, and we got so close that I could have touched it. A little unnerving.