Montclair, NJ offers a charming suburban environment with surprising variety. Beyond its vibrant downtown and excellent schools, the town has a range of excellent and historic golf courses that cater to golfers of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner, you'll find a course that suits your needs. Here are some of the best golf courses in Montclair, known for their beautiful landscapes, challenging layouts, and top-notch facilities.
Montclair Golf Club (private)
Montclair Golf Club is one of the premier golf courses in Montclair, NJ. Founded in 1893, it boasts a rich history and tradition. The club features 36 holes spread across four distinct nine-hole courses, offering a variety of playing experiences. Designed by Donald Ross and Charles Banks, the courses feature well-maintained greens and fairways.
The club also offers excellent amenities, including a driving range, practice greens, and professional golf instruction. The clubhouse features fine dining, event spaces, and a pro shop. Whether you're looking to improve your game or enjoy a round with friends, Montclair Golf Club provides an exceptional setting.
Rock Spring Golf Club (public)
Rock Spring Golf Club, located in nearby West Orange, NJ, is one of only two public golf courses in the country designed by legendary architect Seth Raynor. At 6,600 yards, the par-71 course traverses rolling terrain, elevation changes, and challenging greens. The course's scenic views and well-maintained conditions make it a favorite among local golfers. Founded in 1925, Rock Spring Golf Club is approaching its centennial anniversary. Its accessibility and quality are great for golfers looking for a public course when visiting the Montclair area.
Glen Ridge Country Club (private)
Glen Ridge Country Club is a hidden gem among golf courses in Montclair, NJ. This private club offers an 18-hole course designed by Willie Park, Jr., a two-time Open Championship winner. The course features tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging greens; it hosts weekly organized games and monthly tournaments for members.
The competitive environment of Glen Ridge CC is exceeded only by its beauty, including incredible views of the New York City skyline. The club offers a range of amenities, including a driving range, short game practice area, and professional golf instruction. The clubhouse features dining options, event spaces, and a golf shop. You can also train indoors at “The Bunker” during inclement weather.
Upper Montclair Country Club (private)
Upper Montclair Country Club is another top choice for golf enthusiasts in Montclair, NJ. This private club features 27 championship holes designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The three nine-hole courses are called the East, West, and South courses and are known for their challenging layout.
Members of Upper Montclair Country Club enjoy access to a range of facilities, including a state-of-the-art practice area, golf clinics, and tournaments. The clubhouse offers dining options, event spaces, and a pro shop stocked with the latest golf equipment. The club's commitment to excellence makes it a standout choice for golfers in the area.
Forest Hill Field Club (private)
Forest Hill Field Club, located in Bloomfield, N.J., offers a classic golfing experience with its 18-hole course designed by A.W. Tillinghast. While the historic par-71 course has seen substantial changes over the years, recent renovations have returned the layout to Tillinghast’s initial blueprint, which includes unique holes such as the long uphill 7th and the taxing 11th.
Forest Hill Field Club members enjoy access to excellent practice facilities, including a driving range and putting green. The clubhouse offers dining options, event spaces, and a pro shop. The club's commitment to providing a top-notch golfing experience makes it a popular choice for golfers in the Montclair area.
Essex County Country Club (private)
Essex County Country Club, located just a short drive from Montclair, NJ, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the United States. The club's 18-hole course, designed by A.W. Tillinghast and Seth Raynor, is known for its classic design and challenging layout. The course underwent restoration in October 2023 and is set to emerge as one of the state’s finest links.
In addition to the main course, Essex County Country Club members enjoy access to top-notch practice facilities, including a driving range and putting green. The clubhouse offers fine dining, event spaces, and a pro shop. The club's rich history and commitment to excellence make it a standout choice for golfers in the Montclair area.
Weequahic Park Golf Course (public)
Designed in 1913, Weequahic Park Golf Course, located in Newark, is New Jersey’s oldest public course. The 18-hole course, designed by George Low, features rolling fairways, water hazards, and well-maintained greens. The beautiful property has seen renovation projects to add bunkers and accentuate its sloping fairways and greens.
The course's accessibility and affordable rates make it an excellent option for golfers in the Montclair area. Measuring slightly less than 6,000 yards, the course and its forgiving length are offset by the small greens, placing a premium on your short game. Look forward to iconic holes like the par-5 3rd and the scenic 16th.
Francis A. Byrne Golf Course (public)
Francis A. Byrne Golf Course, located in West Orange, N.J., is a public course known for its challenging layout and scenic views. The 18-hole course, designed by Charles Banks, dates back to 1926, when it was intended as a private country club course. Several holes are based on famous Scottish courses, including the par-5 1st, modeled after the Road Hole at St. Andrews. The course also features deep bunkers, hilly topography, and the par-4 15th, which Bobby Jones considered one of the most difficult holes In the U.S.
Galloping Hill Golf Course (public)
Galloping Hill Golf Course, located in Kenilworth, NJ, is a public course that offers an excellent golfing experience. The 18-hole course, designed by Willard Wilkinson, features rolling terrain, elevation changes, and challenging greens. The course's scenic views and well-maintained conditions make it a favorite among local golfers. Well-staffed and featuring highly maintained greens and practice facilities, Galloping Hill’s accessibility and quality make it a top choice for golfers looking for a public course in the Montclair area.
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