A Dozen Golf Outings to Experience in the Garden State

From award-winning clubs to innovative hybrid sports, these 12 public-access golf courses offer an unforgettable experience for all golf enthusiasts.

New Jersey, famed for its prestigious private golf clubs, is also a goldmine of spectacular public-access golf courses. Whether you're a seasoned golfer looking to challenge your skills, or a beginner seeking an engaging introduction to the sport, we present to you a dozen of the Garden State's top-notch golf outings.

Experience the Echoes of Scotland

Discover the award-winning Ballyowen Golf Club at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg. The club boasts a modern-day, links-style course spread across 250 acres with mesmerizing 360-degree river views. To further enhance the Scottish ambiance, the pub treats guests to a nightly bagpiper performance. For a different kind of fun, try FootGolf—a unique mix of soccer and golf—offered at both the Cascades and Minerals 18-hole courses within the resort.

Master the Championship County Courses

At Neshanic Valley Golf Course, immerse yourself in 27 holes of championship golf spread across three diverse 9-hole layouts. For those wishing to sharpen their skills, the Golf Course Learning Center provides both private and group instruction.

Travel Back in Time with Donald Ross

Experience the legendary craft of Donald Ross at Seaview, a Dolce Hotel in Galloway. The Bay Course, built in 1914 and restored to Ross's original links design, offers an unforgettable golfing experience heightened by the thrilling winds from the Atlantic Ocean.

Test Your Skills Amidst 100 Traps & Bunkers

The Twisted Dune Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township serves up a unique links-style course beloved by golfers of all skill levels. Prepare for a Scottish Coast-inspired experience right on the Jersey Shore, featuring winding landscapes and deep ravines.

Walk Through Golf Course History

Immerse yourself in 70 years of golf course design history at the Architects Golf Club of Lopatcong. After your historical journey, enjoy a culinary delight at the Architects Bar & Grill.

Savor the Blend of Golf and Wine

Combine your love for golf and wine at the Vineyard National Golf Course in Egg Harbor City, part of the Renault Winery & Resort. After enjoying the 18-hole layout, relish the award-winning cuisine from one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in the U.S.

Discover Shore Gate Golf Club

Just a stone's throw from the beach in Ocean View, Shore Gate Golf Club repeatedly ranks among New Jersey’s top 20 public golf courses by Golf Digest. Experience it for yourself.

Experience A.W. Tillinghast’s Masterpiece

In Eatontown, Suneagles Golf Club, designed by renowned architect A.W. Tillinghast, has been challenging golfers since 1926.

Challenge Yourself at Scotland Run Golf Club

Carved around an old sand quarry, Scotland Run Golf Club in Williamstown offers an exhilarating golfing experience, especially on the 16th hole with its daunting sand quarry carry.

Play Amidst History at Shady Rest

Shady Rest Country Club in Scotch Plains, the first African-American golf and country club in the U.S., invites the public to its nine-hole course and family-friendly 18-hole mini golf course.

Enjoy Farm-to-Pin Golf at Heron Glen

Built on former Hunterdon County farmlands, Heron Glen Golf Course in Ringoes presents a picturesque landscape for a refreshing round of golf. A practice facility with a driving range, putting green, and a practice bunker are available for warm-ups.

From the rolling landscapes of Heron Glen to the sandy challenges of Scotland Run, New Jersey tees up a diverse golfing experience. Now, all that’s left to do is book a tee time and let the Garden State impress you with its golf offerings.

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