New Jersey has earned its reputation as a golf course darling among aficionados, hosting an impressive 275 golf course clubs under the New Jersey State Golf Association. Golf hobbyists and professionals alike enjoy New Jersey golf courses for their expert designs, Scottish influences, and rich history.
However, country clubs can offer more than golf alone. After wrapping up on the back nine, amenities such as fine dining, scenic views, state-of-the-art locker room facilities, and an aquatic center become all too important. Determining the quality of a country club greatly depends on what you consider most desirable.
1. Plainfield Country Club
Plainfield Country Club may be the most prized club on this list. Firstly, the club hosts the 3rd best golf course in New Jersey for its mix of eccentric and traditional qualities that make the course both a pleasure to play and to walk. The course was built in the 1890s, making it one of the oldest in the country. The original design and the restorations thereafter were executed superbly by famed course architects, which is apparent on every hole.
The clubhouse is also something to behold due to its wealth of amenities and its beauty. The facility’s racquet programs are of the best in the Northeast and include tennis, paddle, and squash. The Plainfield’s state-of-the-art aquatic facility is suitable for the whole family to enjoy. As for dining and special events, Plainfield is well known for its first-rate menus, service, and dining and banquet facilities. The many rooms of the country club, from the lounge to the banquet hall, are furnished and decorated tastefully and suitable for any occasion, whether it’s a casual lunch out or a luxury wedding. For other dining options outside of the club, a 30-minute drive North into Union Country would be rewarded with an incredible variety of restaurants.
The golf course as well as the clubhouse and its amenities are only accessible to members. Further, to join the club, you must be sponsored by an existing member, which maintains Plainfield’s exclusivity.
2. Crestmont Country Club
The golf course at Crestmont exhibits characteristics that golf enthusiasts appreciate, such as rolling terrain and strategic placement of more than 90 bunkers, including cross bunkers and ponds. The course is challenging yet fun for golfers of many levels. Share the enjoyment by hosting a business or charity event at Crestmont, led by PGA professional staff.
Crestmont also offers other activities and facilities, such as the Fitness Center, which is an equipped 1,650 square foot space. The Crestmont Country Club boasts hard surface courts for tennis and pickleball, as well as an Olympic-sized pool. Enjoy refreshments poolside and come back for themed parties held throughout the year.
The clubhouse features indoor and outdoor dining rooms as well as two bars, which are all available for special events. The events team will design an exquisite menu from Crestmont’s talented culinary staff to your specifications and will coordinate any other event needs, such as entertainment.
Crestmont Country Club is a member-owned private golf and social club with both equity and non-equity memberships. Additionally, membership isn’t required to host an event at Crestmont.
3. Upper Montclair Country Club
At the Upper Montclair Country Club, the focus is on the course. The original 18 holes of the 27-hole course were built 100 years ago by one of the most prominent course architects of the time. The three 9-hole courses–East, South, and West–are challenging for all skill levels and players tend to find the West/South combination optimal. Upper Montclair was designated a Distinguished Golf Club of the World, and one of only a few golf courses in the world to have hosted all three Professional Golf Association tournaments. Upper Montclair also offers private lessons by PGA professionals.
The spacious Clubhouse is available for receptions, intimate dining, and special occasions. Upper Montclair offers a customizable menu and professional service, whether the event is a small dinner or a lavish wedding on the grounds.
After enjoying the course, travel less than 15 minutes north to Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park for gorgeous views of the falls as well as other historic sights. Then, round out the fantastic day with a stop in one of Essex County’s many fantastic eateries.
4. Hamilton Farm Golf Club
The highly exclusive and exquisite Hamilton Farm hosts two 18-hole courses: The Highlands, the main course; and the par 3 course, The Hickory. Many golfers would tout the shorter course as the stand out for its demanding architecture and impressive variety across holes. The Hickory is the only USGA-rated par 3 course in the country. Fans of The Hickory delight in using this course to sharpen their entire golf game, even their driving skills.
The Hamilton offers distinguished and high-end lodging in The Mansion and The Lodge, perfect for a weekend getaway. These two facilities as well as a third, The Clubhouse, offer a variety of options for dining and entertaining. Enjoy a casual dinner with friends, entertain business associates, host a formal dinner for a special occasion, or plan a magnificent wedding celebration.
The Hamilton Farm has a high standard of dress code as well as for smoking permissions and cell phone use in certain areas. Membership is by invitation only for individuals and families that have been nominated by members.
5. Beacon Hill Country Club
Beacon Hill goes above and beyond in what is offered to its members and the social scene is at the center. Every detail of the club is considered with a focus on aesthetics and function. The course maintenance is an example of this, having recently been renovated to consider both form and function in the highest regard. Beacon Hill also uses sophisticated performance-enhancing dual radar technology to track everything from your swing to the ball’s location on the course. Improve your game by using the tracking system to track face angle, swing direction, spin loft, and launch angle. Beacon Hill also offers social opportunities on the course with organizations, the Highland Cup Tournament, and the Junior Golf program.
As for the focus, Beacon Hill places on the social aspect, the Main Ballroom is the site of events thrown by the Club itself, along with several areas for dining and lounging. Enjoy food and beverage service at the pool as well, which is open during the summer months for both leisure and exercise. In the evening, take in the New York City skyline from the club’s lively cocktail lounge.
Membership is available in many packages that can include one or all of the amenities. Membership is by application with Beacon Hill.
6. Forsgate Country Club
The Banks Course at Forsgate presents bold features, such as dramatic bunkers near the greens as well as taller-than-typical spines. Forsgate, ranking as the 13th best course in New Jersey, is an enjoyable and interesting course designed by famed course architects in the Golden Age of the game and modeled after legendary Scottish courses. Fans of the course complement its varied hole design, which attributes to its reputation for being challenging but intriguing. Forsgate hosts a second course, Palmer Course, that is enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels. The club hosts different golfing clubs with built-in social activities and tournaments, including couples golf and junior golf. Forsgate also offers the course for events and corporate outings.
Forsgate Country Club hosts plenty of social events with entertainment and special themed dinners year-round. Watch the sunset over the Banks Course on the terrace or enjoy a cocktail with dinner in the clubhouse. The aquatic center features a pool and a separate children’s pool. Order food and drinks from the poolside cafe and lounge under a cabana. Forsgate hosts social events at the pool and it’s also available for private events. Forsgate offers its members the use of the 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center, as well as racquet programs with tennis and pickleball.
As for special events, Forsgate Country Club has several rooms accommodating up to 400 guests. The planning and event staff has a reputation for executing even the finest details. Memberships are available to individuals, families, and corporations via an application.
Live and Play in New Jersey
Whether you already live in New Jersey or are looking to move, Union, Morris, and Essex counties are all situated among some of the state’s top-rated golf courses and country clubs. Already live in the area and want more reasons to stay? After spending time in these impressive clubs, you’ll want to take a piece of the opulence home. Contact JMC Home Improvement Specialists to remodel your New Jersey home.
