#8 on this list
Valley
Neshanic
Neshanic Valley is built for players who want resort-grade practice facilities, expansive views, and multiple routing options. Owned and operated by the Somerset County Park Commission in central New Jersey, this 27-hole complex was designed by Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry. Built across rolling farmland with the Neshanic and Sourland Mountains in the background, it provides a spacious, open-air round that feels grand in scope. The property features three distinct nine-hole courses—the Lake, Meadow, and Ridge—that rotate to form varying 18-hole combinations. Fairways are broad and inviting off the tee, accommodating wind and letting players drive the ball aggressively. However, Hurdzan and Fry protected par by installing large, fescue-rimmed bunkers and sprawling, fast-running green complexes. The bentgrass playing surfaces are maintained to exceptionally high municipal standards. The chief trade-off is the exposed nature of the terrain. The open farmland offers little shade during midsummer heatwaves, and sustained winds can dry out the greens and heavily influence club choice. Because of its stellar reputation across the tri-state area, weekend tee times fill up quickly, and pace of play can slow when the layout is packed. **Highlights** - 27-hole layout offering three distinct nine-hole combinations - Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry design featuring expansive, strategic bunkering - Broad, generous bentgrass fairways that encourage confident driving - Outstanding practice campus including an extensive driving range and short-game area - Well-managed county park facility with strong environmental stewardship **Watch-outs** - Wide-open landscape offers minimal shade during hot summer rounds - Popular weekend slots can lead to extended rounds over four and a half hours
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#9 on this list
Golf Club (West)
Knoll
Knoll Golf Club West is designed for architecture purists who love Golden Age template holes and vintage course character. Located in Boonton, New Jersey, and owned by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, this 1929 gem was designed by Charles Banks, a disciple of Charles Blair Macdonald and Seth Raynor. Known as 'Steam Shovel' Banks for his bold earthmoving techniques, he packed this public layout with legendary template features. The course showcases classic architecture staples, including a stunning Biarritz green with a deep mid-surface swale, a dramatic Redan par three, and an Eden hole defended by deep, steep-faced bunkers. The routing moves gracefully across rolling hills, bringing significant elevation shifts into play on both drives and approaches. Because the green complexes sit elevated with deep sand pits guarding the fronts and sides, running the ball onto the putting surfaces is rarely an option; you must fly it to the green. The trade-offs here stem from its age and heavy public foot traffic. While the bones of the architecture are world-class, municipal maintenance budgets occasionally mean uneven bunker sand consistency or slower green speeds compared to modern luxury public courses. Even so, playing an authentic Charles Banks template course for public rates is one of the northeast's great architectural bargains. **Highlights** - Classic 1929 Golden Age design by Charles 'Steam Shovel' Banks - Authentic template holes including a dramatic Biarritz, Redan, and Eden - Massive, steep-faced bunker complexes that penalize miss-hit approaches - Rolling hillside topography creating memorable, elevated tee shots - Accessible green fees that deliver outstanding historical architectural value **Watch-outs** - Turf and bunker conditions can show wear during peak summer municipal traffic - Elevated, well-guarded greens require forced aerial carries into par threes
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Valley | Golf Club (West) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Neshanic Station, New Jersey | Boonton, New Jersey |
| Course Type | 27-hole municipal complex | — |
| Architects | Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry | — |
| Estimated Fee | Around $90 | — |
| Turf Composition | Bentgrass greens, tees, and fairways | — |
| Governing Body | Somerset County Park Commission | — |
| Architect | — | Charles Banks |
| Year Opened | — | 1929 |
| Ownership | — | Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills |
| Estimated Green Fee | — | Around $90 |
| Design Style | — | Golden Age Template |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Valley
- Expansive 27-hole routing offering three diverse 18-hole combinations
- Tour-quality bentgrass greens and fairways maintained to high municipal standards
- Generous driving corridors balanced by sophisticated, strategic bunker design
- Comprehensive practice academy featuring short-game greens and a par-3 course
- Wide-open farmland topography provides zero shade during peak summer heat
- High regional demand frequently leads to slow weekend rounds exceeding four hours
Golf Club (West)
- Rare, accessible public design by Golden Age architect Charles Banks
- Authentic template holes including an expansive Biarritz and dramatic Redan
- Rolling topography delivers natural elevation changes and strategic tee shots
- Sub-$100 rate offers standout architectural value in the Northeast
- Elevated greens and deep bunkers severely penalize low-trajectory hitters
- Bunker sand consistency and turf density fluctuate under municipal maintenance
- Pace of play can slow down significantly during peak weekend tee sheets
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