Ramsey Golf - NJ

I see the ads for Ramsey Country Club on Golf Channel all the time but haven't found much talk of it on here. From the website it looks short but if their site is any indication, it might be really pristine and well cared for. We're looking at homes and a couple in the area and a few in Ramsey require membership. I mean, that gives whole new meaning to the idea of a community fee. A realtor will be able to give us an idea of how much that would cost, but I wouldn't trust their opinion on the golf course and it's weirdly void of online chatter. Is it because it's so short? I'm in my 40s now, I feel like I might enjoy a par 69 or whatever it is, with a few extra par 3s. But that might also get a bit boring, especially as a single digit handicap. Any thoughts? Much appreciated.

As I read more about Bergen County golf options, the more depressed I get about the prices and question if I can justify them. It would certainly help if I could sell my wife on the pool and social aspects of it.

You should go to the club and let them know that you are considering moving into the area, see if they will let you play a round there. I have never played there, so I can't provide any guidance, but I believe it is short and one or two holes may share fairways (I don't know for sure). A few years ago, I was also looking for a club to play at after High Mountain closed, I decided on Upper Montclair Coutry Club (UMCC). If you would like any info on UMCC, please let me know.

From what I remember (played it in a few high school matches, maybe once since high school), it is indeed very short and does have at least 2 holes that share a fairway. It's also not the easiest course to walk, I remember a few holes with a pretty good distance between greens and the next tee. I know that may not matter as I'm sure carts are an option, but to some it may.

That being said, the clubhouse is really nice and the restaurant is very good as well. My step-brother's college graduation party was held there and everything was really great.

Thanks guys. I can't even really picture how holes can share a fairway. I got some info on pricing and it's much more reasonable than I expected. It's about 6K once you add the golf (single) and pool (family). There's an initiation but it seems to cover the first year's dues. There's a monthly food/bev minimum but looks like something you'd hit with 1-2 family meals there.

Something to keep in mind as we house hunt, but I can't see buying into a neighborhood that you'd have to find a golf to resell to down the line.

Check out River Vale. It's semi private and an excellent deal. As a member you get an assigned tee time every Saturday, Sunday and Holiday from April through November and you can make tee times any other time for $27. It's a really well designed course, with a nice variety of holes. The greens are super and the course has been in excellent condition all year. I play early in the morning on weekends and usually play in 3 hours 45 minutes. Here are photos of the course. [https://flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/albums/72157652794421453](https://www.flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/albums/72157652794421453 "https://flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/albums/72157652794421453")

> @sabram said:

> Check out River Vale. It's semi private and an excellent deal. As a member you get an assigned tee time every Saturday, Sunday and Holiday from April through November and you can make tee times any other time for $27. It's a really well designed course, with a nice variety of holes. The greens are super and the course has been in excellent condition all year. I play early in the morning on weekends and usually play in 3 hours 45 minutes. Here are photos of the course. [https://flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/albums/72157652794421453](https://www.flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/albums/72157652794421453 "https://flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/albums/72157652794421453")

Great pics! The sky is so nice it doesn’t even look real.

This is interesting, we have been looking in River Vale, Park Ridge, Hillsdale and Harrington Park and maybe one or two others I’m forgetting now, but I do think my wife has her heart set on finding something in ramsey. It’s not golf related but if you have any thoughts on those towns, even general impressions I’d really appreciate it.

On the golf, how does it work with a standing weekend tee time? You play with the same 3 members every day all season? When you have a day you can’t play, do they just open it to public? Are there any men’s club or tournaments? Am I reading it right that whether you walk or ride you pay $27 a round for a cart/walking fee? I assume the resident fee is specifically River Vale, not all of Bergen?

> @philsRHman said:

> > @sabram said:

> > Check out River Vale. It's semi private and an excellent deal. As a member you get an assigned tee time every Saturday, Sunday and Holiday from April through November and you can make tee times any other time for $27. It's a really well designed course, with a nice variety of holes. The greens are super and the course has been in excellent condition all year. I play early in the morning on weekends and usually play in 3 hours 45 minutes. Here are photos of the course. [https://flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/albums/72157652794421453](https://www.flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/albums/72157652794421453 "https://flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/albums/72157652794421453")

>

> Great pics! The sky is so nice it doesn’t even look real.

>

> This is interesting, we have been looking in River Vale, Park Ridge, Hillsdale and Harrington Park and maybe one or two others I’m forgetting now, but I do think my wife has her heart set on finding something in ramsey. It’s not golf related but if you have any thoughts on those towns, even general impressions I’d really appreciate it.

>

> On the golf, how does it work with a standing weekend tee time? You play with the same 3 members every day all season? When you have a day you can’t play, do they just open it to public? Are there any men’s club or tournaments? Am I reading it right that whether you walk or ride you pay $27 a round for a cart/walking fee? I assume the resident fee is specifically River Vale, not all of Bergen?

I sent you a PM. PM me if you have additional questions

I’m in a similar situation and was hoping the course was passable. Did you decide it’s too short? What is main reason for not choosing this club. I might buy in this town and was hoping it’s decent

Job Change never happened so I never had to move or make a decision. Best of luck.

Rough is high enough it isn't a bomb n gouge place. Most fairways are tight.

There are lots of tall mature trees. Trees have been trimmed back so grass grows well and sight lines are good.

Not all fairways are lined w/ trees. Some only have rough inbetween fairways. Only a few holes have OB. Water is in play from a lake, pond and a stream that cross or parallel some holes. Most of the course doesn't have water.

Conditions are always vg as play is limited. Tee times are spread out... forget exactly but in fog seem to remember a 12min spread.

Scoring has held up as its pretty tough despite length. Would call it as tough as regular public or county course.

Greens are pretty quick but not MET tournament quick. They are pretty consistent. Bunkers are good and pretty well maintained. Always see the greenskeepers and maintenance crew out working on the course.

Course used to be 14holes w/ 2 shared holes. About 10+yrs ago, CC bought some land on otherside of RR tracks to make 18holes.

Course is closed on Mondays and during the winter for a few months. Sometimes outings are on Mondays.

There are multiple golf leagues most by cap but there are mens, women, co-ed and by age bracket leagues.

There are many types of membership w/ and w/o golf. All pretty much require quarterly f&b mins. Amount depends on membership level and options. Most people live in the neighborhood but some live other towns.

Swimming is very popular in the spring fed lake. There are regular organized BBQs and beach parties with a band or dj.

Platform tennis and Pickleball have v popular leagues.

Restaurant has regular events inc. music, wine tasting, special day for menu themes. There are regular quarterly menu changes. The Grill Restaurant is public.

Club just announced big expansion program over next few yrs. Mostly to the restaurant and wedding facilities which are booked regularly.

There are some golf changes which are welcome inc. sprinklers, green aeration and bunker improvements.

Here's the scorecard:https://clubsg.skygolf.com/courses/course/8835/Ramsey_Golf_Country_Club.html?tab=scorecardScorecard

Will always have great memories of River Vale. 1st time shot par for a round back when I was a kid.

just heard about it this past weekend, very tight course, houses along fairways. I believe holes 6 and 9 actually share a fairway

Not sure where are located in Bergen County but check out Rockland Country Club. It is just over the border from NJ. Fairly priced, nice course and relaxed atmosphere.

Its off Franklin Turnpike or via highway closest to Lake St. exit @Rt17.

Its about 15min from Rockland Country Club.