NJ Private Country Clubs

Hello,

I’ve been reading the forums for a couple of days now and they have helped me begin my search for a private cc in NJ. That being said, I have received some pricing for courses in the Northern NJ/Greater NYC area (radius of about 45 mins) and have some questions. Any feedback would be helpful. I haven’t received pricing for all the courses I am looking at yet but so far I have 3 potential options. I would like to stay in the 5-10k range for annual dues (not sure much exists below that) and would like to keep the initiation fee as small as possible (could afford 5-10k and potentially more but may not be in NJ for many more years). I would like a quality course, decent practice facilities and some dining options. The ability to walk would be great but not required. Doesn’t necessarily need to have a pool. Currently 32 and no kids but GF would probably like to dine at the facility.

NJ National- course looks solid (from YouTube flyover) as do practice facilities. Not crazy about the restaurant being open to the public but not sure how much that impacts/matters the cc feel since I have never been a member. No swim facilities but that is fine. On the outer edge of driving distance area. Also a bit concerned about how crowded it would be. No initiation fee and dues are in the lower end of range. Essex Fells Country Club- phone conversation went well, seems like a nice place online with the addition of a range but not sure about the distance/compactness of the course. Has initiation fee but reduced for 32 years old. Curious about course quality and general culture in club. Shackamoxen- Curious about course quality (read some negative reviews about 1.5 years ago) and also about culture in club. They received some noise complaints in the news regarding their pool, not looking for a “party” atmosphere but realize it could be a one off type situation not indicative of the club. Dues are lower end of range (including food minimums) and no initiation fee for my age bracket. Would really like to try and join UMCC but the initiation fee is above my range. Dues are at higher end but I would be ok with that based on my research of the club. Has anyone had success negotiation a lower initiation fee? They already spread it out over years which helps but not sure how that would impact me if I moved in the near future.

Again, still waiting on info from other clubs and will post any questions I may have.

Thanks in advance for the help.

I live within walking distance of NJ National. Not a member but I've heard a few things and I believe you can probably get in for ~6k a year. Not sure on dues. I can tell you though it is not tremendously busy... seems like every time I drive by the one par 4 that runs along Allen Road, there is somebody playing that hole <50% of the time. Probably best membership value around.

For a little bit more money, there is also Echo Lake. I was told that's in the ~15k a year range and... IIRC something like 20-30k dues. I also think they might require you to spend X amount on food/drinks per year, no pool and... I don't remember a range but it could have just been on a different part of the property that I didn't go to. Awesome greens, almost on par with courses that I've played which cost $250+ a round

If you really want some swanky cc vibes some day, save up and then join Hamilton Farm. Gated entrance. Valet service. An insaaaanneee locker room and I think they have two 18's. Driving range stocked with ProV1's and turf that cuts like butter. Anything less than a Bimmer in that parking is probably frowned on.

Thanks for the feedback! Just got info on Metuchen as well, any feedback in course quality from anyone who has played? They fit in the range for dues and waive the initiation fees for 2 years.

Sorry can't help you there... haven't played it.

I have played all 3. NJ National is by far the best value.

Shackamaxons dues are good, but the course is not even close IMO to NJ National as far as quality and enjoyment.

Essex Fells I think is overrated.

Thanks for the feedback!

Have you checked out Essex County CC? I believe their junior member initiation/dues are very reasonable.

Can’t recall if have or haven’t yet. Have sent a bunch of requests. Any idea on initiation fees there?

Did you make a decision on this.  I am looking at al of the same clubs, NJN is the closest to me.  Did you look at Fiddlers?