Affordable Private Option - New Jersey National, Pine Barrens, Hollow Brook, and Club Max

[mkunes01]

Anyone on here have thoughts/opinions on New Jersey National Golf Club, Pine Barrens, or Club Max?

 

I am thinking about joining New Jersey National, and I wanted to see if anyone here has any good info on the membership, course quality, conditioning, club tournaments, etc. The pricing for my age group is a little under 5k, has no initiation fee or minimum, lets you walk at any time you want with no extra charges, and no chance at any assessments. The membership gives you full access to New Jersey National (home club), Pine Barrens and Hollow Brook through complete reciprocity, and a heavy discount for greens fees at Twisted Dunes (public). It also gets you access to Pacific Links which is another reciprocal program throughout the US and internationally, offering private club access at hefty discounts for courses like TPC Jasna Polana.

 

Practice facility and golf course seem pretty decent. I played US Open locals at Pine Barrens and thought the course was okay. I'd love to know anything you have to offer on the course, membership, company, etc.

 

Feel free to discuss any similarly priced memberships I should also consider!

[mkunes01]

Didn't get too much traction on this, but I figured I would offer an update. Just joined NJ National this past weekend and really looking forward to the season. Feel free to ask any questions. Think I made a pretty good decision. The course looks great for this time of year and looks like (for a young exec membership) I'm only in the hole for less the $5k for the year (I walk whenever I play so you can add carts to that if that is your style). There are also additional fees per tournament but these are all basically just a cart fee except member guest which is understandable.

[NJgolfer11]

Congrats and a great decision!

NJ National is an awesome course.

I am not sure how long ago you played Pine Barrens, but in my experience, the course is always in great shape and a fun layout.

[LPSISCO]

My buddy was a member at NJN for years, until he joined Trump. NJN had a great group of guys, really fun course (though the front is way easier than the back), and Sean is a very cool Pro. Great place.

[mkunes01]

Thanks guys! I'm really enjoying it so far. Sean is the GM now, and he's doing a great job. The front is definitely way easier. I really enjoy how the course builds momentum throughout the round. The closing stretch of holes from 13-18 is awesome. Should make for some interesting matches.

[gricky]

> @mkunes01 said:

> Thanks guys! I'm really enjoying it so far. Sean is the GM now, and he's doing a great job. The front is definitely way easier. I really enjoy how the course builds momentum throughout the round. The closing stretch of holes from 13-18 is awesome. Should make for some interesting matches.

 

 

Hey - how does it work with respect to the other courses? I am interested in joining either hollow Brook or NJ national, and saw the club max/reciprocaty you get.

 

[mkunes01]

Reciprocity is pretty easy. You just talk with the pro shop at the other courses, and they coordinate tee times. Just have to pay cart fee which is NBD

[Z1ggy16]

> @mkunes01 said:

> Didn't get too much traction on this, but I figured I would offer an update. Just joined NJ National this past weekend and really looking forward to the season. Feel free to ask any questions. Think I made a pretty good decision. The course looks great for this time of year and looks like (for a young exec membership) I'm only in the hole for less the $5k for the year (I walk whenever I play so you can add carts to that if that is your style). There are also additional fees per tournament but these are all basically just a cart fee except member guest which is understandable.

 

Please more info! I can walk to NJN from where I live and it looks like a really nice course. I would absolutely go walk 9 every single day the sun was shining. Right now I play mostly either Neshanic Valley or Quail Brook, but also walk Galloping Hill, which is by where I work.

 

Assuming a $60 green fee (weekend rate for Neshanic for me) I'd have to play roughly 83 times per season to break even. As of right now with my family life/schedule, I am only playing about 40-50 times per year... but that's because I'm like 20 minutes from all courses. Being able to drive to NJN in 3 minutes and then walk a quick 9 would be ideal.

 

Only reason I'm hesitant is 1) my wife and I are trying for our first kid. Odds are we might move out of the area next year... but almost definitely in 2021 and 2) I'm also looking for new work... Right now I'm home every day by 5, but a new job might require longer hours, negating all the extra time I might have to play.

 

How is the practice facility? Multiple greens, bunker areas, free range time included? Thanks.

[mkunes01]

You'd also be getting to play a course worth like $110-$130 / round so that could help your equation a little.

 

There is a solid junior program if that is something you would be interested in. I was there the other evening over a weekend, and they had a junior league about to head out. They let me jump on the back nine to avoid it but definitely brought back some great memories. However, if you're dead set on moving I don't think that should impact your decision since you don't have to pay an initiation fee like most other clubs. NJN is really well connected with easy access to 78 and 287 but in the chance it doesn't make sense after the move you won't be losing an initiation fee or anything extra.

 

Practice facility is great imo. Not top of the line but everything you need. Grass tees, big practice green, short game area, practice bunkers, etc, etc

 

Feel free to shoot me a DM with any other questions or if you want the membership director's contact info

[johnpallis]

Hey, in a similar situation and have just inquired about NJ national curious if the rate is flat or if they get you with the monthly minimums etc?

[mkunes01]

Its 100% a flat rate sorry for the delay I only just saw this for some reason

[sigmapete1]

I've been researching these same clubs (live close to Pine Barrens) so very happy to find a WRX thread on the topic! Looks like a huge list of reciprocal clubs on that Pacific Links list.

What's the difference between an Affiliate club and a Reciprocal club?

Did you go with the full membership? I am curious if they offer a corporate membership too?

[NJgolfer11]

How is NJ National looking?

i haven’t played there in years and am debating whether to go there or Quail Brook for NJ Amateur Qualifier.

[mkunes01]

Pine Barrens is great. The Pacific Links reciprocal list is enormous. Affiliate vs Reciprocal is essentially how much you pay at each. I forget exactly but it essentially ranges from just a cart fee to 50% of guest fee to 75%, etc. They probably have a corporate membership. DM me if you're interested, and I'll connect you with the membership director

[mkunes01]

NJN is looking great right now. Did a lot of bunker work over the off season, and it is coming in nicely. I played the qualifier at Quail Brook last year, and I was very pleased with the conditions, but especially pleased that it was held on a weekend. For me, I like to try and get the most bang for my buck when choosing what qualifier to play in. That would make NJN a good choice, but I also think if you know the course at all it will pay dividends. Depending on the pin placements, the greens can be pretty deceiving.

[philsRHman]

What’s NJN like to walk? I’m playing that state Am qualifier and concerned this is going to be a hell of a walk with my own bag. Wondering if I scramble to find someone to caddie.

[jabby]

Have there been any special assessments at NJN over the past 5 to 10 years?  I was thinking of joining Mendham Golf and Tennis, however, they are fleecing their members with ad hoc assessments.  It's gotten so bad, that they are making their paddle members pay for renovations on the golf course, despite the fact they are not able to use the golf course.  A lot of my friends that are full members are upset as they now have had to dig pretty deep into their wallets.  I'm asking as I am on the waiting list at MG&TC, however, I am thinking of looking elsewhere.

[jnab]

Could you provide a quick cost breakdown of what the Junior excessive membership looks like? Initiation fee, monthly / year dues, minimums, green fees, carts etc.? I just want to know what I am getting myself into.