New Jersey private clubs

steveken91 · May 17, 2020

NYC resident and 35 years old. Belong to a club in England but the membership structure here in the US is... different. Currently live in NYC but likely moving with my fiance to Hoboken and eventually to the Chatham/Summit area at some point, so looking for clubs in that area. Interested in any membership details people have on Montclair Golf Club, Essex County, and Fiddler's Elbow, in particular.

NJgolfer11 · May 18, 2020

What are you looking to pay as far as dues and initiation?

Do you want a pool? Caddies?

NJgolfer11 · May 18, 2020

steveken91 · May 18, 2020

no need for a pool - both a pool and caddies are nice to have but not a need to have. i'd like the option for a caddie but not the requirement if i just want to jump out for a quick 9. also, if anyone has any info on Watchung Valley Golf Club, I'd be highly interested in hearing that as well

NJgolfer11 · May 19, 2020

What’s your budget?

steveken91 · May 19, 2020

Initiation of $15-25k (or less, of course), and annual dues (including food and beverage minimums) of around $10-15k. I usually take 2 golf trips to the UK a year and do 1-2 in the States as well, so need to leave budget for some variety, so any bargain recommendations under budget are absolutely welcome too. Willing to pay a bit more if the course has 36 and a solid practice areais also always nice

NJgolfer11 · May 19, 2020

10-15k all in could be difficult, especially in the North Jersey area.

I played Fiddlers Elbow Forest course back in 2015. The course was in good shape, but it was not my favorite one and apparently it is their best one. I am sure there are other members on here who enjoy it.

There Full membership dues then were $10,000 initiation and $14,200 in dues. plus over $3,000 in food/beverage costs. Dues do not include carts and pending the day and course, there are walking options.

Essex County in 2018, $17,500 initiation and almost $1,500 a month for dues/food/beverage. Plus, they have a caddy program, so if you take a caddy, your looking at probably $80 minimum per round.

Montclair is going to be in the same boat as Essex County, but they have 36 holes. I have never played either of these courses but I have visisted Essex County. The course looks immaculate.

One of my favorites is Knickerbocker Country Club in Tenalfy. Great course, facilities, etc. Try and get in before you turn 36, as the dues double and the initiation is much higher, as of 2016.

White Beeches may be one to check out as well as Haworth.

For me, the best bang for your buck is New Jersey National Golf Club. It's not that far from Fiddlers and it's a lot cheaper. No initiation, no food/beverage minimum and you can walk the course at any time. Practice facilities are good, plus you have reciprocal privileges at other courses. Your dues will be under $10,000 a year. There is no pool.

Others to consider are Metuchen, Suburban and Shackamaxon. Of those 3, I would pick Metuchen as far as the course, but they do not have a range. Suburban is a really nice layout. Shackamaxon will be the cheapest but I think the course is just ok.

The best thing to do is reach out to as many and see what they send you. Some will even let you play the course free of charge or a small fee.

Good luck in your search and if you have other questions, feel free to reach out.

steveken91 · May 19, 2020

Thanks so much for all of the detail! Much appreciated

jshel · May 19, 2020

I would probably also look at Upper Montclair. 27 holes of Tillinghast. I was only there once, but seems like a fun membership. Seems like it would be in your budget.

Appears from social media that they have done some work on the clubhouse.

They should probably cut down some trees, but I enjoyed my time there.

Of the ones you mentioned, I love Essex County. That place is super underrated.

steveken91 · May 20, 2020

Thanks - Upper Montclair looks solid and 27 holes is a nice bonus for a little added variety.

Is there a reason Watchung Valley gets no attention? Raynor design and a few template holes and it's JUST a pure old school golf club (which is all I really want). I figure it's due to some financial issues it had in prior decades that are now far removed, but any other reasons more people (aside from golf nerds of the Zac Blair type) do not talk about the place?

NJgolfer11 · May 20, 2020

Upper Montclair is nice. They're pretty good at sending membership information so give them a shout.

They have a lot of monthly fees, so when you add that into the dues, it is going to be close to what you are looking to pay.

Plus, I believe a caddie or fore caddie is required is on weekend mornings, but I could be wrong.

Schley · May 21, 2020

There are many who dispute the Raynor pedigree but as many clubs do they select the gca who is the best known to claim design credit.

NJGolfer0624 · May 22, 2020

I played WVGC then Twin Brooks CC in 2015 before the new ownership and the place was in dire need of a face lift. I need to play the course again. The course lost me on the 3rd hole (maybe 4th) when I hit a PERFECT PW to the par 3 and it got immediately knocked down by the overhanging branch that had been neglected. I also didn't like the first Par 3 on the back with a forced carry over water and PAVER stones as the first part of land once you clear the water. I landed my ball on the paver stones to the front hole and my ball shot all the way over the back of the green. I think the bones of the Raynor design are there but years of neglect really spoiled the course for me.

I did like the driveable par 4 on the back 9 (maybe 14 or 15). I pulled my drive way left on the hole, hit a provisional tee ball to 1 ft and tapped in for a par.

I have heard good things about the place since my round in August 2015 and I would consider this club if the price and location were right.