Raritan Valley CC

mlf · September 22, 2018

I was looking to join a family friendly club and was wondering if anyone has experience with Raritan Valley Country Club. It is high on my list as I drive by the course every day.

gmoney · September 22, 2018

Not bad, older membership..course is a B, B- grade imo. Troon Golf took it over a year or so ago and cut loose the head pro of 20+ years and some other people. It was in pretty bad financial shape.

It’s got all family amenities, golf, pool, tennis, restaurant.. Pretty sure it’s relatively cheap right now as well.

Haven’t played in since last year.

Good luck, it’s not a bad choice to get your feet wet...

NJgolfer11 · September 24, 2018

Played it a few years ago.

Course is just ok IMO. The food though was excellent. One of the best filet mignon's I ever had.

Not sure what your budget is, but maybe look into a house or social membership there and get a golf membership at say New Jersey National or look into Basking Ridge Country Club.

mlf · September 24, 2018

Thank you. That is a good thought but I am also trying to have a place where the family can spend time together. I looked at Fiddler’s and that is too much. Thought Stanton Ridge could be an option but it is a little out of the way.

For me it is weighing remaining a public player or trying the privayroute for a while.

NJgolfer11 · September 25, 2018

Thank you. That is a good thought but I am also trying to have a place where the family can spend time together. I looked at Fiddler's and that is too much. Thought Stanton Ridge could be an option but it is a little out of the way.

For me it is weighing remaining a public player or trying the privayroute for a while.

I think your best option if you are unsure is to see if they offer a house or social membership.

Usually they include a few rounds a year on the course, but you can use the range/clubhouse/restaurant etc. as much as you want.

It is not as expensive as a full membership and this way you can see if you like the club.

Fiddlers Elbow is very pricey. I have played the Forest Course, which is considered there best course and I was not that impressed.

I am not sure of what your location/distance is, but I would also check out Copper Hill in Ringoes.

The course was in excellent shape when I played it. They allow walking at any time and they offer a pool for the family.

Good luck with your search and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Browns71213 · September 25, 2018

To be honest I haven't played there in a few years. But a friend had a full membership there and bought a membership at the private swim club next door, because that's were all of the family's friends hung out during the summer. Not sure what that says about the family atmosphere at RVCC, but something to consider.

mlf · September 25, 2018

Thank you. This was very helpful. Any thoughts on Stanton Ridge vs RVCC?

gmoney · September 25, 2018

Stanton Vs RVCC, hmmm? They're very close..

Close in layout and conditions. Stanton just re-did the men's grill. Membership at Stanton is a bit more "clicky". Pools are a push, tennis is a push, range is a push...

I think it would come down to price point and your likes/dis-likes of each course. I'm personally am not a fan of Stanton, houses are just to close to the course for my liking. Couple of quirky holes. It is "modern" golf course architecture.

Raritan Valley is a little more straight forward old school tree-lined country club feel. But the clubhouse is older as is the membership.

I would suggest visiting/playing both. At the price points I've heard for them, they are decent value.

gmoney · September 25, 2018

To be honest I haven't played there in a few years. But a friend had a full membership there and bought a membership at the private swim club next door, because that's were all of the family's friends hung out during the summer. Not sure what that says about the family atmosphere at RVCC, but something to consider.

I work 2 min down the street from RVCC. Been here for 30 years...Not sure what pool your talking about but there is no private swim clubs within 5 miles of it...There is a YMCA about 5 miles away but that pool is indoor?? Couple of old small swim clubs 5-8 mils away but nothing with hot food or a country club feel..

DannyK · October 28, 2018

I've been considering joining Hawke Point next year. It's 25 minutes Northwest of fiddler's. I'm sure its not as nice.

NJPhil · October 31, 2018

I've been considering joining Hawke Point next year. It's 25 minutes Northwest of fiddler's. I'm sure its not as nice.

I grew up as a member at Fiddler's Elbow and have had the chance to play Hawk Pointe many times, my BIL is a member. I would not sell Hawk Pointe short, it is more of a pure golf course than Fiddler's in my opinion, they have some great events and a good membership. Also, the cost should be significantly cheaper than FE. I would encourage you to check it out, the current initiation is significantly reduced or may even be waived from where it once was.

gmoney · November 20, 2018

Quick update on Raritan Valley,

I was in a township meeting today and it was told to me that RVCC is up on the block. Serious financial trouble. Plans to make it into housing are forthcoming...

Just a heads up...