NJ Country Clubs / Golf Clubs

[muniGolf]

Trying to find an under 30 or young exec membership anywhere up to 45 minutes outside of Jersey City. Was hoping anyone had insight into the following places. Price is obviously the biggest factor in my search but really just looking to find a place with good golf at a solid pace. 
 

mainly a weekend golfer but would love to get out during the week. 
 

- Forest Hill - most likely out of budget because of the caddies before 3pm on weekends and dues increase pretty dramatically at 30

 

- Suburban - expensive but seems worth it. Currently a waitlist for my age. 
 

- Green Brook - seems to fit the bill but seems like you get whacked with fees on weekend (which I’ve learned seems standard). This might be the leader I’ve found at this point. 

 

- NJ National - ticks all the boxes but they want more upfront than I was hoping. Regardless seems to have glowing reviews

 

- Basking Ridge CC - definitely cheap but heard you get what you pay for. Also a little worried about too many members

 

- Mendham - reasonable dues (haven’t inquired about food mins) but not a fan of having to use a caddie (which I think you do on weekends?)

 

open to any other suggestions or insights. New to the area and haven’t really be ingrained in the country club life before. Public golf around this area is a bit of a nightmare so hoping to change that come 2024 season. 

[NJgolfer11]

18 hours ago, muniGolf said:

Trying to find an under 30 or young exec membership anywhere up to 45 minutes outside of Jersey City. Was hoping anyone had insight into the following places. Price is obviously the biggest factor in my search but really just looking to find a place with good golf at a solid pace. 
 

mainly a weekend golfer but would love to get out during the week. 
 

- Forest Hill - most likely out of budget because of the caddies before 3pm on weekends and dues increase pretty dramatically at 30

 

- Suburban - expensive but seems worth it. Currently a waitlist for my age. 
 

- Green Brook - seems to fit the bill but seems like you get whacked with fees on weekend (which I’ve learned seems standard). This might be the leader I’ve found at this point. 

 

- NJ National - ticks all the boxes but they want more upfront than I was hoping. Regardless seems to have glowing reviews

 

- Basking Ridge CC - definitely cheap but heard you get what you pay for. Also a little worried about too many members

 

- Mendham - reasonable dues (haven’t inquired about food mins) but not a fan of having to use a caddie (which I think you do on weekends?)

 

open to any other suggestions or insights. New to the area and haven’t really be ingrained in the country club life before. Public golf around this area is a bit of a nightmare so hoping to change that come 2024 season. 

I have played Suburban, Green Brook and NJ National. All excellent tracks.

If you are looking for best for your buck, I would go NJ National. When I played it, members can walk the course any time on any day and I believe you can bring your own pull cart.

[LPSISCO]

On 8/31/2023 at 2:44 PM, muniGolf said:

Trying to find an under 30 or young exec membership anywhere up to 45 minutes outside of Jersey City. Was hoping anyone had insight into the following places. Price is obviously the biggest factor in my search but really just looking to find a place with good golf at a solid pace. 
 

mainly a weekend golfer but would love to get out during the week. 
 

- Forest Hill - most likely out of budget because of the caddies before 3pm on weekends and dues increase pretty dramatically at 30

 

- Suburban - expensive but seems worth it. Currently a waitlist for my age. 
 

- Green Brook - seems to fit the bill but seems like you get whacked with fees on weekend (which I’ve learned seems standard). This might be the leader I’ve found at this point. 

 

- NJ National - ticks all the boxes but they want more upfront than I was hoping. Regardless seems to have glowing reviews

 

- Basking Ridge CC - definitely cheap but heard you get what you pay for. Also a little worried about too many members

 

- Mendham - reasonable dues (haven’t inquired about food mins) but not a fan of having to use a caddie (which I think you do on weekends?)

 

open to any other suggestions or insights. New to the area and haven’t really be ingrained in the country club life before. Public golf around this area is a bit of a nightmare so hoping to change that come 2024 season. 

I’m on the membership committee at Mendham, feel free to DM me for info. But, per your statement above, there is no food minimum and there are no caddies. 

 

I’ve played Forest Hill, Basking Ridge, and NJN quite a bit, They are all fun, nice courses. FHFC is probably the closest to you, and has a very fun membership these days, I’m told. 

[muniGolf]

Thanks - I actually meant to say Metuchen. Mendham I haven’t taken a look at yet but would be interested to hear. 

[NJgolfer11]

On 9/1/2023 at 8:44 PM, muniGolf said:

Thanks - I actually meant to say Metuchen. Mendham I haven’t taken a look at yet but would be interested to hear. 

Metuchen is an awesome course. Only downside is there is no true range.

[bandits24]

On 8/31/2023 at 2:44 PM, muniGolf said:

Trying to find an under 30 or young exec membership anywhere up to 45 minutes outside of Jersey City. Was hoping anyone had insight into the following places. Price is obviously the biggest factor in my search but really just looking to find a place with good golf at a solid pace. 
 

mainly a weekend golfer but would love to get out during the week. 
 

- Forest Hill - most likely out of budget because of the caddies before 3pm on weekends and dues increase pretty dramatically at 30

 

- Suburban - expensive but seems worth it. Currently a waitlist for my age. 
 

- Green Brook - seems to fit the bill but seems like you get whacked with fees on weekend (which I’ve learned seems standard). This might be the leader I’ve found at this point. 

 

- NJ National - ticks all the boxes but they want more upfront than I was hoping. Regardless seems to have glowing reviews

 

- Basking Ridge CC - definitely cheap but heard you get what you pay for. Also a little worried about too many members

 

- Mendham - reasonable dues (haven’t inquired about food mins) but not a fan of having to use a caddie (which I think you do on weekends?)

 

open to any other suggestions or insights. New to the area and haven’t really be ingrained in the country club life before. Public golf around this area is a bit of a nightmare so hoping to change that come 2024 season. 

In the same boat as you. I've been a public golfer my whole life and never felt the need to join a club until the last few years. I recently spoke to Forest Hill and thought their junior membership sounded pretty good. Believe for the 3pm rule you have the option to take a cart or a caddy, with the cart being $40. The guy I spoke with on the phone said 98% of people take carts.

I also spoke to Upper Montclair. While everything about it sounds great, their initiation is high and the process of getting in seemed to be a bit much (finding a sponsor if you don't know anyone, doing interviews, etc. Then getting on the waitlist for 6-12 months).

 

Interested to hear if you find any information about additional clubs in the area.

[muniGolf]

Agreed - FHFC definitely a good deal based on the location. It’s just probably a little bit too much for me in terms of budget. For the price I’d probably want a little more out of it (I.e crappy range) but have heard good things. If you’re not approaching 30 any time soon I’d jump on it. I’m mainly a weekend golfer and I’d get kinda killed on cart fees. Also, I prefer to walk or push cart most rounds. 
 

I also looked into Stanton ridge. Have heard good things and dues are very reasonable. Just a little far from where I’m at. 
 

id say my top 3 are:

 

green brook

basking ridge

stanton ridge

also considering NJ National

 

mainly due to affordability and no waitlists  

[razuuun24]

Green brook is closing after next year or sooner.

 

The developer told the members they are moving forward.

[bandits24]

On 8/31/2023 at 2:44 PM, muniGolf said:

Trying to find an under 30 or young exec membership anywhere up to 45 minutes outside of Jersey City. Was hoping anyone had insight into the following places. Price is obviously the biggest factor in my search but really just looking to find a place with good golf at a solid pace. 
 

mainly a weekend golfer but would love to get out during the week. 
 

- Forest Hill - most likely out of budget because of the caddies before 3pm on weekends and dues increase pretty dramatically at 30

 

- Suburban - expensive but seems worth it. Currently a waitlist for my age. 
 

- Green Brook - seems to fit the bill but seems like you get whacked with fees on weekend (which I’ve learned seems standard). This might be the leader I’ve found at this point. 

 

- NJ National - ticks all the boxes but they want more upfront than I was hoping. Regardless seems to have glowing reviews

 

- Basking Ridge CC - definitely cheap but heard you get what you pay for. Also a little worried about too many members

 

- Mendham - reasonable dues (haven’t inquired about food mins) but not a fan of having to use a caddie (which I think you do on weekends?)

 

open to any other suggestions or insights. New to the area and haven’t really be ingrained in the country club life before. Public golf around this area is a bit of a nightmare so hoping to change that come 2024 season. 

What was the price range for Suburban? Was the waitlist for under people 30?

[muniGolf]

4 minutes ago, bandits24 said:

What was the price range for Suburban? Was the waitlist for under people 30?

Waitlist is long for under 37. I think it’s been waitlisted for over a year. 

all in it’s under 10k a year. Small initiation fee. 

[C-Law]

Watchung Valley likely worth looking at if it's not too far for you 

[fastswinger]

On 9/7/2023 at 12:36 PM, C-Law said:

Watchung Valley likely worth looking at if it's not too far for you 

+1

[HungariangolferNJ]

Is anyone a member @ Watchung? I see membership is by invitation only. Im guessing speeds are 11-12 on the stimp? How is the new short course? 

 

 

Got $ and Cuban smokes 

[Golfer2378]

I’m a member at WVGC. Love it. Very young, laid back membership. Greens are very challenging and usually quick firm and fast. Short course is an absolute blast - especially at night under the lights. 

[OscarNJ]

Greenbrook is only open for one more year, but it's a good way to kick the can another year. I don't think you'll find a less expensive option. Great if you like walking- they're pretty liberal about letting you walk whenever, and I'd guess 30-50% of people do so you won't feel out of place. They do charge for walking before 2pm on weekends - I think $25 vs. $45 for a cart, so factor that in.

 

Not sure what others are seeing, but I get the general feeling that while initiations aren't getting cheaper, they aren't getting pushed up anymore like the past couple of seasons.

[Shingl]

On 9/1/2023 at 7:55 PM, LPSISCO said:

I’m on the membership committee at Mendham, feel free to DM me for info. But, per your statement above, there is no food minimum and there are no caddies. 

 

I’ve played Forest Hill, Basking Ridge, and NJN quite a bit, They are all fun, nice courses. FHFC is probably the closest to you, and has a very fun membership these days, I’m told. 

I’m not sure how to DM you but I’m looking for membership info (options, initiation, dues) about Mendham. I’m looking to join a club and I’d like to learn if Mendham is in my budget. Thanks. 

[Prof3ssor]

On 10/20/2023 at 10:18 PM, Shingl said:

I’m not sure how to DM you but I’m looking for membership info (options, initiation, dues) about Mendham. I’m looking to join a club and I’d like to learn if Mendham is in my budget. Thanks. 

Click on his profile name and click on the message button.  Have you tried reaching out to the club?  I have a good friend that has been on a waiting list for the past year and I can reach out for more info if you do not hear back from LPSISCO.  

[Shingl]

1 hour ago, Prof3ssor said:

Click on his profile name and click on the message button.  Have you tried reaching out to the club?  I have a good friend that has been on a waiting list for the past year and I can reach out for more info if you do not hear back from LPSISCO.  

Thanks for the help. LPSISCO responded with some helpful information and I spoke with the club.  I’m bummed to learn about the waitlist but if it’s not that long I can deal with it. Hopefully not more than a year though. 

[bandits24]

On 9/6/2023 at 12:24 PM, muniGolf said:

Agreed - FHFC definitely a good deal based on the location. It’s just probably a little bit too much for me in terms of budget. For the price I’d probably want a little more out of it (I.e crappy range) but have heard good things. If you’re not approaching 30 any time soon I’d jump on it. I’m mainly a weekend golfer and I’d get kinda killed on cart fees. Also, I prefer to walk or push cart most rounds. 
 

I also looked into Stanton ridge. Have heard good things and dues are very reasonable. Just a little far from where I’m at. 
 

id say my top 3 are:

 

green brook

basking ridge

stanton ridge

also considering NJ National

 

mainly due to affordability and no waitlists  

When you say the dues increase dramatically at 30, do you remember by how much? Believe it’s a little over $6k for under 30