North Jersey affordable private club options?

[golfer07840]

> @gioguy21 said:

> > @golfer07840 said:

>

> >

> > I have played Black Oak, my company does an annual outing there (As I type this, I'm sitting, literally 3 miles from there) and it's a fantastic course and the new clubhouse is awesome. However, I don't think they allow walking because that course is really spread out. We're talking easily a 3 min cart drive from the 1st green to the 2nd tee.

>

> well, i just got done talking to the membership coordinator at BO -- after reading this - if i can't walk it, i won't join.

>

 

It's as walkable as Crystal Springs and I know you're familiar with that place.

[gioguy21]

> @golfer07840 said:

> > @gioguy21 said:

> > > @golfer07840 said:

> >

> > >

> > > I have played Black Oak, my company does an annual outing there (As I type this, I'm sitting, literally 3 miles from there) and it's a fantastic course and the new clubhouse is awesome. However, I don't think they allow walking because that course is really spread out. We're talking easily a 3 min cart drive from the 1st green to the 2nd tee.

> >

> > well, i just got done talking to the membership coordinator at BO -- after reading this - if i can't walk it, i won't join.

> >

>

> It's as walkable as Crystal Springs and I know you're familiar with that place.

 

i actually wish Crystal Springs wasn't so expensive to be a member of...

[golfer07840]

> @gioguy21 said:

> > @golfer07840 said:

> > > @gioguy21 said:

> > > > @golfer07840 said:

> > >

> > > >

> > > > I have played Black Oak, my company does an annual outing there (As I type this, I'm sitting, literally 3 miles from there) and it's a fantastic course and the new clubhouse is awesome. However, I don't think they allow walking because that course is really spread out. We're talking easily a 3 min cart drive from the 1st green to the 2nd tee.

> > >

> > > well, i just got done talking to the membership coordinator at BO -- after reading this - if i can't walk it, i won't join.

> > >

> >

> > It's as walkable as Crystal Springs and I know you're familiar with that place.

>

> i actually wish Crystal Springs wasn't so expensive to be a member of...

 

It's 7K and you get 6 courses and all that access. No initiation fee and all that nonsense. I actually think it's a bargain. I just live too far away, otherwise, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

[gioguy21]

> @golfer07840 said:

> > @gioguy21 said:

> > > @golfer07840 said:

> > > > @gioguy21 said:

> > > > > @golfer07840 said:

> > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > I have played Black Oak, my company does an annual outing there (As I type this, I'm sitting, literally 3 miles from there) and it's a fantastic course and the new clubhouse is awesome. However, I don't think they allow walking because that course is really spread out. We're talking easily a 3 min cart drive from the 1st green to the 2nd tee.

> > > >

> > > > well, i just got done talking to the membership coordinator at BO -- after reading this - if i can't walk it, i won't join.

> > > >

> > >

> > > It's as walkable as Crystal Springs and I know you're familiar with that place.

> >

> > i actually wish Crystal Springs wasn't so expensive to be a member of...

>

> It's 7K and you get 6 courses and all that access. No initiation fee and all that nonsense. I actually think it's a bargain. I just live too far away, otherwise, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

 

$7k isn't chump change tho -- and does that include the 30 or 35% off by being under the age of 35?

[golfer07840]

> @gioguy21 said:

> > @golfer07840 said:

> > > @gioguy21 said:

> > > > @golfer07840 said:

> > > > > @gioguy21 said:

> > > > > > @golfer07840 said:

> > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I have played Black Oak, my company does an annual outing there (As I type this, I'm sitting, literally 3 miles from there) and it's a fantastic course and the new clubhouse is awesome. However, I don't think they allow walking because that course is really spread out. We're talking easily a 3 min cart drive from the 1st green to the 2nd tee.

> > > > >

> > > > > well, i just got done talking to the membership coordinator at BO -- after reading this - if i can't walk it, i won't join.

> > > > >

> > > >

> > > > It's as walkable as Crystal Springs and I know you're familiar with that place.

> > >

> > > i actually wish Crystal Springs wasn't so expensive to be a member of...

> >

> > It's 7K and you get 6 courses and all that access. No initiation fee and all that nonsense. I actually think it's a bargain. I just live too far away, otherwise, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

>

> $7k isn't chump change tho -- and does that include the 30 or 35% off by being under the age of 35?

 

No that doesn't. That is just the rate in general.

 

you really should email Tyler TBorkowski@crystalgolfresort.com he's the Membership guy.

 

I get that it isn't chump change, but considering what you're getting vs the amount most spend for membership and what they get in return? It's a great deal.

[gioguy21]

@golfer07840 yea i hit him up a few minutes ago. the biggest issue i have going private in NJ is this -- i play in quite a few tourneys and between practice rounds and whatnot i'm already fairly busy. Joining a club on top of that for more than $3k even is a bit much after you consider about $600-800 in tournament costs throughout the year.

[golfer07840]

> @gioguy21 said:

> @golfer07840 yea i hit him up a few minutes ago. the biggest issue i have going private in NJ is this -- i play in quite a few tourneys and between practice rounds and whatnot i'm already fairly busy. Joining a club on top of that for more than $3k even is a bit much after you consider about $600-800 in tournament costs throughout the year.

 

That's very understandable. And based on your prior posts, you tend to play all over, and like a variety of courses (which is why cost aside, Crystal Springs would be ideal, you get some variety and aren't stuck with just one course.)

[PreppySlapCut]

In terms of value, two clubs that haven’t received a lot of mention lately are Mendham G&T, and Watchung Valley. If you’re in Morris County, Mendham is about as good a bargain as you’re going to find. If you’re coming from Hoboken/JC, WVGC is like 35mins and is actually a good golf course.

[Prof3ssor]

I have an office in Mendham and the last time I checked, it was quite pricey to join there. That being said, with the recent lawsuit on their hands for $9 million, they may have changed things up a bit. I joined Basking Ridge several years ago and at the time, was much more inline with what I wanted to spend.

[webbma]

hey guys - not to hijack this thread, but i'm looking for a club in North Jersey as well but further north. Bergen, Passaic, or even possibly Rockland County NY. I'm looking for something private. OK to pay an initiation but looking for something reasonable ($20k or less). I would also like to have something with a pool for the family to enjoy as well. Any thoughts or direction would be greatly appreciated.

[aabcuue]

Not happening. 5k alone is a major limiting factor but no f&b mins good luck.

Your better off trying a limited golf membership say single only and only w/d or w/e only.

Try an off track, less popular course esp. if they're looking for members. Then its doable. Even Plainfield CC before it got the Barclays/Northern Trust was looking for members and was in yr range.

There are lots of hidden and not well known courses w/in that geographical distance. Good luck!

[aabcuue]

The shack definitely meet yr rigor goals as its a US Open section/ regional qualifier.

Not that long but its a Tillie thinking man's course and strategic.

Try Fiddler's elbow off 287 & 78. Good challenging course w/ 36holes. Its mostly family club but is new HQ of the NJ PGA/Met.

Fyi, it abuts Trump National so no flying in when trump is in town on w/e's.

 

[aabcuue]

[LenJC]

Looking to join a private club and options are Shackamaxon, NJ National, Watchung Valley, Suburban Golf Club.  Anyone know the skinny on some of these clubs?

[NJgolfer11]

13 hours ago, LenJC said:

Looking to join a private club and options are Shackamaxon, NJ National, Watchung Valley, Suburban Golf Club.  Anyone know the skinny on some of these clubs?

I have played all of those courses except Watchung Valley.

If I had to choose, I would go with NJ National. It is golf only and the restaurant is open to the public, but the course is great. Range is solid and the course and conditions are top notch.

You also have reciprocal privileges at a couple other courses, including Pine Barrens in Jackson. If you go down the Shore in the summer, you can get 18 in before going out for the night.

Suburban is a better course IMO than Shackamaxon, but Shack also has a pool, if you are looking for one. Also, Suburban and Shack have caddy programs, so if you are trying to save a few bucks, NJ National looks better, as you can walk the course anytime and I believe you can use your own pull cart.

I hope this helps.

[Jersey golfer]

3 hours ago, NJgolfer11 said:

I have played all of those courses except Watchung Valley.

If I had to choose, I would go with NJ National. It is golf only and the restaurant is open to the public, but the course is great. Range is solid and the course and conditions are top notch.

You also have reciprocal privileges at a couple other courses, including Pine Barrens in Jackson. If you go down the Shore in the summer, you can get 18 in before going out for the night.

Suburban is a better course IMO than Shackamaxon, but Shack also has a pool, if you are looking for one. Also, Suburban and Shack have caddy programs, so if you are trying to save a few bucks, NJ National looks better, as you can walk the course anytime and I believe you can use your own pull cart.

I hope this helps.

Watchung Valley used to be Twin Brooks, if that helps at all.

[wildlefty]

Anyone have insight into Colonia CC? I’m looking into joining a club ASAP. Interested in:

 

Watchung

Colonia

Suburban

Shackamaxon

Forest Hill

[brp1515]

Hi all - This is a great thread, enjoyed every post.

 

I'm looking for a good private club but under the following restrictions: I live in Manhattan now, but I will likely be moving to the midwest in 3-5 years. 

 

I would love a club reasonably close to the city, reasonably priced (little more leeway than the OP's $5k but wouldn't hate that!) either:

a) a club with no initiation fee

b) a club with an initiation fee that's refundable (not sure how equity vs. bond works / which is better in this situation? and which clubs have it?)

 

Not as strict on track quality as OP either, but proximity + cost optimization (plus speed of play / meeting good people, hence the private tilt) are my priorities. Also, I don't have a car, but pondering if worth getting one.

 

Any advice? Thanks 

 

 

 

Edited April 27, 2021 by brp1515

[RahulShah7931]

Check out Bella Vista Country Club.

 

small course about 6k.. but it has its challenging holes.

 

dues are under $5k per year. Nice live entertainment during holiday events. Nice tournament set ups throughout the year. Bar and 3 different banquet halls if the need arises. 
 

amazing bar manager! James.. great guy to chat with.

 

it’s worth checking out!

[NJgolfer11]

On 4/25/2021 at 7:06 PM, wildlefty said:

Anyone have insight into Colonia CC? I’m looking into joining a club ASAP. Interested in:

 

Watchung

Colonia

Suburban

Shackamaxon

Forest Hill

I played Colonia about 15 years or so.

From what I recall, the course was in good shape. Layout seemed just ok though.

Suburban is a better course than Shackamaxin IMO. Both courses have caddy programs. Suburban is golf only, while Shack has a really nice pool area.

Never played Forest Hill but I visited the clubhouse once. The mens locker room is awesome. Private bar. Shuffleboard. Lounge chairs to sit and watch tv.

I would check out NJ National in Basking Ridge. Also, Metuchen is a little south of Suburban and Shack and maybe a better course than both.

[NJGolfer30]

Look into Forest Hill Field Club. Millions of dollars in renovations, awesome membership, young and fun environment. Probably one of the better GOLFING clubs in the area. And if your under 40 your looking at $1,000/month with a lower buy in. No bonds, No PCO, just an initiation fee one time. The director of membership there is cool and pretty honest/transparent too. 

 

Plus if you in Montclair, its right in Bloomfield, at 15 min drive. 

[Nynjniblick]

Great insights and great thread - I just moved from Manhattan to Hoboken and am looking for something similar as OP but within 30-40 mins of me and that has a more diverse ethnic membership base (don’t want to be the only non white person around). Is this still wishful thinking? 

[Prof3ssor]

On 6/8/2024 at 10:32 PM, Nynjniblick said:

Great insights and great thread - I just moved from Manhattan to Hoboken and am looking for something similar as OP but within 30-40 mins of me and that has a more diverse ethnic membership base (don’t want to be the only non white person around). Is this still wishful thinking? 

You won't find anything close to what the OP was asking back in 2018.  If you do, please let me know so I can cancel my membership and come join you. 

Edited June 11, 2024 by Prof3ssor