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Hey all - getting ready to relocate from Charlotte, NC to the Montclair, NJ area and was wondering if anyone had insight on country clubs in the area. Trying to get an understanding of the vibes at each place, which is tough to do when talking to membership directors as they are there to sell.

So far I've talked to:
Montclair Golf Club
Watchung Valley Golf Club - kinda far and no pool, which my wife hates
Essex County Country Club
Forest Hill Field Club

Open to other suggestions as well.

Thanks in advance!

No idea about Plainfield CC, but it’s right next to Watchung and supposed to be Great

CLTGamecock North Jersey is extremely budget dependent so without knowing what your willing to pay it’s tough.
Saying that… there’s a lot of really good old school courses there. Also, what area are you moving to? Is Paramus too far? If not, look at Arcola.

    Noyes26 moving to Montclair so Paramus is about 20 mins. Budget not a HUGE concern, though places like Baltusrol will be out of the question. Most of the places I’ve looked at are somewhere around $20k-$40k initiation and between $800-$1500 in monthly dues.

        CLTGamecock Baltusrol takes more than money to get in but I understand what you’re saying.

        My advice to you honestly would be to wait and see what your traffic patterns look like in your area. In the end you are moving to one of worst areas of the country when it comes to traffic. Due to that and depending on when you are looking to not only play but just have access to the club for a quick 9/range/chip and putt or even just food… you know it’s always nicer to know you can get there in 10-15 min.

        Im in South Jersey so can only speak really of the courses themselves. But also I’ve gotten up say past the airport and sat in traffic for an hour to get to Baltusrol, hoping not to miss my tee time. I believe one of the Montclair clubs has three 9’s?

        Other side of Morristown there’s Hamilton Farm which is awesome. Also has the only rated par 3 course in the country.

          Noyes26 that Montclair track you speak of is pretty fun. If I were in Bergen I would probably join Bedminster if it is still as cheap as it was two years ago. Nice facility. I think it was $30k initiation and average dues.

          Trump Westchester is the same price but it’s literally built on a hill. Also have to wear a helmet on some of the holes.

            The Montclair area is flush with great golf courses. Aside from the ones mentioned which are the top 3 in that area (Mountain Ridge, Essex Count & Montclair) you have Essex Fells, Crestmont, Green Brook & Glen Ridge to choose from as well.

            CLTGamecock hey man welcome to Nj. Having grown up in the Glen Ridge/Montclair area myself, you’re coming the perfect area for golf.

            Montclair Golf Club is probably the best when it comes to great golf and family amenities for the wife and kids. There are three 18s. They just recently built a brand new pool, park and play area for kids next to pickle ball courts. Great practice facilities. Great holidays/parties very family oriented.

            I grew up at Glen Ridge Country Club and looped for 5+ years at Glen ridge and Upper Montclair. Glen Ridge is nice. Has pool and tennis for wife and kids. Brand new club house. Decent food/parties. They invested money in the golf course and have a top notch greens crew. Course layout is weird because you cross broad street twice but other than that I grew up playing it for 25 years and loved every second of it. Range has cayman balls……

            As far as golf only, Upper Montclair has three great 9s, great food and great membership. Only downside (from the family perspective) is golf only and nothing else. I thinks it’s a Tillinghast/Jones if I recall correctly. Great food. Great practice facilities. Brand new club house area.

            Forest Hills is a great Tillinghast track. Recently switched ownership (in the last 3-4 years) and the guy has put tons of time and money into the course and amenities. Play there frequently with buddies of mine. Membership is on the younger side and was cheaper to get into until Covid and membership soared. Pool for the wife and kids. Okay food. Clientele is definitely younger than Montclair Golf Club/Upper Montclair.

            Essex County is great but a little further than the options above. I cannot speak for ECCC or Watchung as I haven’t played either in two or three years but definitely nice places.

            Good luck with the decision!

              13 days later

              When you get settled and you want to come down south there are a bunch of members on here in the greater philly area that would host

              a month later
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