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!