North Jersey Country Club surprised me in all the best ways. I came in not knowing what to expect, but by the end of the round, it was clear this place is a hidden gem with a ton of character. We played as unaccompanied guests thanks to some generous contacts, and honestly, we were lost on more than a few holes. It felt like a rite of passage out here considering seven of the first nine holes have blind tee shots, and without a local, it is a real adventure just figuring out where to aim.
What really made an impression is how the course feels carved right into the hillside. The ground movement is no joke, and you are constantly climbing, descending, and trying to guess what is just over the next ridge. After doing some research and seeing photos from before the most recent renovation, it is pretty jaw-dropping to see how far the place has come. There has been some amazing work done out here in the last few years, and Brian Schneider’s renovation really shines, especially on holes like the par three thirteenth.
The opening stretch hooks you right away with all those blind shots. Some players might get frustrated, but I found it really intriguing. Every tee shot is a little mystery, and it makes you want to come back just to figure out the right lines. There are some big, bold greens out here with all kinds of shape, and the hills add to the sense of adventure. Eleven is a great uphill par four, carved right into the hillside. It does not ask for anything wild off the tee, but you still have to work hard for par. The use of elevation here is really smart, and the hole feels like it has always belonged on this land.
The par three seventh stands out for me. The renovation cleared the trees behind the green, opening up a view that makes the hole look like it was chiseled right out of the rock. There is this natural amphitheater feel, and the look back gives you a tease of what is coming later in the round.
Hole thirteen is something special, maybe one of my favorite par threes I have ever played. The green is set into the side of a hill and still looks totally natural, like it was always meant to be there. I am not sure if it technically qualifies as a redan, but it definitely has some reverse redan vibes. The bunkers guard the front left, the green is flat behind the bunker, and it falls away with a false front on the right. The whole hole just works, and it makes you want to hit another ball right away to see if you can pull off a better shot.
The finish at North Jersey is a lot of fun. Seventeen and eighteen both look straightforward from the tee, but that does not last long. Seventeen introduces you to a quirky green that has some real personality, making you think twice about your approach and how to handle the slopes. Then you get to eighteen and finish on a proper Biarritz green, a great way to end the round. As we wrapped up the day, a few sprinkles of rain started to come down. It was perfect timing, feeling like we were at the Open, which was happening at the same time across the pond.
What sticks with me most is just how much personality this place has. The hills are tough, the greens are wild, and there is so much character on every hole. The renovation really brought out the best in North Jersey, opening up views, moving a few things around, and letting the course breathe. After a week of seeing classic clubs, it is impressive what you can do with the right architect and a commitment to great golf. North Jersey is a course that rewards curiosity and patience, and I am glad I got to see it at its best