Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Baltusrol Golf Club: Upper
Springfield, NJ • Private
Baltusrol Golf Club: Upper
201 Shunpike Rd
Springfield, NJ 07081-2160
United States
Overview
It’s believed that when A.W. Tillinghast began constructing the Upper and Lower Courses at Baltusrol in 1919 (replacing Baltusrol’s existing 18 holes), it was the first contiguous 36 holes built at the same time in America. Because of the Lower’s tremendous major championship record, most consider the slightly shorter Upper to be a secondary course at the club. But between the two, it was the Upper, not the Lower, that hosted the first U.S. Open (and third in the club’s history) in 1936, won by Tony Manero. The Lower didn’t get its first Open until 1954, won by Ed Furgol. Baltusrol Mountain, just 200 feet high, looms above the right flank of the Upper, complicating drives and putts with a landscape that tilts more than appears to the eye. Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner restored the Tillinghast architecture to the Lower Course in 2020 with the ancillary goal of enhancing its tournament bite. Their job at the club’s Upper course, reopened in summer 2025, was simpler: Bring back the Tillinghast. This included significant tree removal, major green expansions (including the addition of a lost alternate green at the par-4 14th), bunker restoration/relocation and new sub-surface air systems. Both the Upper and Lower have long been known for strong opening and finishing sequences, but the Upper’s beautifully revived middle holes, moving across the more interesting terrain, now make the case for the courses being on equal architectural footing, if not in championship mettle.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 2013.
Highest ranking: 58th, 2015-2016.
Previous ranking: 80th.
2025-'26 ranking: 84th.
Best in State: Ranked Top 5 since 2011.
2025-'26 ranking (and previously): 4th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“This exceptional track was designed in 1922 by AJ Tillinghast and opened alongside its sister course, Lower Baltusrol. The course plays 7,348 yards from the back tees and plays to a difficult 151 slope rating. The course has gone through several restorations by noted designers including Robert Trent Jones Sr., Rees Jones, and Gil Hanse/Jim Wagner in 2024–25. The course goes through rolling terrain and the first few holes are set against the hills, which create difficult to place landing areas. While the fairways are fairly wide, strategically placed drives are necessary in order for accurate second shots to elevated and well bunkered greens. Further, the greens have multiple tiers and the golfer can find an approach shot that ends up a long ways from the hole. Further, the elevated greens create runoff and collection areas that can leave the gofer a long third shot to the hole. The green surrounds do allow the golfer to either chip or putt but understanding these sloping greens is essential. The course provides significant diversity in hole layouts with short, mid length and long par fours all with unique contours and shot angles. The course conditioning is outstanding with firm, uniform fairways and beautifully maintained greens. The final holes are challenging with significant elevation changes with shots that are some of the most demanding on the layout. Overall, the course is a beautiful track that while it challenges the golfer on every shot, it rewards the golfer for good shot making. It will test all of the clubs in the bag but provide a fun and enjoyable round in a very pleasing setting."
Read More2026
Review
“This exceptional track was designed in 1922 by AJ Tillinghast and opened alongside its sister course, Lower Baltusrol. The course plays 7,348 yards from the back tees and plays to a difficult 151 slope rating. The course has gone through several restorations by noted designers including Robert Trent Jones Sr., Rees Jones, and Gil Hanse/Jim Wagner in 2024–25. The course goes through rolling terrain and the first few holes are set against the hills, which create difficult to place landing areas. While the fairways are fairly wide, strategically placed drives are necessary in order for accurate second shots to elevated and well bunkered greens. Further, the greens have multiple tiers and the golfer can find an approach shot that ends up a long ways from the hole. Further, the elevated greens create runoff and collection areas that can leave the gofer a long third shot to the hole. The green surrounds do allow the golfer to either chip or putt but understanding these sloping greens is essential. The course provides significant diversity in hole layouts with short, mid length and long par fours all with unique contours and shot angles. The course conditioning is outstanding with firm, uniform fairways and beautifully maintained greens. The final holes are challenging with significant elevation changes with shots that are some of the most demanding on the layout. Overall, the course is a beautiful track that while it challenges the golfer on every shot, it rewards the golfer for good shot making. It will test all of the clubs in the bag but provide a fun and enjoyable round in a very pleasing setting."
Read More2026
Review
“The Upper is the more expressive piece of ground, and the renovation leans into that by softening some of the more severe parts of the holes that previously made some holes and greens less strategic. Greens perched and tilted, approaches that ask for a specific window, and a routing that feels like it’s using every natural movement it can find. The update has also sharpened the conditioning with new infrastructure and rebuilt greens making it play firm and fast. While the Lower course keeps tempting you into small strategic choices, the Upper is the one that more often asks for commitment to a shot shape and a landing spot because the ground is doing more and the green sites have a little more bite."
Read More2026
Review
“Don't overlook the Upper when visiting Baltusrol. Most golfers will enjoy it more than the Lower course, as it has an intimacy that the Lower course doesn't."
Read More2025
Review
“I have long understood Baltusrol's renowned history in competitive golf. However, until I visited the club, I didn't realize how special of a member's club it is. From the moment you enter through the gate, you feel away from the stress of everyday life, as the club has a very secluded feel, despite being so close to a highway and major road. I had the opportunity to play both the Upper and Lower golf courses on perfect weather days. In sum, I enjoyed the Upper course more as a whole, as the quality of each hole was high. The Lower, while being the championship course, has the best few golf holes on the property are located on the Lower Course, that being holes 3, 4, 17 and 18, but has more average, non-strategic golf holes. The Upper course also has an intimacy that the Lower course does not have. The round starts with multiple holes taking you out to the corner of the property. The first is a easy starter that lets the golfer get off to a good start. However, the golfer better be warmed up because the 2nd through 6th holes are 4 tough par 4s and a long, difficult par 3. The rest of the 9 offer a delightful par 3 7th and a gettable par 5 8th. The 9th is certainly most interesting hole on the golf course, as a pond is placed in the middle of a par 4 hole requiring the golfer to go left, right or over it. I still don't know if I like it or not, but it is certainly made me think. The back 9 is just a string of very solid golf. It contains 2 very interesting par 3's, the uphill, challenging 10th and the easier, downhill par 3 15th with a raised green. The 11th and 17th are the two par 5's on the back side and probably the weakest holes on the course. Each is long and challenging, but not very strategic. I would have liked a little more thought on the 2nd shot of each hole. The par 4's on the back are excellent, including the great finishing 18th hole. I expected good golf when I visited Baltusrol. What surprised me so much, is just how special is the place. It has a feel that is very special. A drink on its patio is a great way to spend some time after your round!"
Read More2025
Review
“This is a charming, challenging, golf course that tests, distance, accuracy, and mental patience all at the same time. it was fun to play. The tree removal opened up a lot of site lines that weren’t there before which gives the course a whole new feel."
Read More2025
Review
“Super fun track! If you have the opportunity to play the Upper and see the beautiful redesign, while a little gimmicky, it's worth your walk any day of the week!"
Read More2025
Review
“What a spectacular golf course. Even on the wettest days, the course conditions are exceptional and could rival those of any top 50 golf course. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend playing here as soon as you can."
Read More2025
Review
“The recent renovation of the Upper Course at Baltusrol is both substantial and transformative. The upgrades have significantly enhanced the course’s visual appeal and elevated the overall playing experience. The layout offers a true test for accomplished golfers while remaining playable and enjoyable for higher handicappers—provided the appropriate tee boxes are chosen. With these improvements, it would be exciting to see the Upper Course host a major championship in the future!"
Read More2025
Review
“What more to say about this renovation except "Job well done!""
Read More2025
