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. Just like he did at the Lower, Gil Hanse and his team finished a complete restoration of the Upper in 2024, the fruits of which won't appear in this ranking until 2027.
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
“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
Review
“After the renovation, I like the upper more than the more famous lower."
Read More2025
Review
“The renovation of the Upper course is so extensive, it doesn’t look anything like it did before. The tree removal was substantial, and it makes the course more enjoyable and better than the more famous lower course."
Read More2025
Review
“Baltusrol's Upper Course presents a more approachable compliment to the stalwart Lower Course. The Upper's wide fairways are draped across the gently rolling hillside on the western perimeter of the property and it greens are perched up against rolls in the land. The signature 14th hole's recently-restored right-hand green has some of the course's most severe undulations and highlights the commitment to bringing the quirk back to this historic layout."
Read More2025
