Dana Fry
Dana Fry
Dana Fry
Dana Fry
Dana Fry
Dana Fry
Jon Cavalier
Jon Cavalier
Hamilton Farm Golf Club (Highlands)
Hamilton Farm Golf Club (Highlands)
1040 Pottersville Rd
Gladstone, NJ 07934-2053
United States
Overview
Dana Fry designed and built this course in 2001 with then partner Dr. Michael Hurdzan, and in 2022 came back to do a renovation with current partner Jason Straka. The original design featured elaborate MacKenzie-inspired cape-and-bay bunkers, now replaced by what might be considered a more traditional, or New England, style of shaping with less formality. Their placements have also been adjusted, as have tees, while some fairways were re-graded and hundreds of trees were removed to better show off the 730-acre estate’s surrounding pastures and woods.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
Best in State: Ranked in Top 10 in New Jersey from 2003-2005; Top 15 from 2007-2009 & 2013-2016; Top 20 from 2011-2012 & since 2017.
Previous ranking: 17th.
2025-'26 ranking: 19th.
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
“Highlands features modern routing (Hurzdan & Fry, 2001) over rolling New Jersey terrain, emphasizing angle-based strategy more than brute challenge. 1-9 features diagonal fairway hazards, sloped landing zones, and greens that are subtly (generally not more than 3 degrees) contoured. Par 3s vary meaningfully in length and orientation, from the uphill 3rd to the downhill 12th. Par 5s, particularly the 2nd, 9th, and 15th, favor multi-shot planning and targeting wide FW sections over sheer distance. 10-18 tightens slightly, with holes such as 11 and 16 offering long two-shot challenge, while others such as 13 and 15 are classic risk–reward. Throughout, green complexes support the strategic intent of each hole, with false fronts and interior ridges dictating where successful approaches must land. Highlands is strategically engaging, well conditioned, and well-routed. Fantastic staff, pro shop, and restaurant. Enjoy!"
Read More2025
Review
“Hamilton Farms Highlands features modern routing (Hurzdan & Fry, 2001) over rolling New Jersey terrain, emphasizing angle-based strategy more than brute challenge. 1-9 features diagonal fairway hazards, sloped landing zones, and greens that are subtly (generally not more than 3 degrees) contoured. Par 3s vary meaningfully in length and orientation, from the uphill 3rd to the downhill 12th. Par 5s, particularly the 2nd, 9th, and 15th, favor multi-shot planning and targeting wide FW sections over sheer distance. 10-18 tightens slightly, with holes such as 11 and 16 offering long two-shot challenge, while others such as 13 and 15 are classic risk–reward. Throughout, green complexes support the strategic intent of each hole, with false fronts and interior ridges dictating where successful approaches must land. Highlands is strategically engaging, well conditioned, and well-routed."
Read More2025
Review
“Hamilton Farm is a very enjoyable day of golf, especially if you play the par 3 Hickory Course as well. The Highland Course is a solid test over rolling hills of western NJ. The setting is gorgeous and the course offers numerous strategic holes, especially with the par fives. This is a borderline top 15 course in a very golf-rich state."
Read More2023
Review
“Beautiful setting, course is well maintained."
Read More2023
Review
“A spectacular piece of property with a solid modern design by Hurdzan-Fry. Overall a special place that is well maintained in every aspect. A treat to play in the fall."
Read More2022
Review
“A good test. Most of the trouble lies to the right of the hole although there are exceptions. Good routing over hilly land that forces you to hit a lot of different shots. Very quick greens."
Read More2018
Review
“Beautiful setting. Great conditioning. Some unique holes. Fun to play. Stately clubhouse."
Read More2018
