Jeff Bertch/Courtesy of the club
David Wilson/Courtesy of the club
Jon Cavalier, @LinksGems/Courtesy of the club
James Anderson/Courtesy of the club
James Anderson/Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of Somerset Hills CC
Robert Walker
Robert Walker
Somerset Hills Country Club
Bernardsville, NJ • Private
Somerset Hills Country Club
180 Mine Mount Rd
Bernardsville, NJ 07924-1500
United States
Overview
Somerset Hills is another marvelous A.W. Tillinghast design, one of the few that has remained virtually unchanged since it opened in 1918. So, it may be the most authentic Tillinghast course on the 100 Greatest. It’s a charming, laid-back design that works through seemingly undisturbed rolling terrain, past rock outcroppings and around small-but-distinctive water hazards. Tilly designed this with a spoonful of whimsy, with “dolomite” mounds edging one green and startling knobs within another putting surface. Like Baltusrol Upper, Somerset Hills has a Tillinghast version of a Redan par 3, the second hole, which Golf Digest panelists ranked higher than any of the many splendid versions created by C.B. Macdonald or Seth Raynor, the pioneers of the template in the United States.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 1985.
Highest ranking: 41st, 2013-2014.
Previous ranking: 57th.
2025-'26 ranking: 56th.
Best in State: Ranked in Top 5 in New Jersey from 1981-2009 & since 2013; Top 10 from 2011-2012.
2025-'26 ranking (and previously): 3rd.
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
“We were lucky enough to play Somerset Hills on a perfect August day, not a cloud in sight. The experience is tough to beat. We played from the back tees, and it was perfect for us. The front nine weaves through the hills, with the second hole being the highlight. A mid iron length par 3 with a diabolical greens. The conditions were spectacular in all regards, despite the greens being verticut a few days before. They were still lightning fast. #9 is a big sweeping dog left par 5 with a tough back to front sloping green. We all loved it. The back 9 was far more difficult than the front. Holes 13, 14, 15, and 16 are all extremely difficult if a great tee shot was not hit. #15 is short iron par 3 with no margin for error. My preference was the front 9, likely because it was a bit more enjoyable and also an easier walk. The hills in Somerset Hills really present themselves on the back 9. #11 and #12 are spectacular as well, and I'll never forget them."
Read More2025
Review
“The beauty of the "Golden Age" of course architecture is alive and well at Somerset Hills. The two nines are different in character, with the front more open and routed around/through the old horse track the course was built on and the back more parkland with elevation changes and water in play on more holes. The greens are challenging with subtle breaks you may not pick up when reading them. A must play if given the opportunity."
Read More2024
Review
“Golden Age Tillinghast design on a beautiful piece of property. Terrific set of par 3's that vary in length and design. This is a hard tee time to secure but if offered the opportunity, do not decline."
Read More2024
Review
“A course with distinction for the many good holes it possesses, with the second a par 3 Redan being the crown jewel. A private course, if you can get on it, you are in for a treat."
Read More2023
Review
“Amazing layout with distinctly different front and back nines. It's an extremely walkable course that you could play every day and never get bored. The redan par 3 on the front is one of the best I've ever played."
Read More2023
Review
“Absolutely stunning golf course. Great property and use of the land. Perhaps the most diverse routing I have played. I used 13/14 clubs in the bag. Great walk that should not be passed up if you get an invite. Smaller membership that wants to keep the family feel of the club. Flies under the radar in the northeast."
Read More2022
Review
“This is one spectacular golfing experience and my new favorite course I've had the privilege to evaluate. Two very different nines makes this such a fun and challenging overall experience. The first two holes are spectacular with a long par 4 start to a downhill approach and large undulated and fast green. The #2 hole Redan and #8 are two of the best par 3's I've played anywhere. Natural beauty abounds everywhere on this very private and special course only to be outdone by the warm and gracious hospitality and classic style facilities and old charm locker room. The conditions were fantastic and greens rolled very true and fast. Wow."
Read More2022
Review
“This place is special and one of my favorite Tillinghast courses. If you haven't seen Somerset, you must go! The recent bunker and tee work looks great as does the restoration of long range views and back drops. The course is not "over conditioned" and plays great. Could set the standard for classic designs. One of Tillinghast’s best."
Read More2022
Review
“A tough tee time to get, but one that is definitely worth the effort, Somerset Hills is your ideal member's course with amazing conditions, wonderful variety, and just enough challenge to keep good players engaged without alienating weaker players. The whole club is understated and the course itself features several world class holes such as the par 3 2nd Redan, par 4 boomerang 11th, and par 4 14th. These greens feature incredible variety and are a real highlight of the course. This is a golf course you immediately want to go back out and replay after finishing and is one of the best in the Northeast."
Read More2022
Review
“The way it should be, from the creativity of the design, the originality of the greens, the understated locker room, pro shop and clubhouse...even to the fact that members can carry their own bag whenever they want."
Read More2021
