Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Watchung Valley Golf Club
Watchung Valley Golf Club
600 Mountain Blvd
Watchung, NJ 07069-6267
United States
Overview
Watchung Valley Golf Club’s extensive restoration plan by George Waters brought to life an unbuilt Seth Raynor routing, constructed after his death by Plainfield Country Club’s Marty O’Laughlin, revealing the rolling topography and bold features on the site of this old dairy farm. Hundreds of trees were cleared out over the past 10 years to bring the club back to its roots as one of New Jersey’s most prideful clubs. A number of Raynor’s templates can be found here, particularly on the back nine, including the 11th (Eden), a standout par-4 12th (Bottle), a rare par-3 punchbowl 13th and the prize-dogleg 16th. An emphasis on walking and firm-and-fast conditions, plus a new short course with six greens dubbed the Merry-Go-Round, designed by Blake Conant (the club’s current consulting architect), gives this character-filled hidden gem a great sense of place—and continues to bring more notoriety to the club.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
Best in State: Inaugural ranking of 25th in our Best in New Jersey, 2025-'26.
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
“Watchung Valley keeps getting better year after year. Thanks to Steve Aspinall and his grounds staff, WVGC prides itself on firm and fast playing conditions. Extensive tree work done 6-7 years ago, and continual improvements, make this a hidden gem in New Jersey ... but it won't be hidden for long."
Read More2025
Review
“A true hidden gem. Raynor's templates are on full display at Watchung Valley and the holes do not disappoint. Playing up, down and across the valley's edge, recent renovations have opened up sight vistas and implementation of fescue has brought beautiful contrast to the colors of the course. The course does not play long, but is conditioned to play firm and fast- one can get out of position quickly if they are not careful with shot selection. A fun day."
Read More2024
Review
“A classic design that has had some recent work. A few great design features that you don't see often. DO NOT MISS THE "MERRY GO ROUND" SHORT COURSE/PRACTICE AREA!"
Read More2024
Review
“This Raynor course offers all the normal template holes which keeps the golfers interest and attention. Course was in great shape, with fast, challenging greens but open fairways that will appeal to golfers of all abilities. Overall, a fun place to play!"
Read More2024
Review
“Watchung Valley may not be as well-known as many other NJ clubs, but it has a high quality golf course that is well worth visiting!"
Read More2024
Review
“Lots of terrain movement and some great greens complexes and bunkering. Well worth playing"
Read More2024
Review
“A gem to play. The conditions were great with fast greens, nice running fairways, and deep bunkers. The classic architecture of Raynor is everywhere."
Read More2023
Review
“Watchung Valley Golf Club is a hidden gem nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of New Jersey. With a rich history dating back to its founding in the early 1920s, this course has consistently been a favorite among golf enthusiasts seeking a challenging yet rewarding experience. In this course review, we will explore various aspects of Watchung Valley Golf Club, including its conditions, difficulty, history, highlighted holes, aesthetics, and playability. The course maintenance team at Watchung Valley Golf Club takes great pride in keeping the grounds in impeccable condition. Lush fairways and well-manicured greens are a testament to their dedication. The bunkers are carefully tended, and the overall cleanliness of the course adds to the enjoyment of the game. Watchung Valley Golf Club offers a fair challenge to golfers, striking a perfect balance between playability and difficulty. Strategic shot-making is required to navigate through the course's undulating terrain and tricky hazards. It is not uncommon to find sloping fairways, well-placed bunkers, and water features that will test players' abilities. The layout incorporates both risk-reward holes and more straightforward opportunities, making it an enjoyable challenge for golfers looking to improve their game. Founded in the Golden Age of Golf Course Architecture, Watchung Valley Golf Club has a storied history that adds to its charm. Originally designed by the renowned architect Seth Raynor, the course has evolved over the years while maintaining its classic charm. Many of the classic template holes are there and the bunkering is classic. The use of slopes and terrain make this a fun play with many blind approach shots. The beauty of Watchung Valley Golf Club lies not just in the challenging layout but also in its natural aesthetics. The course is surrounded by lush forests, offering stunning views throughout the round. In the fall, the changing foliage paints a stunning backdrop, and in the spring and summer, the vibrant colors of the flora enhance the overall experience. The combination of nature's beauty and the classic course design creates a truly remarkable ambiance. Despite its challenging layout, Watchung Valley Golf Club remains accessible to players of varying skill levels. Multiple tee options allow beginners to enjoy a more forgiving experience, while experienced players can test their skills from the back tees. The fairways are generally wide enough to accommodate most golfers, and the well-designed greens allow for creative approach shots and putting challenges. In conclusion, Watchung Valley Golf Club is a timeless and well-maintained course that provides an exceptional golfing experience. With its rich history, stunning aesthetics, and thoughtfully designed holes, it offers golfers an enjoyable challenge while surrounded by the beauty of nature. Whether you're a seasoned golfer seeking a test of skill or a beginner looking to improve, Watchung Valley Golf Club should be on your list of must-play courses."
Read More2023
Review
“The club has gone through several ownership and name changes over the years. The Park Club (1889), Park Golf Club (1898), Hydewood Country Club (1915), Watchung Valley CC (1927). The current routing was done be Seth Raynor, but he died before it was finished. Located in Watchung, New Jersey , 21 miles SW of Newark Airport. Several of the classic hole types are represent such as punchbowl green, and Eden hole , a Bottle. Lots of elevation changes and strategically placed fairway bunker and challenging green complexes."
Read More2023
Review
“A private course but if you do get a chance to play it expect a fun day playing many classic style holes over well conditioned surfaces."
Read More2022
