7 Best Golf Courses in Summit NJ: Tee Off at Baltusrol Golf Club, Canoe Brook Country Club & More

Golf enthusiasts in and around Summit, one of the top towns in Union County, are in for a treat with a variety of top-notch courses nearby. These golf courses not only offer challenging play but also provide stunning natural beauty, enhancing the overall experience. From well-manicured greens to superb facilities, each course has unique features that cater to different skill levels and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned golfer looking to test your skills or a beginner eager to enjoy a day outdoors, the options near the city of Summit have much to offer. Discover these courses—several of which are regularly mentioned among the best golf courses in New Jersey—that cater to an array of preferences and skill levels.

Baltusrol Golf Club

Baltusrol Golf Club has been a golfing destination for over 12 decades and is renowned for its highly rated courses and pristine condition. A.W. Tillinghast designed and constructed the Lower and Upper Courses between 1918 and 1922, a pioneering endeavor to build two adjacent courses that had never been done before. His work has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark and is listed on both the State of New Jersey and Federal Registers of Historic Places.

Located in Springfield Township, both the Lower and Upper Courses at this club have been ranked in the Top 100 Courses in America by all three major golf publications. They have been extended and fortified to meet the demands of modern tournament play, but Tillinghast's original designs have been meticulously preserved throughout the years. The courses are known for their exceptional conditioning that few other clubs can match. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, you'll find something to enjoy at this renowned golfing destination.

Canoe Brook Country Club

Canoe Brook Country Club is a Platinum Club of America that offers championship golf, fine dining, social events, and athletic and racquet facilities. For over a century, Canoe Brook has been redefining the notion of an exclusive family club and providing its members with a memorable experience. It is home to two of the nation's most outstanding championship golf courses, each with a storied history of competitive tournaments and relaxed rounds with friends.

Canoe Brook is located within Summit, and as the city is one of the most expensive communities in Union County, the club’s luxurious amenities match its surroundings. Canoe Brook Country Club offers an unforgettable experience with impeccable grounds and stunning views. Members can also experience fine dining, social events, and premier athletic and racquet facilities. The club offers a variety of activities for members of all ages, allowing them to make lasting connections and build strong friendships.

Canoe Brook Country Club is the perfect place to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and engage in friendly competition. Whether you're looking for championship golf, fine dining, or simply a place to unwind, Canoe Brook has it all.

Summit Municipal Golf Course

Come experience the Summit Municipal Golf Course, a par-3 course designed by the renowned Hal Purdy. This 9-hole executive course covers just 13 acres, making it an ideal spot for a quick round in Union County. The course features fantastic views of the surrounding area and a challenging yet rewarding layout. The greens are well-maintained, with lush fairways and greens that offer a variety of shots.

From its picturesque setting to its challenging holes, the Municipal Golf Course at Summit is a must-play for golfers of all levels.

East Orange Golf Course

Golfers can head over to the Short Hills community in neighboring Essex County to experience the picturesque 18-hole East Orange Golf Course, crafted by Tom Bendelow in 1926 and offering an unparalleled golfing experience. This course is nestled in the Short Hills area and boasts all the essential features a golfer needs, including a putting green and a comprehensive driving range.

Boasting a total yardage of 5,690 yards and a par of 70, East Orange Golf Course is the perfect destination for golfers of all skill levels. Its course rating of 67.1 and a slope rating of 120 from the back tees provide a challenge for even the most experienced players. Being a daily-fee course makes it accessible to the public, and with its stunning location, it's the perfect place to spend an afternoon on the links. East Orange Golf Course provides an unmatched golfing experience.

Rock Spring Golf Club

You won't want to miss the challenge and beauty of Rock Spring Golf Club, designed by the renowned architect Seth Raynor. Spanning 6,600 yards and boasting a par-71 layout, this public golf course is nestled on a picturesque, undulating terrain in the township of West Orange. It showcases many of Raynor's signature design elements, such as his exceptionally distinctive and creative green complexes.

Established in 1925, Rock Spring has been the venue for prestigious events like the New Jersey State Open and US Healthcare Classic. You'll find that the course demands both accuracy and precision off the tee, while its greens will test your putting skills. If you’re looking for things to do in Essex County, be sure to give Rock Spring a look.

Shady Rest Country Club

Step onto the grounds of the Shady Rest Country Club, the first African-American Golf and Country Club in the United States. Home to John Matthew Shippen Jr., the first American-born African-American golf professional, this former private estate has also hosted some of the most iconic figures in the world of jazz and blues, such as Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington.

This is a perfect golfing destination in Scotch Plains Township, featuring a number of amenities. Its 9-hole golf course offers 2,247 yards of golfing terrain from the longest tees and plays to a par of 33. Members and guests can also enjoy a Pro Shop, a Historic Colonial Clubhouse, and a Pavilion. The 18-hole miniature golf course further adds to the course’s appeal with a cascading waterfall, meandering streams, and serene stepping ponds.

Brooklake Country Club

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Brooklake Country Club, a USGA-rated golf facility located in Morris County. Spanning 150 acres, the golf course offers five sets of tees ranging from 5,190 to 6,926 yards. Highlights include a captivating par-four island green on the 10th hole and a challenging par-five 18th hole, measuring an impressive 630 yards. The club also provides a driving range, a spacious putting green, and a practice hole surrounded by bunkers. You can also get golf club repair services or shop for golf supplies in the pro shop.

Originally known as Braidburn Country Club, it was established in 1921. In 1985, the club was renamed and underwent a redesign led by renowned golf architect Geoffrey Cornish. Cornish is renowned for his expertise in golf course architecture and is the author of several books on the subject.

Get Your Game On in Summit

The area surrounding Summit and the greater Union County region is a haven for golf lovers, boasting a selection of courses that combine challenging play with scenic beauty. These golf courses, each with their own unique characteristics, offer something for players of all levels. With well-maintained facilities and diverse landscapes, golfers moving to Union County will be spoilt for choices. For those looking to indulge in golf near Summit, the options are plentiful and varied—the right course awaits, promising an enjoyable and memorable day of golf in the stunning surroundings.

Source: 7 Best Golf Courses in Summit NJ: Tee Off at Baltusrol Golf Club, Canoe Brook Country Club & More