List of Public Golf Courses in Bergen County, NJ

Bergen County Golf Courses

 
Bergen County doesn’t only pride itself in having the best schools in the New York City area; it is also a favorite destination among players of the fairways with a remarkable collection of golf courses that can make it quite easy for the uninitiated but still provide some challenges to the veteran.

Darlington Golf Center

When USGA architect Nicholas Psiahas designed the Darlington Golf Center in 1979, he always had this vision of making it one of the best Bergen County golf courses. Almost four decades later, the Golf Center, located in Mahwah, New Jersey, stands proud of what Psiahas had envisioned.
 
Darlington boasts of really tight driving zones that amazingly open up to unusually expansive and equally breathtaking greens. This 18-hole golf course features gently rolling hills emanating from the mountain range of Ramapo. Since it is technically an extension of hardwood forest, one can always expect the open golf season to be perfect for landscape photography as well. However, don’t get dazzled by its beauty as the Darlington has enough terrain variations, water features, bunkers, and tree-lined fairways that can test the wits of even a pro. The champion tees are known for pushing the limits of one’s golfing skills. Precision approach shots are highly priced unless you’re better off with longer chips and putts.

Orchard Hills Golf Course

It may only have 2,776 yards to accommodate a 9-hole layout but the Orchard Hills Golf Course in the heart of Paramus, within the green confines of the Bergen Community College, can still test the skill of even the seasoned golfer. The Orchard Hills is just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Ridgewood Country Club, making for an inexpensive yet equally fulfilling day of golf in Bergen County. The good thing is that because of its proximity to this legendary golfers’ paradise; the Orchard Hills also features gently rolling hills and fairways that are lined by well-appointed trees in lush green foliage.
 
Taking golf lessons before heading to the Orchard Hills can significantly improve one’s handicap, enabling you to master the placement of your approach shots as the holes are laid out in a very peculiar manner. The well-protected greens of this course have been known to challenge the accuracy of even the most focused golfer. Its bunkers, while relatively small, can still be a source of frustration for the unlucky ones.
 
Being a public golf course, most players don’t think highly of Orchard Hills. Only when playing through its greens, will they appreciate its many wonders.

Overpeck Golf Course

An earlier creation of Nicholas Psiahas, having been designed in 1967, the Overpeck Golf Course located in Teaneck, NJ is a par 72 18-hole course that is spread across 6,584 yards of unusually large swaths of greens and ample fairways. But what is really a challenge in this course is the intriguing abundance of water features. As if this is not enough, the winds can be unforgiving even to precision shooters. The holes of the course invariably cross over and are equally guarded by hazards. Don’t be surprised to see the Overpeck Creek as you make your way through holes 5 to 7 and hole 9. It is considered a difficult feat returning to the Overpeck Golf Course clubhouse with the same golf ball you used in the first tee.

Rockleigh Golf Course

Rockleigh Golf Course is a well-rated 27-hole golf course that boasts of playing host to the BC Amateur Championship held every year. The course was designed by Robert McNeil and Alfred H. Tull in 1946 before it was renovated in 2004. The unique layout of this famed Rockleigh, NJ golf course means that no two holes run parallel or are positioned on exactly the same terrain.
 
The golf course is divided into 3 sections of 9 holes each: the Red, White, and Blue with the first two 9-hole sections combining for an 18-hole championship course. Located on a 270-acre piece of land, Rockleigh is actually a combination of two golf clubs or courses that cater to two different players. The Red and White are fundamentally for the advanced players and seasoned golfers while the Blue course, opened in 1961, is primarily intended for newbies as well as those who simply want to try their hands at playing golf in Bergen County.

Valley Brook Golf Club

Located in River Vale, the Valley Brook Golf Club is one of the Bergen County golf courses that can really surprise you with a twist. Designed in 1943 by John Handwerg, Jr, the Valley Brook is a mixture of easy fairways and a challenging terrain. While the greens and fairways can be further improved, the inclusion of water hazards in various holes can increase the overall difficulty of making very accurate shot placements; as if the short and snaking holes aren’t challenging enough.
 
The greens are rather sparse, with smaller islands of sand traps dotting the landscape. One wrong flick of the golf ball or a sudden wind gust and you might as well see your ball either in the water or on the sand. Either way, it would definitely require some mustering of one’s skills.
 
The Valley Brook Golf Club is more than twice as large as Orchard Hills, providing a full 18-hole course to players across an area of 6,211 yards. The 1st tee alone already poses a very unique challenge – a large pond that requires you to carry the ball a full 160 yards. The Pascack Brook as well as a winding creek feature in various holes. Holes 9 and 18 also have a second pond which golfers have to navigate to reach the comfort of the clubhouse.

 
Playing golf in Bergen County need not be expensive as there are several public or municipal golf courses that can provide you with an amazing experience. These Bergen County golf courses are just some of your many options when you live or visit this part of New Jersey.