Meadow and Lake 9-hole courses (Neshanic Valley has four 9-hole courses)
Location
Holes
Yards
Par
USGA Rating
Slope
Neshanic Station, NJ
18
7069
72
73.8
130
Built: 2004 Architect: Hurdzan/Fry Description: The Hurdzan/Fry course is built on the wide expanses and rolling hills that Somerset county had to offer. Although there are 36 holes on the 350 acres (there are still 70 acres unused that are to be made into parkland), the two 9-hole courses combined that make this list are both the toughest and most enjoyable of the bunch.
The open expanse and rolling terrain of Neshanic Valley. (photo courtesy somersetcountyparks.org)
The Meadow and Lake courses are pretty long, but with wide open fairways and only a smattering of bunkering before the greens, it's more a grip-it-and-rip-it strategy off the tee. The main thing to avoid is the long, fescue grasses that boarder some of the fairways, and lurk around the greens, as well. Coupled with some wetland areas, there is some trouble out there, but normally pretty far off the beaten path.
The greens are generally pretty big, with some subtle undulation that make for interesting pin positions. Because the course is kept in such good condition, the greens can also get a little quick, so when to be aggressive is paramount if you're looking to score. Overall, the place is a delight, and is playable for all levels.
Reader Comments: A beautiful new addition the area ... Every course here is unique, and they're all great ... Kept in great shape ... I love the Meadow 9, and it can be really tough when the wind is up ... It's a little long from the back tees, but not too penal if you're off line.
Description: With some of the tightest fairways on Long Island, this seemingly shortish track plays a lot longer than the yardage on the scorecard. With rolling terrain and great stands of trees, almost all tee shots require both length and accuracy. The greens are a pretty decent size and normally undulating, if not drastically tiered.
The water to the right of the par-4 13th green. (photo courtesy Nassau County.)
The front nine plays a bit tougher, but the back shows its teeth on the closing three holes. Each is a par-4 playing over 440 yards through tight, well-bunkered fairways to small, multi-tiered greens. The fairway on the 17th cuts a swath through beautiful huge pines and the staff likes to say it wouldn’t look out of place at Augusta National.
With water coming into play on about seven holes, there is also an ample amount of opportunity to pile up the penalty strokes and eventually find yourself with a score a lot higher than the way you think you played.
Reader Comments: I’ve never played a course with tighter fairways. Punishing, if you don’t hit it straight ... I spent all day hitting out from behind trees, and I couldn’t have enjoyed it more ... Defintiely not for beginners ... In great shape and a real test of course management ... The greens really required a deft touch, not just for chipping and putting, but for all approach shots ... Always a special treat for my son and me whenever we play here. It’s a beauty, and without a doubt one of our all time favorites.
