Baltusrol Golf Club
Springfield Township, New Jersey
Named for Baltus Roll, a farmer brutally murdered in 1831 - Roll's farmland was converted into a golf course nearly 60 years later & named Baltusrol, combining his first & last name.
The host of several US Opens & PGA Championships, Baltusrol's prestigious history speaks for itself.
Much of the Upper course's character comes from its landscape. Essentially a mountain course, the Upper's contoured, hilly terrain presents a tough run of sidehill, right-to-left sloped fairways, and greens for the first six holes.
Grab an apple & a Baltusrol lager at the turn and stay clear of Tillinghast's hazards. An all-time post-round patio hang is just a few bogies away.
With many historical memorabilia on display, the clubhouse doubles as a museum - be sure to roam its' halls before leaving!
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Gil Hanse's recent restoration of the Lower course can be best described by a member, who exclaimed, "He brought Tillinghast back, baby!"
The look and feel of the lower course has been much improved. As tough as it is beautiful, the lower course looks a lot different. Trees have been removed to open up sight lines and playing angles (as well as improve the health of nearby greens). Subtly shifting greens are now protected by bunkers with eyelashes that do a great job of framing green complexes. Reading greens here can be deceptive - as a good rule of thumb, always be aware of the mountain in relation to your putt to help you determine your speed. Deep fairway bunkers are plentiful, and the rough is long and punishing, requiring near-perfect recovery shots.
Our caddy "T" told us rather tiredly that since the lower courses reopening, he's never spent more time raking bunkers on a course in his 20-year career. The clubhouse was also renovated after a major fire - walking through its hallways feels like you're in a golf museum. Not only does it showcase Baltusrol's tremendous history, but it also modernizes the ways players can learn about the courses before going out to play them.
The Lower Course will host the 2023 Women's PGA Championship and the 2029 Men's PGA Championship - the 12th and 13th major championships hosted by Baltusrol Renovation will begin on the Upper Course in 2024.
Post-Round: Hang out on the clubhouse's beautiful outdoor patio for your post-round meal and drink. Never pass up an apple when you see them offered around the course!
Public: Course Website | Opened: 1922| Designer: A. W. Tillinghast
