Royce Brook Golf Club

Hillsborough Township, New Jersey

Sunrise is the best time to play Royce Brook’s East Course (West is members only). Beat the crowd, be the first group out, and set the pace. Morning rounds tend to be very tranquil here in Jersey farm country.

The East Course, although labeled a Parkland-style course… is actually pretty wide open, with several of the holes playing quite links-y.

Although not a municipally run course (operated by Billy Casper Golf) - Royce Brook has a Muni-like feel. A hot dog and a beer at the turn seem obligatory. Don’t expect anything fancy, and you won’t be disappointed.

Known for being a longtime local treasure - the course’s future is in limbo. Royce Brook recently struck up a deal with a development firm to build 170+ homes around the course meaning only 18 of the current 36-hole layout will stay intact. Housing will be constructed on parts of both courses. This leaves Royce Brook’s status as a dependable, solid weekday + weekend option for local players up in the air.

Conditions have been different from what we have been accustomed to in years past. Will the upcoming development and restructuring of the course’s layout lead to a renaissance, or has Royce Brook’s time as a top public course in central NJ passed?

Public: Course Website | Designer: Steve Smyers