Glen Ridge

Although not quite on the water like Liberty National or Bayonne, Glen Ridge Country Club offers views of the Manhattan skyline from its location in north New Jersey. Also unlike those two, Glen Ridge offers more classic design from the Golden Age, kept at a manageable 6,150 yards from its back tees.

The course was designed by Willie Park Jr.; those familiar with the Scot’s legacy know that he does not need much yardage to wreck scorecards, combining curious bunkers and undulating putting surfaces to challenge players long and short. No. 9, named “Old House” (ironic as, at the middle of the property, it is one of the few not now encompassed by real estate) features a massive centerline bunker, with a green surrounded by six additional hazards.

No. 7, a dogleg-left par four, will require precise placement from the tee to give a safe angle into this green, which — while allowing run-up shots — features sand on all other sides. No. 4, the first par three on the course, features six bunkers orbiting around the large putting surface.

The routing is an odd one in that it does return to the clubhouse, but not at No. 9. The second hole comes back immediately before the third heads back out to nos. 4 through 17, which take place across the street from the clubhouse.