Hawk Pointe

New Jersey has several hubs of great golf — in the towns near to New York City, in the suburbs of Philadelphia, and on the coast near Atlantic City — but the northwest region of the state does not receive as much acclaim. Those in the area can at least hang their hats on Hawk Pointe, a fine public-access layout from Kelly Blake Moran.

The property is fairly open, relying on ponds and natural creeks instead of trees to enforce accuracy. The most effective hazard, however, are Moran’s very large bunker installations, which will be in play right off the first tee. Although there are bunkers of a more normal size guarding the inside of the dogleg on this par five, players will need to be wary of playing too safe and hitting through the outside of the turn, where the largest trap on the property rests.

This won’t be the last interaction with a long hole during the round, as No. 15 uses a hill on the outside of the hole for a curious alternate route. The second shot may need to contend with trees as the fairway tightens, but a different patch of fairway exists high on the slope. From here, players have a more open view to the green down below.

The course plays to just more than 7,000 yards from the tips.