Royce Brook (East)

Members of the general public aren’t totally removed from Royce Brook Golf Club’s golf offerings; although the West Course only offers tee times to members, outsiders may play the East Course regularly. Both courses were designed by Steve Smyers, so public players will get a decent taste of what private players are experiencing on the other side.

That said, private members may be just as eager to head to the East when they have the chance, as it plays a touch shorter and easier than the West. Neither is a walk in Asbury Park, however. Smyers has blessed (or cursed) both nines with plentiful bunkering, many of which are sizable in scope and in many cases the greens are contrastingly small.

Coming in at less than 7,000 yards from the back tees, distance is not the primary challenge. Three of the par fives are eagle opportunities for those who wish to challenge Smyers's bunkering schemes. At 495 yards, players who can work it both ways can “easily” find the green on the double-dogleg at No. 7. No. 12 is even shorter...but getting home in two means carrying the trio of bunkers guarding a sharp dogleg.