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Watchung Valley GC
Architect: Seth Raynor Year: 1892 600 Mountain Blvd, Watchung, NJ 07069 Phone: (908) 561-8855 Course Access: Private https://www.watchungvalleygc.com/ |
Watchung Valley GC
Watchung Valley Golf Club, located at 600 Mountain Blvd, Watchung, New Jersey, is a private 18-hole golf facility with a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Nestled behind the first ridge of the Watchung Mountains, the club is known for its scenic, strategic, and challenging Seth Raynor-designed course, which has undergone significant restoration to preserve its historical integrity. The club’s evolution reflects a series of name changes, relocations, and architectural enhancements, making it a significant part of New Jersey’s golfing heritage.
Foundational Years (1889–1925)
The origins of Watchung Valley Golf Club trace back to 1889, when it was founded as the Park Club of Plainfield, a social hub in the prosperous city of Plainfield, New Jersey. In 1892, a group of Park Club members formed a golf-focused subset, and by 1895, they began developing a golf course on property owned by member Louis K. Hyde near the base of the First Watchung Mountain in North Plainfield. This led to the incorporation of the “Park Golf Club” in 1898. The club enlisted Tom Bendelow, a prolific golf course designer known as the “Johnny Appleseed of American golf,” to create a 9-hole course, one of over 600 courses he designed nationwide.
In 1915, the club was renamed Hydewood Country Club. However, the early 1920s brought a significant challenge when the State of New Jersey condemned part of the club’s property to construct Route 29 (now US-22), a road leading to the newly built Holland Tunnel. Faced with the choice of relocating or dissolving, the membership opted to find a new site. In 1925, they purchased the Cooley dairy farm in what is now the Borough of Watchung, located along the south-facing ridgeline of the Second Watchung Mountain. The site’s undulating topography and panoramic views made it ideal for a premier golf course.
Seth Raynor’s Design and Early Development (1925–1929)
The club commissioned renowned golf architect Seth Raynor to design the new course. Raynor, known for his “template” holes inspired by classic British Isles courses, completed the routing for the 18-hole course but tragically died in 1926 before construction began. The project was then overseen by Marty O’Loughlin, the head professional at Plainfield Country Club, with assistance from Percy Beckett. The course opened in 1927, featuring many of Raynor’s signature template holes, such as the Punchbowl, Eden, Prize Dogleg, and Bottle, adapted to the hilly terrain. Critics praised the course for its beauty and championship layout, with the Plainfield Courier comparing it to Baltusrol and another review calling it a rival to any course in the state.
The course, stretching to 6,921 yards from the tips with a par of 72, was designed to reward strategy and shot-making, with firm and fast conditions that emphasized the ground game. The club was initially named Watchung Valley Country Club, reflecting its new location.
Financial Struggles and Ownership Changes (1930s–1943)
The Great Depression and subsequent economic challenges took a toll on the club. By 1936, Watchung Valley Country Club was on the brink of insolvency. A group of members rallied to purchase the club’s debt from the bank, stabilizing its finances and renaming it Watchung Valley Country Club. However, World War II further strained membership, and by 1943, the club faced severe financial difficulties, a common plight for golf clubs during the war. That year, the Cronheim family purchased the club, marking the beginning of a multi-generational ownership that continues to this day.
Mid-20th Century and Name Changes (1943–2010)
Under the Cronheim family’s stewardship, the club was renamed Twin Brooks Country Club, a name it retained for much of the 20th century. The course saw minor modifications over the decades, including work by architect Tom Devane in 2001. Despite these changes, the core of Raynor’s routing remained intact, preserving its historical and architectural significance. The club hosted several notable tournaments, including the 1954 Four Ball Championship, the 1988 Amateur Championship, the 1989 and 1997 Mid-Amateur Championships, and the 2017 Junior Championship, cementing its reputation as a competitive venue.
Restoration and Modern Era (2010s–Present)
In the late 2010s, Watchung Valley Golf Club embarked on a comprehensive restoration project led by golf course architect George Waters, a former associate of Tom Doak, and Restoration Chairman David B. Cronheim. The four-year project, completed in 2017, aimed to restore the course to Seth Raynor’s original design while harmonizing modifications made by O’Loughlin and Beckett. The restoration included reviving Raynor’s template holes, such as the unique Punchbowl par-3, the Eden, the Prize Dogleg (16th), and the Bottle, and enhancing the course’s firm and fast playing conditions. Extensive tree removal opened up vistas, and the addition of fescue added visual contrast.
Concurrently, the club overhauled its clubhouse, introducing a new dining room, tap room, fireside lounge, and updated locker rooms. To honor the restored course and its historical roots, the club reverted to the name Watchung Valley Golf Club in 2017. The restoration earned significant recognition, including a nomination for Golf Digest’s “Remodel of the Year” in 2017 and a ranking as the #30 Best Course in New Jersey by Top100golfcourses.com in 2024.
In recent years, the club added a 6-hole short course designed by Blake Conant, the club’s current consulting architect, enhancing its offerings for members. The club continues to host prestigious events, such as the 2024 Men’s Ivy League Championship and the upcoming 2026 NJ Amateur.
Course Characteristics and Notable Features
Watchung Valley Golf Club is celebrated for its strategic design and scenic beauty. The course measures 6,640–6,921 yards, with a par of 72, a course rating of 72.4, and a slope rating of 126. It features Bent Grass greens and fairways, maintained in excellent condition with firm and fast playing surfaces. The hilly terrain creates dramatic elevation changes, challenging sidehill lies, and stunning views of the Watchung Mountains.
Key holes include:
Punchbowl Par-3: One of the few one-shot Punchbowl holes in Raynor’s portfolio, offering a unique challenge.
Eden: A beautifully framed par-3 with mountain views.
Prize Dogleg (16th): A demanding hole requiring precise shot placement.
Bottle: Considered one of the finest examples of this template outside the National Golf Links of America.
The course’s large, geometric greens and well-placed bunkers reward creative approach shots and put a premium on shot-making. Unlike many traditional country clubs, Watchung Valley emphasizes a brisk pace of play, equal access for men and women, and a culture that avoids excessive formality, aligning with the UK model of golf.
Membership and Culture
Watchung Valley Golf Club prides itself on its vibrant, golf-centric community. With approximately 305 golf members, about 200 of whom are under 45, the club boasts one of the youngest memberships in the Metropolitan area. The club fosters a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere, encouraging fast play, firm conditions, and a focus on golf’s core traditions without pretension. Members have access to a range along the 8th hole, a practice green, and the new short course. The club’s culinary offerings, led by a chef from a top Morristown restaurant, complement its social scene.
The club actively supports amateur and junior golf, producing notable players, including a NJ Open champion, three Ivy League golf captains, ACC golfers, and USGA competitors. Its membership process ensures alignment with the club’s unique culture, prioritizing golf enthusiasts who value strategy and camaraderie.
Current Status and Recognition
Today, Watchung Valley Golf Club is regarded as a hidden gem in New Jersey, offering a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. Its restoration has elevated its status, with reviewers calling it “possibly the best course in New Jersey” and praising its condition, design, and playability. The club’s commitment to maintaining a high-quality golf experience, combined with its historical significance and modern amenities, positions it as a standout in the state’s deep private golf landscape.
Conclusion
Watchung Valley Golf Club’s history is a testament to resilience, adaptation, and a dedication to golf’s architectural heritage. From its origins as the Park Club of Plainfield to its current status as a meticulously restored Seth Raynor masterpiece, the club has navigated challenges while preserving its identity. The Cronheim family’s long-term ownership, coupled with recent restoration efforts, has ensured that Watchung Valley remains a vibrant, forward-thinking club that honors its past while embracing golf’s modern trajectory. For those fortunate enough to play or join, Watchung Valley offers a unique blend of history, strategy, and community, making it a cornerstone of New Jersey golf.
Foundational Years (1889–1925)
The origins of Watchung Valley Golf Club trace back to 1889, when it was founded as the Park Club of Plainfield, a social hub in the prosperous city of Plainfield, New Jersey. In 1892, a group of Park Club members formed a golf-focused subset, and by 1895, they began developing a golf course on property owned by member Louis K. Hyde near the base of the First Watchung Mountain in North Plainfield. This led to the incorporation of the “Park Golf Club” in 1898. The club enlisted Tom Bendelow, a prolific golf course designer known as the “Johnny Appleseed of American golf,” to create a 9-hole course, one of over 600 courses he designed nationwide.
In 1915, the club was renamed Hydewood Country Club. However, the early 1920s brought a significant challenge when the State of New Jersey condemned part of the club’s property to construct Route 29 (now US-22), a road leading to the newly built Holland Tunnel. Faced with the choice of relocating or dissolving, the membership opted to find a new site. In 1925, they purchased the Cooley dairy farm in what is now the Borough of Watchung, located along the south-facing ridgeline of the Second Watchung Mountain. The site’s undulating topography and panoramic views made it ideal for a premier golf course.
Seth Raynor’s Design and Early Development (1925–1929)
The club commissioned renowned golf architect Seth Raynor to design the new course. Raynor, known for his “template” holes inspired by classic British Isles courses, completed the routing for the 18-hole course but tragically died in 1926 before construction began. The project was then overseen by Marty O’Loughlin, the head professional at Plainfield Country Club, with assistance from Percy Beckett. The course opened in 1927, featuring many of Raynor’s signature template holes, such as the Punchbowl, Eden, Prize Dogleg, and Bottle, adapted to the hilly terrain. Critics praised the course for its beauty and championship layout, with the Plainfield Courier comparing it to Baltusrol and another review calling it a rival to any course in the state.
The course, stretching to 6,921 yards from the tips with a par of 72, was designed to reward strategy and shot-making, with firm and fast conditions that emphasized the ground game. The club was initially named Watchung Valley Country Club, reflecting its new location.
Financial Struggles and Ownership Changes (1930s–1943)
The Great Depression and subsequent economic challenges took a toll on the club. By 1936, Watchung Valley Country Club was on the brink of insolvency. A group of members rallied to purchase the club’s debt from the bank, stabilizing its finances and renaming it Watchung Valley Country Club. However, World War II further strained membership, and by 1943, the club faced severe financial difficulties, a common plight for golf clubs during the war. That year, the Cronheim family purchased the club, marking the beginning of a multi-generational ownership that continues to this day.
Mid-20th Century and Name Changes (1943–2010)
Under the Cronheim family’s stewardship, the club was renamed Twin Brooks Country Club, a name it retained for much of the 20th century. The course saw minor modifications over the decades, including work by architect Tom Devane in 2001. Despite these changes, the core of Raynor’s routing remained intact, preserving its historical and architectural significance. The club hosted several notable tournaments, including the 1954 Four Ball Championship, the 1988 Amateur Championship, the 1989 and 1997 Mid-Amateur Championships, and the 2017 Junior Championship, cementing its reputation as a competitive venue.
Restoration and Modern Era (2010s–Present)
In the late 2010s, Watchung Valley Golf Club embarked on a comprehensive restoration project led by golf course architect George Waters, a former associate of Tom Doak, and Restoration Chairman David B. Cronheim. The four-year project, completed in 2017, aimed to restore the course to Seth Raynor’s original design while harmonizing modifications made by O’Loughlin and Beckett. The restoration included reviving Raynor’s template holes, such as the unique Punchbowl par-3, the Eden, the Prize Dogleg (16th), and the Bottle, and enhancing the course’s firm and fast playing conditions. Extensive tree removal opened up vistas, and the addition of fescue added visual contrast.
Concurrently, the club overhauled its clubhouse, introducing a new dining room, tap room, fireside lounge, and updated locker rooms. To honor the restored course and its historical roots, the club reverted to the name Watchung Valley Golf Club in 2017. The restoration earned significant recognition, including a nomination for Golf Digest’s “Remodel of the Year” in 2017 and a ranking as the #30 Best Course in New Jersey by Top100golfcourses.com in 2024.
In recent years, the club added a 6-hole short course designed by Blake Conant, the club’s current consulting architect, enhancing its offerings for members. The club continues to host prestigious events, such as the 2024 Men’s Ivy League Championship and the upcoming 2026 NJ Amateur.
Course Characteristics and Notable Features
Watchung Valley Golf Club is celebrated for its strategic design and scenic beauty. The course measures 6,640–6,921 yards, with a par of 72, a course rating of 72.4, and a slope rating of 126. It features Bent Grass greens and fairways, maintained in excellent condition with firm and fast playing surfaces. The hilly terrain creates dramatic elevation changes, challenging sidehill lies, and stunning views of the Watchung Mountains.
Key holes include:
Punchbowl Par-3: One of the few one-shot Punchbowl holes in Raynor’s portfolio, offering a unique challenge.
Eden: A beautifully framed par-3 with mountain views.
Prize Dogleg (16th): A demanding hole requiring precise shot placement.
Bottle: Considered one of the finest examples of this template outside the National Golf Links of America.
The course’s large, geometric greens and well-placed bunkers reward creative approach shots and put a premium on shot-making. Unlike many traditional country clubs, Watchung Valley emphasizes a brisk pace of play, equal access for men and women, and a culture that avoids excessive formality, aligning with the UK model of golf.
Membership and Culture
Watchung Valley Golf Club prides itself on its vibrant, golf-centric community. With approximately 305 golf members, about 200 of whom are under 45, the club boasts one of the youngest memberships in the Metropolitan area. The club fosters a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere, encouraging fast play, firm conditions, and a focus on golf’s core traditions without pretension. Members have access to a range along the 8th hole, a practice green, and the new short course. The club’s culinary offerings, led by a chef from a top Morristown restaurant, complement its social scene.
The club actively supports amateur and junior golf, producing notable players, including a NJ Open champion, three Ivy League golf captains, ACC golfers, and USGA competitors. Its membership process ensures alignment with the club’s unique culture, prioritizing golf enthusiasts who value strategy and camaraderie.
Current Status and Recognition
Today, Watchung Valley Golf Club is regarded as a hidden gem in New Jersey, offering a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. Its restoration has elevated its status, with reviewers calling it “possibly the best course in New Jersey” and praising its condition, design, and playability. The club’s commitment to maintaining a high-quality golf experience, combined with its historical significance and modern amenities, positions it as a standout in the state’s deep private golf landscape.
Conclusion
Watchung Valley Golf Club’s history is a testament to resilience, adaptation, and a dedication to golf’s architectural heritage. From its origins as the Park Club of Plainfield to its current status as a meticulously restored Seth Raynor masterpiece, the club has navigated challenges while preserving its identity. The Cronheim family’s long-term ownership, coupled with recent restoration efforts, has ensured that Watchung Valley remains a vibrant, forward-thinking club that honors its past while embracing golf’s modern trajectory. For those fortunate enough to play or join, Watchung Valley offers a unique blend of history, strategy, and community, making it a cornerstone of New Jersey golf.