Somerset Hills

somerset hills
Russell Kirk
3 Photos

Somerset Hills

  • Course Type

    Private
  • GOLF Top 100 World Rank (2023-24)

    43
  • Year

    1918
  • Architects

    A.W. Tillinghast
  • Par

    71
  • Yardage

    6,756

Course Overview

Thanks to a 25-year-long restoration effort with meticulous attention to detail, Somerset Hills has reached the point where some trumpet it as A.W. Tillinghast’s finest design for regular play. Its two nines are diverse — the first is on more open land while the second jumps into the woods where Tillinghast incorporated natural water features to perfection. Tillinghast’s time in Scotland manifests itself at such holes as the Redan 2nd and the par-5 9th with its attractive cross hazard. A die-hard New Yorker remarked, “It’s enough to make one want to live in New Jersey.” (Photo: Russell Kirk)

3 things to know

  • Hole everyone talks about

    No. 15, par 4, 407 yards. This dogleg presents an enticing risk-reward opportunity: Cut the corner to set up a shorter approach, or play it safe down the left side. Pick your poison: An approach to a green guarded by a creek awaits.
  • Best non-golf amenity

    Want to rub elbows with USGA execs, past and present? Somerset Hills is a popular hangout, with the USGA headquarters only a few miles away in nearby Far Hills.
  • Insider tip

    Worried about missing your tee time? Not here. Somerset Hills doesn’t have ’em. If you’re lucky enough to be invited on the property, you can start your round at your leisure.