New Jersey’s greenery encompasses more than its abundant farmlands and parks. The Garden State is also beloved for its lush, verdant golf courses, many of which are fully open to the public.
Whether you’re in North Jersey near Blue Oak Dispensary or closer to Cape May, there’s a gorgeous public golf course in your area.
You may also find post-game recovery easier with cannabis products on the Blue Oak menu. Some of our products might even elevate your game while you’re on the green.
Keep reading to discover the 10 best public golf courses in New Jersey and learn how to support your golfing experience with cannabis.
Forest Hill Field Club
Although Forest Hill Field Club right in Bloomfield is technically a private club, you can nevertheless golf there if you’re not a member.
This 18-hole, par 71 course, which was designed by the revered architect A.W. Tillinghast, includes a notably long and uphill seventh hole.
Even more uphill is hole 11, often found to be the course’s most difficult hole.
The course’s three par 5 holes, as well as its 13th hole (a par 4), involve water, and unlike the norm, the final hole is a par 3, though a challenging one.
Rock Spring Golf Club
Rock Spring Golf Club is a 6,600-yard, par-71 course with rolling hills and tons of trees.
Located in West Orange right near Blue Oak, this course is a short drive from the Montclair Indoor Golf Club, a fun practice spot that ranks among our favorite Montclair activities.
Take in the Manhattan skyline as you tee up on the same course that has hosted recent MGA and NJSGA championships, not to mention four New Jersey State Opens.
Sign up for lessons with a PGA professional, or join group clinics to master putting, specialty shots, and everything you need to make your mark on the green.
Francis A. Byrne Golf Course
Operated by the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, the Francis A. Byrne Golf Course spans nearly 7,000 yards.
Its hills, rolling greens, and deep bunkers make it a formidable course. It resembles early golf courses in terms of layout and design, with recent renovations modernizing its features while keeping the classic feel.
Francis A. Byrne Golf Course is ranked second on GolfPass’s “Top 20 Public Golf Courses in New Jersey – Golfers’ Choice 2025” list. Between this course and Rock Spring, West Orange is home to two of the best public golf courses in New Jersey.
Hendricks Field Golf Course
First opened in 1929, Hendricks Field Golf Course in Belleville is also operated by the Essex County Department of Parks.
Over the years, renovations to this golf course have included the reconstruction of trees, greens, and bunkers alongside updated drainage for better playing conditions.
The course is known for including many of the best-known template holes in golf, including redan, Alps, Biarritz, and Principal’s Nose holes.
Its combination of par 5 and par 3 holes makes it well worth a full day on the green.
Skyway Golf Course
In Jersey City not too far from Bloomfield, you’ll find Skyway Golf Course, a nine-hole adventure with views of the Manhattan skyline.
This public golf course is known for dunes, rolling fairways, and colorful fescue, and it has roughly equal amounts of par three, par four, and par five holes.
Skyway Golf Course is also designed to accommodate slightly off-line approach shots. Its collection and chipping areas receive these shots, improving your golfing experience.
Vineyard National at Renault Winery and Resort
Egg Harbor near Atlantic City is home to an 18-hole course situated on the gorgeous Renault Winery and Resort.
While you traverse this golf course, you’ll encounter the same vines originally used to cultivate the grapes in Renault’s beloved champagne.
Upon arrival, you can purchase access to 18 holes or nine holes. Alternatively, with a membership, you can golf all 18 holes on any day of the week.
Shore Gate Golf Club
Shore Gate Golf Club, in Ocean View near Sea Isle City, is widely hailed as exciting and difficult, but fair.
This course is 72-par, with 18 holes across 425 acres. You’ll find 88 bunkers and five sets of tee markers per hole.
Watch out for the seven ponds and lakes, and get some practice in beforehand at Shore Gate’s driving range and practice putting green.
Heron Glen Golf Course
Currently ranked first on GolfPass’s “Top 20 Public Golf Courses in New Jersey” list, Heron Glen Golf Course in Ringoes (in Hunterdon County) is a 72-par course with 7,065 total yards.
The front nine’s total par is 36, and its total yardage is 3,609. The back nine’s total par is 36, and its total yardage is 3,456.
Explore the course by yourself, or sign up for Heron Glen’s golf clinics, which cover everything from woods to bunker play. One-on-one lessons are also available, including with a PGA professional.
Neshanic Valley Golf Course
A staple of Somerset County’s Neshanic Station, the Neshanic Valley Golf Course is known to be well-maintained and staffed by friendly, helpful people. It’s also ranked third on GolfPass’s list.
Across 350 acres, you’ll golf on the original farmland’s natural topography, with tees, greens, and wide fairways full of creeping bentgrass. You’ll encounter fescue off the greens and fairways.
You’ll also find three par-36 championship nine-hole courses at Neshanic Valley: Meadow, Ridge, and Lake. Each of these courses features five sets of tees, and every possible 18-hole combination spans 5,050 to 7,108 yards.
Old Bridge Golf Club
Located in Middlesex County near Routes 9 and 34, Old Bridge Golf Club comprises four par-71 tees of lengths ranging from 5,045 yards to 6,509 yards.
Whether you’re brand new to golfing or you’ve been at it a while, you’ll find that Old Bridge Golf Club suits your skill level. The course is also known for stunning views and well-manicured fairways.
If you’re looking for advice on how to play the best round possible, ask Old Bridge Golf Club’s on-site staff — they’re known to be friendly.
Cannabis products to support your golf game
Although golf is a relatively low-impact sport, you may experience soreness afterward, or you may injure yourself or develop golfer’s elbow. Cannabis can support all these challenges — here’s how.
Apply cannabis topicals on your swinging shoulder or elbow
A stiff, tender, or tingling shoulder or elbow doesn’t have to keep you off the green.
With cannabis topicals, you may feel localized relief wherever you’re experiencing symptoms.
Apply your topical directly to your skin, wait a moment, and potentially enjoy several hours without any painful or unpleasant sensations.
Consider transdermal patches if you also enjoy the intoxicating effects of THC or the potentially anxiety-relieving effects that come with cannabinoids entering your bloodstream.
Get potential relief via CBD products
Massage oils and drink supplements are among the many CBD products that may provide relief and support post-game recovery.
CBD-infused massaged oils may ease soreness, while dropping oils designed for ingestion into your favorite drink may provide stronger, more full-body relief.
CBD drink supplements may be especially effective for recovery, as they promote rehydration, which is crucial after a day of golfing in the bright sun.
Elevate your golf experience with vapes
For an elevated golf game, bring a discreet vape with you onto the course.
Enjoy a bit of your vape every now and again to keep your head in the clouds, even as your feet remain planted firmly on the grass.
You may find that you enjoy golfing even more than usual, and if your vape is associated with sensations of focus, your performance might be better too.
Get cannabis for all things golf at Blue Oak
Before you head to any of the best public golf courses in New Jersey, visit Blue Oak for premium cannabis products that elevate your game and your recovery alike.
Browse our menu online, or ask our skilled service team for help choosing the right products for your goals and needs. Better yet, book a private consultation for an especially attentive, individualized experience.
Tee up, take your shot, and embark on your journey with Blue Oak — and then, do the same on the golf course.
