Neshanic Valley Golf Course opened to the public on Labor Day weekend in 2004 with play on the Meadow and Lake nines. The Ridge nine opened in 2005. The facility drew immediate accolades from golfers as well as the media. Golfweek ranks Neshanic Valley as one of the Top 50 Municipal Courses in the United States.
Hurdzan/Fry Golf Course Design, headed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, was responsible for the design of Neshanic Valley. Hurdzan and Fry have many notable design credits to their names, including Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone and 2017 U.S. Open site Erin Hills Golf Course in Wisconsin.
Carved out of 420 acres of rolling farmland, Neshanic Valley covers 350 acres with 70 acres designated for future park usage. Existing land features were preserved as the architects took full advantage of the existing topography. The fairways, tees, and greens feature creeping bentgrass. The course has an open feel to it, and the fairways are of generous width. But an ample amount of fescue is found off the fairways and greens. Environmentally sensitive wetland areas come into play throughout with some holes featuring hazards running down the entire left or right side. The putting surfaces feature subtle undulations, and are well guarded by large bunkers.
All three of Neshanic Valley’s championship nine-hole courses – Meadow, Lake, and Ridge (all par 36) – feature five sets of tees with the 18-hole combinations ranging from 5,050 to 7,108 yards. Golfers are given the option off the tee to play away from trouble, but the bold play skirting trouble is rewarded with a shorter next shot and a better angle to play it from.
Neshanic Valley has hosted the New Jersey State Golf Association’s Men’s Public Links Championship in July of 2014, the 2007 Metropolitan Golf Association Men’s Public Links Championship, the 2009 New Jersey State Golf Association Women’s Amateur Championship, and the 2012 United States Golf Association Women’s Public Links Championship.
In addition to its 27 holes of championship golf, Neshanic Valley features the 9-hole Academy Course, the Callaway Golf Performance Center, and the Learning Center with a double-ended driving range, short-game practice area, large putting green, and two practice holes. The par-32 Academy Course features three sets of tees and plays from 1,420 to 2,019 yards with five par-four holes and four par threes.
The 12,000 square-foot Clubhouse has a fully stocked Pro Shop featuring brand name equipment and golf apparel. The Grille Room provides golfers with sandwiches and snacks to go, and an opportunity to enjoy a cocktail and meal while socializing after a round of golf. The second floor Banquet Room is available for outings, banquets, and community events. It is complemented by an outdoor deck with a 270-degree view of the golf course, the historic Neshanic Valley, and the nearby Sourland Mountains.
Neshanic Valley is located at 2301 South Branch Road in Neshanic Station, about five minutes from Route 202.
SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION
GOLF COURSE CODE OF CONDUCT
The Somerset County Park Commission takes great pride in the quality of its customers, visitors, staff, and golf facilities. This Code of Conduct is intended to ensure a safe, friendly, and respectful place for customers, visitors, and staff to gather in the spirit of cooperation, good will, fun, and friendly competition.
This Code of Conduct gives examples of acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Please note that the privilege of any individual to utilize any or all of the Somerset County Park Commission golf courses may be denied, suspended or terminated if it is determined to be in the best interest of the Park Commission. Any individual or party whose conduct disrupts the operation of the facility or creates a disturbance to the detriment of the operation, staff, customers, or visitors of the facility, will be asked to leave the facility immediately by staff and may be subject to additional administrative or legal action.
All golfers and/or visitors at Park Commission golf courses are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that:
- Creates an environment and culture that is reflective of the personal integrity and respect documented in the Park Commission Golf Course Rules and Etiquette Requirements in which it is written that we are capable of enforcing rules upon ourselves with honesty, integrity, and good sportsmanship. The same integrity, honesty, and good will are expected whether on the golf courses, in the golf shops or clubhouse, or present on any other portion of the properties.
- Is free of discrimination or any form of harassing behavior to fellow golfers, visitors, or staff.
- Acknowledges Park Commission facilities as a customer and family friendly environment and refrains from using obscenities, excessively loud or otherwise inappropriate behavior.
- Observes proper etiquette on and off the golf course and when present at any portion of the facility.
- Shows the utmost respect and dignity to fellow golfers, visitors, and staff.
- Demonstrates an understanding that golfers and visitors have no authority to instruct staff in job performance and duties.
- Is vigilant in reporting real or perceived safety hazards to staff or management.
- Does not foster an environment that aims to denigrate, talk down to, ridicule, or scream at fellow golfers, visitors, or staff members and does not create unnecessary divisiveness in any way.
- Does not misrepresent their position or authority to others.
- Follows the published dress code.
- Complies with all facility rules.
- Complies with golf operations staff, golf maintenance staff, and food and beverage concessionaire staff requests.
- Does not interfere with the ability of customers and/or staff to use the golf course for its intended purpose.
- Acknowledges that only alcoholic beverages purchased at or supplied at golf courses are permitted on the premises and that “bring your own” alcohol and privately-owned coolers are not permitted on the premises.
Any customer or visitor who violates or fails to observe this Park Commission Code of Conduct, which includes a violation of the Park Commission Rules of Golf and Etiquette Requirements, may be met with sanctions which may include, but not be limited to the following, depending on the severity of the conduct:
- Issuance of a verbal warning.
- Issuance of a written warning.
- Suspension of his/her playing privileges for a defined period of time.
- Permanent suspension of his/her playing privileges.
- Revocation of his/her registration status Pass without monetary reimbursement.
- Removal from the facility.
- Monetary restitution for damage to property.
- Forfeiture of all fees paid.
Except for those for which verbal warnings are issued, all violations and evidence thereof as well as all sanctions imposed by the Park Commission will be documented in writing and given (in person or by mail) to the offender. Violations and/or sanctions may be appealed, in writing, to the Park Commission Director. The decision of the Director may be appealed to the Park Commission by filing a written appeal with the Park Commission President
