Okay, so I know what you are thinking...Staten Island, right? At least that is what I was thinking the first time I booked a tee time here on a Friday morning. I have since returned again, this time a Saturday. This place is legit.
I booked a time here on a recommendation from a coworker that resides in Staten Island. I, being from the NYC metro area, but on the other side of the river in NJ, wanted to try something new. I've always thought that great golf courses had to be about 30 miles west of NYC, and usually the further west, the better. I was wrong.
This place is solid and convenient if you live in the Hoboken/Jersey City area. It's a 15-20 min car ride tops. The first Friday, we hit traffic on I-278 so beware (add 10min). Today, Saturday, it was a breeze to get here. Either way, one of the closest, quality courses that you can play in the vicinity. One of the guys that joined us lives in Manhattan. He took mass transit from the LES to get here so very accessible from all local origins.
The course is somewhat short, but if you think you are Tiger, you can play from the tips, which play very long and make for a much more challenging round than the blues. I've played a lot of courses where there is not much difference between the blues and the tips. This is not one of them. The fairways are well groomed and have several dog legs in both directions. There is a decent amount of water that comes into play, and you definitely cannot hit the driver on every par 4. The par 3s are a combination of short 110 yards, and long 215 yards. The course will definitely make you use every club in your bag. The course lacks ample sand, which is fine by me. It's also a little bit tight so you need to pay attention when someone shouts, "FORE!!"
The greens are very true. On my first visit, they had just air raided them, so it was not as enjoyable as it could be, but let's be honest, it's been extremely dry so far this season. A member of the staff told me to come back two weeks later, so I did. Unbelievable what a difference two weeks makes! The greens were extremely true, and not to mention, challenging. There were several multiple break shots that could keep you guessing for days. A twenty foot putt definitely leaves you feeling very satisfied.
The price is reasonable, $70 on weekends with cart (you must leave a $10 deposit which you can leave on the card and receive cash when you return the key). The biggest compliment I can pay to this place is the people. Everyone is really friendly, both the staff as well as the people that play here. You don't have any d bags hitting up on you or taking twenty minutes searching the woods for a ball that belongs on a 1980's milk carton. It was a pleasant change of pace from Bergen County. Their golf courses should give out free anger management classes with every round...just sayin.
Bottom line, pay the $10 (NJ residents), cross the Bayonne Bridge, and play a solid, enjoyable round of golf. You will not be disappointed, I will promise you that. 4 stars is the highest rating I've given so far. I will be back here very soon. read more