Berkshire Valley at Berkshire Valley Golf Club

Berkshire Valley, nestled in the highlands of Oak Ridge, NJ, is a testament to the enduring allure of modern public golf. Built in the late 1990s, the course unfurls across a landscape dotted with dramatic elevation changes carved from pre-Cambrian bedrock. This creates a challenging yet accessible layout. A number of holes, particularly on the back nine, demand strategic approaches over ravines and up sharply inclining fairways.

Designed by the prolific Hal Purdy, Berkshire Valley favors a strategic game. Errant shots are penalized not so much by thick rough, but by the severely sloped terrain and greens complexes that demand precise iron play. Its length, while not overwhelming by modern standards, is deceptive due to the frequent uphill battles, making club selection paramount.

While Berkshire Valley hasn't hosted major championships, it remains a respected and popular course among the local golfing community. Weekends see a diverse mix of players, from seasoned veterans to enthusiastic newcomers, all drawn to the beauty and challenge of the course. The 19th hole, overlooking the valley, is known for its robust post-round postmortems on how to best navigate Purdy's demanding layout.