Center at Ridgewood Country Club

The Center Course at Ridgewood Country Club is one of three eighteen-hole layouts at this historic northern New Jersey club, all designed by A.W. Tillinghast in the 1920s. Tillinghast routed twenty-seven holes across the property when the club relocated to Paramus, creating what would become known as the East, West, and Center courses. The Center Course has traditionally been considered the middle sibling in terms of difficulty and character, though all three layouts share Tillinghast's characteristic strategic bunkering, varied green complexes, and thoughtful use of the rolling terrain.

The course occupies gently undulating parkland typical of northern New Jersey's glacial topography, with mature tree-lined fairways and elevation changes that add visual interest and strategic dimension to the holes. Tillinghast's design philosophy emphasizes options and angles, rewarding players who position their tee shots thoughtfully to access favorable approaches to the greens. The bunkering remains a defining feature, with deep, well-placed hazards that frame landing areas and guard green entrances.

Ridgewood has hosted significant championships by combining holes from its three courses into composite layouts. Most notably, the club hosted the 1935 Ryder Cup and the 1990 Senior Open, with routing that drew from all twenty-seven holes. The Center Course contributes important holes to these championship configurations, reflecting Tillinghast's ability to create variety and challenge across the entire property. The club maintains a traditional private membership and has preserved much of Tillinghast's original design intent through the decades.