Knickerbocker Course
Tenafly, NJ, USA
Knickerbocker Country Club, nestled in the leafy, affluent enclave of Tenafly, New Jersey, is a study in understated elegance, a throwback to an era when golf was a gentleman's pursuit, less about championship yardage and more about strategic shot-making. Devereux Emmet, a prominent figure of the Golden Age, sculpted Knickerbocker's parkland layout across gently rolling terrain. While not exceedingly long, the course emphasizes finesse and thoughtful course management. Subtle elevation changes and cunningly placed bunkers require players to carefully consider club selection and approach angles, favoring a precise, rather than powerful game. The course is bisected by a creek that comes into play on several holes. It's known to have a number of dog legs that will favor a player that likes to move the ball right to left, as well as a few blind shots, which is something that has been reduced over the years as trees have been removed. The club, while lacking a marquee history of major championships, maintains a quiet reputation as a haven for serious golfers and their families. The membership, largely drawn from the surrounding affluent communities, enjoys a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. Knickerbocker is a classic, well-maintained course that speaks to the enduring appeal of traditional golf values, a place where camaraderie and the spirit of the game take precedence over championship aspirations.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
Unranked
Best in USA
Unranked
Best in NJ
All courses
Golfers say Knickerbocker is an under-the-radar Donald Ross and Herbert Strong design just outside New York City that's gaining attention thanks to ongoing restoration work clearing trees and revealing the property's natural rolling terrain. Most praise the greens as among the best in northern New Jersey, with conditions described as excellent and green complexes offering interesting challenges. Reviewers note the course plays around 6,800 yards with reachable par-5s, providing good variety without being overly penal off the tee, making it a forgiving yet strategic test. The layout is considered old-school cool with subtle features that appeal to students of classic architecture, and golfers find it an engaging, challenging round overall.
8.2
53 players
Nice practice facilities. Was tough to judge the whole experience as the clubhouse was being renovated. Overall decent track not too easy not too hard. Pretty forgiving off the tee dont lose a ton of balls
In a crowded Northern New Jersey golf space, Knickerbocker goes under the radar. But that continues to change, thanks to ongoing work by Jaeger Kovich and superintendent Kyle Hillegas. A master plan is in place to restore strategic elements lost over time at this Donald Ross and Herbert Strong design. Hundreds if not thousands of trees have been cleared to reveal the subtle rolling topography here a few miles outside NYC. The greens have always been known as some of the best in North Jersey, and the playing conditions have never been better. Major work is still planned, promising to bring KCC further onto the radars of those students of classic architecture.
Super interesting and challenging course.
Knickerbocker is a cool old school Ross design. Plays about 6,800 from the tips with the Par 5’s being essentially Par 4.5’s. Conditions are usually really good, some cool green complexes and a nice variety of holes.
Public courses closest to Knickerbocker.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Knickerbocker has a Course Vaults score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 26 explicit golfer ratings.
Knickerbocker was designed by Donald Ross.
Knickerbocker is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Knickerbocker is 72.
Knickerbocker plays 6,726 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Knickerbocker is 135.
