Lower Course
Springfield, NJ, USA
Baltusrol's Lower Course, forever linked with Jack Nicklaus's twin U.S. Open victories, is a muscular testament to Golden Age design. Carved into the rolling hills of Springfield, New Jersey, the Lower presents a stern test that favors power and precision. The long par 4s and strategic bunkering, hallmarks of its era, demand confident ball-striking, rewarding players who can shape shots into firm, undulating greens. A.W. Tillinghast, the original architect, imbued the Lower with a sense of grandeur. Subsequent renovations by Robert Trent Jones and his son, Rees Jones, have ensured its relevance for the modern game, preserving Tillinghast's strategic intent while lengthening the course to challenge elite players. It has held multiple high profile tour events since its inception, including major championships most recently the 2016 PGA Championship. Baltusrol's membership reflects a deep appreciation for golf's traditions. While boasting a competitive spirit on the course, the club exudes a warm and convivial atmosphere off it, fostering camaraderie among those who value the game's rich history. The course is a destination, but it’s the feeling of the club that keeps members bonded to Baltusrol.
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
All courses
Best in USA
All courses
Best in NJ
All courses
9.1
144 players
Insanely hard with the wind blowing 30+ all day. Nonetheless, I love Tilly designs and this was no different. Hope to get back out there someday to play the Upper course.
Amazing layout and history!
Just a classy course. Pristine condition & not a bad hole.
Words can’t describe for me personally, my 1st T100, and blew me away. As a Muni Hound, this was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. Changed me as a golfer forever. Was able to see the performance center as well as the wall of winners. NEW NOTES First time I only played 1-6 and 17+18, so I was overjoyed to be able to see what I missed, and to be expected, I was blown away. Every hole feels grand, from the iconic opening stretch to the legendary finishing par 5s. Simply put, it’s one of America’s great golf experiences
Beautiful reno by Gil, great routing for a 36 hole property
Only played in a USGA event. Range is not very good but all around pretty outstanding
Such a great Championship course made even better after the Hanse restoration. A great mix of short and long holes. Impressive green complexes that are huge. Seriously good finishing stretch.
Home of the 2028 PGA Championship. One of the all time venues in golf. I dream of days to stroll the Baltusrol fairways with a transfusion in my hand again.
Above and beyond the most well maintained course I have ever played. As a golf history nerd the locker room takes you back in time and the clubhouse is a work of art. The course itself is a great walk through the mountainside and trouble is around every corner if you are not in the fairways.
Loads of American golf history. Home to plenty of Majors. Tilly design, amazing conditions.
Public courses closest to Lower at Baltusrol Golf Club.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Lower at Baltusrol Golf Club has a Course Vaults score of 9.1 out of 10 based on 70 explicit golfer ratings.
Lower at Baltusrol Golf Club is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Lower is 72.
Lower plays 7,550 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Lower is 146.
Lower is a 72-hole course.
