Old Tappan Golf Course

Old Tappan Golf Course is a municipal facility in Bergen County, New Jersey, designed by Hal Purdy and opened in the 1960s. Purdy, a prolific architect of public courses throughout the mid-Atlantic region during this era, created layouts that emphasized playability and efficient maintenance for high-volume municipal operations. The course serves the northern New Jersey communities near the New York state border, occupying rolling terrain characteristic of the Piedmont region that extends through this part of the state. The routing makes use of moderate elevation changes and mature tree-lined corridors that define individual holes. As with many Purdy designs from this period, the layout balances accessibility for recreational players with enough strategic interest to engage regular visitors. Greens are typically modest in size with gentle contours, and bunkering is straightforward rather than elaborate. Water features appear on several holes, adding variety to the predominantly parkland character. Old Tappan functions as a neighborhood course for Bergen County residents and visitors seeking affordable golf in a densely populated region where public access is limited. The facility includes a practice area and clubhouse with basic amenities. The course reflects the postwar expansion of municipal golf in suburban New Jersey, providing recreational opportunities within a landscape increasingly defined by residential development. Its continued operation serves golfers looking for convenient, unpretentious play in the northern reaches of the state.