Somerset Hills Course
Bernardsville, NJ, USA
Somerset Hills Country Club, a testament to understated elegance nestled in the rolling hills of Bernardsville, New Jersey, stands as a beacon of classic Golden Age design. Carved into the Somerset County landscape, the course features subtly contoured fairways, challenging greens, and strategic bunkering that rewards thoughtful play over sheer power. The course, while not overtly long, favors players who can shape the ball and manage their way around the mature tree-lined property. Designed by the legendary A.W. Tillinghast, Somerset Hills embodies his philosophy of natural integration with the existing terrain. The course has seen thoughtful enhancements over the years, maintaining its original character while subtly adapting to the modern game. While not known for hosting major professional events, the club enjoys a prominent position in the regional amateur golf scene, a testament to its challenging yet fair layout and impeccable conditioning. Somerset Hills cultivates an atmosphere of camaraderie and quiet distinction. The club's membership reflects a diverse group of individuals who share a deep appreciation for the game and the traditions of golf. Known among members for its lively post-round clubhouse atmosphere, Somerset Hills is also celebrated for its exceptional culinary offerings, including their renowned crab cakes, a culinary staple after a spirited round.
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
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Best in USA
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Best in NJ
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Golfers say Somerset Hills ranks among the finest Tillinghast designs they've played, with several calling the green complexes the best they've ever seen—though reviewers strongly advise hiring a caddy to navigate the severe slopes and read the lightning-fast surfaces. Most praise the contrasting nines, describing the front as more open links-style golf and the back as an epic walk through the woods with no weak holes after the fifth. Reviewers note the course plays long but moves quickly, with one mentioning a sub-three-hour round in a foursome, and several highlight standout holes like the fun redan second and the apple-tree-lined ninth. The consensus is that this is an ideal members' course and one of the most exclusive and memorable experiences in American golf.
9.2
163 players
As close to a perfect golf course as I have played. Incredible routing, phenominal greens, and will test every part of the game. The par 3 2nd is the coolest hole I have ever played.
Incredible course. If they named the 9’s it’d be Links & Forest. Greens are magnificent but deadly - without a caddy you are toast. Have to know where to miss on each approach
Without a doubt, the best green complexes I have ever played in my life. Would be completely lost without a caddy, the back 9 is epic and feels like the best walk in the woods.
Played a best ball tournament out here. Really want to go back and play it not in a tournament form. Front nine is more open and the back nine goes into the forest. Greens were lightening fast and the defense of the golf course.
Tillinghast was an absolute issue. Maybe the best green complexes I’ve ever seen. Once you hit the 5th hole there isn’t a bad hole. 2 is one of the more fun redan’s I’ve played.
Long for the days of SHCC, 18 holes in 2:45 minutes in a 4-some. One of the great summer days, spent at one of the most exclusive places in the United States.
Somerset Hills is truly amazing. My favorite Tillinghast I’ve had the privilege to play. The Back 9 is one of the best in the country
It's my favorite golf course. If a more perfect members course exists, I'm not sure what it is and please invite me! :) Highly recommend going in the fall when the apples are in bloom and you can pick them off the trees as you walk up #9.
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Somerset Hills has a Course Vaults score of 9.2 out of 10 based on 91 explicit golfer ratings.
Somerset Hills was designed by A .W. Tillinghast.
Somerset Hills is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Somerset Hills is 71.
Somerset Hills plays 6,784 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Somerset Hills is 132.
