Upper Course




Baltusrol's Upper Course is where Jack Nicklaus conquered his own idol, Arnold Palmer, to capture the 1967 U.S. Open. A quintessential example of Golden Age architecture nestled in the rolling hills of northern New Jersey, the Upper Course presents a strategic test defined by its demanding par-4s and subtly contoured greens. While its sister course, the Lower, typically garners more attention, the Upper offers a classically challenging round, rewarding thoughtful shot-making over sheer power. The terrain favors those who can manage their ball flight and navigate the varying slopes of the fairways, as subtle undulations can often lead to unexpected lies. A.W. Tillinghast originally sculpted the Upper Course, and later revisions by Robert Trent Jones and his son, Rees Jones, have aimed to enhance its playability for the modern game while preserving the essence of its original design. The Upper Course has hosted its share of national championships, including the 1954 U.S. Open won by Ed Furgol, a testament to its enduring ability to challenge the game's best. While the Lower Course's championship pedigree often overshadows its sibling, the Upper holds a cherished place in the hearts of Baltusrol members. The Upper course is also the home course for the club's ladies' golfing association. Itās on the Upper Course, that generations of Baltusrol golfers learned the game, fostered camaraderie, and developed a deep appreciation for the traditions of this venerable club. And while not served on the Upper Course, the halfway house at Baltusrolās Lower course serves a unique offering, āThe Doglegā - a toasted, quartered bagel topped with cream cheese, scallions, and bacon - is a Baltusrol staple, a tasty reflection of the club's rich culinary heritage and its embrace of the local flavors of the Garden State.
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
Most visitors arrive via Newark Liberty International (EWR), a swift twenty-five-minute drive east through the suburban corridors of northern New Jersey. Teterboro Airport serves as the preferred gateway for private aviation, positioned even closer to Springfield's wooded hillsides. The final miles peel away from the interstate hum, climbing gently into the Watchung Mountains where stately homes give way to the secluded, iron-gated entrance of Baltusrol Golf Club - a bastion of championship golf quietly nestled in one of America's most densely populated regions, yet feeling a world apart.

FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Upper at Baltusrol Golf Club has a Course Vaults score of 8.9 out of 10 based on 58 explicit golfer ratings.
Upper at Baltusrol Golf Club is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Upper is 72.
Upper plays 7,432 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Upper is 145.
Upper is a 18-hole course.
Upper Course



Baltusrol's Upper Course is where Jack Nicklaus conquered his own idol, Arnold Palmer, to capture the 1967 U.S. Open. A quintessential example of Golden Age architecture nestled in the rolling hills of northern New Jersey, the Upper Course presents a strategic test defined by its demanding par-4s and subtly contoured greens. While its sister course, the Lower, typically garners more attention, the Upper offers a classically challenging round, rewarding thoughtful shot-making over sheer power. The terrain favors those who can manage their ball flight and navigate the varying slopes of the fairways, as subtle undulations can often lead to unexpected lies. A.W. Tillinghast originally sculpted the Upper Course, and later revisions by Robert Trent Jones and his son, Rees Jones, have aimed to enhance its playability for the modern game while preserving the essence of its original design. The Upper Course has hosted its share of national championships, including the 1954 U.S. Open won by Ed Furgol, a testament to its enduring ability to challenge the game's best. While the Lower Course's championship pedigree often overshadows its sibling, the Upper holds a cherished place in the hearts of Baltusrol members. The Upper course is also the home course for the club's ladies' golfing association. Itās on the Upper Course, that generations of Baltusrol golfers learned the game, fostered camaraderie, and developed a deep appreciation for the traditions of this venerable club. And while not served on the Upper Course, the halfway house at Baltusrolās Lower course serves a unique offering, āThe Doglegā - a toasted, quartered bagel topped with cream cheese, scallions, and bacon - is a Baltusrol staple, a tasty reflection of the club's rich culinary heritage and its embrace of the local flavors of the Garden State.
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
Golfers say the Upper Course at Baltusrol is a superb Tillinghast design that holds its own against its more famous Lower sibling, with many members even preferring it for its memorable routing and engaging play. Reviewers praise the immaculate conditions, elevated tees, rolling fairways, and firm, fast greens that create a challenging yet enjoyable test of golf. Most highlight the strong variety in the layout, particularly the distinctive short holes in the middle stretch bookended by excellent longer holes, with standout moments on holes 9, 14, and 18. The course's scenic beautyāincluding glimpses of the city skylineāand the club's rich history add to what golfers describe as a special, rewarding experience, though one notes the Lower's routing feels slightly more cohesive overall.
8.9
104 players
Incredible course overall, but would prefer the lower a bit more. Layout becomes a little forgettable. However favorites were 9, 14, 18
Kind of scoffed when told that many members prefer Upper. I get it now. Itās the more fun of the two, with more memorable holes. BGC oozes history and is a special spot. Upper is terrific.
The Upper Course at Baltusrol is a stunning Tillinghast design that perfectly balances beauty and challenge. Elevated tees, rolling fairways, and firm, fast greens make every hole engaging. Conditions are immaculate, and recent restorations have enhanced its classic charm. Often overlooked next to the Lower, the Upper is equally enjoyableāstrategic, scenic, and a true pleasure to play
Upper is a great test for your game. Middle of the course has some cool short holes while sandwiched by great long ones.
Iād imagine my post restoration score will put this up with legends like the lower and SHCC. Incredible days and memories on the upper, what a difficult course, but in the middle of your third double bogey, a glimpse of the city throughout the clouds or the sun hitting it on a clear summer day is an experience unlike any other.
Public courses closest to Upper at Baltusrol Golf Club.
Most visitors arrive via Newark Liberty International (EWR), a swift twenty-five-minute drive east through the suburban corridors of northern New Jersey. Teterboro Airport serves as the preferred gateway for private aviation, positioned even closer to Springfield's wooded hillsides. The final miles peel away from the interstate hum, climbing gently into the Watchung Mountains where stately homes give way to the secluded, iron-gated entrance of Baltusrol Golf Club - a bastion of championship golf quietly nestled in one of America's most densely populated regions, yet feeling a world apart.

FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Upper at Baltusrol Golf Club has a Course Vaults score of 8.9 out of 10 based on 58 explicit golfer ratings.
Upper at Baltusrol Golf Club is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Upper is 72.
Upper plays 7,432 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Upper is 145.
Upper is a 18-hole course.