
Upper Course
Baltusrol Golf Club


About this 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. It’s 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 Baltusrol’s Lower course serves a unique offering, “The Dogleg” - 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.
Rankings
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
Best in USA
Best in NJ
Quick facts
- Location
- Springfield, NJ, USA
- Access
- Private
- Holes
- 18
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,432 yards
- Difficulty
- 145
- Course Vaults score
- 8.9
Getting there
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
Common questions about Upper at Baltusrol Golf Club
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 106 logged golfers.
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.








