Upper at Baltustrol Country Club

Baltusrol's Upper Course, a stern test even from the forward tees, resonates with echoes of golfing titans who have walked its hallowed fairways in pursuit of major championships. Laid out amidst the rolling hills of Springfield, New Jersey, its parkland setting offers a classic, strategic challenge. Players should favor strategic accuracy over raw power, particularly from the tee where positioning is paramount.

Originally crafted by A.W. Tillinghast in the Golden Age of golf course architecture, the Upper Course has been subtly refined over time, most recently with an extensive restoration by Gil Hanse that refreshed the classic Tillinghast design. The course has served as host to multiple U.S. Opens, PGA Championships, and U.S. Amateurs, witnessing indelible moments in golf history. The ghosts of Nicklaus, Jones, and Hogan roam these fairways.

Though not consistently lauded to the same degree as its sibling Lower Course, the Upper at Baltusrol provides a formidable examination of a golfer's skillset, demanding thoughtful approaches and precise execution on its heavily contoured greens. The membership, long drawn from the New York metropolitan area's business and legal elite, add a layer of established, old-school charm to the club, fostering a competitive yet respectful golfing environment.