
West Course
Royce Brook Golf Club


About this course
West at Royce Brook Golf Club, nestled in the rolling hills of Hillsborough Township, is a testament to the enduring appeal of risk-reward golf, where bold play is often handsomely rewarded. The West Course, designed by Steve Smyers, blends modern architectural principles with the natural contours of the Somerset County landscape. Smyers crafted a challenging yet fair layout with ample bunkering and subtly contoured greens. Known for its demanding approach shots, the West Course at Royce Brook favors players who can manage their distance and trajectory with precision. Strategic bunkering guards many of the greens, while undulating fairways require careful consideration off the tee. The course is challenging, yet playable for golfers of all skill levels. Water hazards add to the visual appeal and strategic complexity, particularly on the closing holes. Royce Brook, while not a major championship venue, provides a stern test for accomplished players and a rewarding experience for the everyday golfer. The club maintains a vibrant membership known for its active tournament schedule and commitment to the traditions of the game. An interesting aside: Locals often cite the club's halfway house fare, in particular the sausage and peppers, as a hidden gem of the Somerset County golf experience.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in NJ
Quick facts
- Location
- Hillsborough, NJ, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1998
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Steve Smyers
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,158 yards
- Difficulty
- 75/142
- Course Vaults score
- 7.0
Getting there
Most visitors to Royce Brook Golf Club arrive through Newark Liberty International (EWR), a straightforward forty-minute drive west into the gently rolling farmland and preserved estates of Somerset County. Teterboro Airport serves as the discreet gateway for private aviation, positioned conveniently northeast of the property. The route from either point follows Interstate 78 before peeling off into the quieter, tree-lined roads of Hillsborough, where the landscape softens into open pastures and wooded ridgelines - a surprisingly pastoral transition less than an hour from Manhattan's skyline.

FAQ
Common questions about West at Royce Brook Golf Club
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
West at Royce Brook Golf Club has a Course Vaults score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 23 logged golfers.
West was designed by Steve Smyers.
Yes. West at Royce Brook Golf Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at West is 72.
West plays 7,158 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at West is 142.




