Pine Valley Golf Club (NJ) Wins Top Course in America 2017

When asked what our bucket list courses (USA) are, we’re quick in shouting out Augusta, Sawgrass, Pebble Beach, Pinehurst No 2. or even Whistling Straights.   Some may choose Oakmont or Congressional, perhaps Chambers Bay.   It’s rare that a desired golf course would be located in the cold northeast but Pine Valley Golf Club is nestled far from the New Jersey beaches on the southwest side of the state.   Perhaps it’s seclusion is what makes this place mysterious?

Golf enthusiasts everywhere have heard of Pine Valley and I have friends who have played it (a few times).   One friend played through an invitation of a friend of his who is a member and ended up a hole behind Jordan Spieth.  But honestly, how did a course like this earn Golf Digest’s Top Honors when rarely anybody has ever seen it or heard of it?   But let me be fair and mention that this is the second time in three years that they have earned this honor, but what makes it so great that it bumped out Augusta again?

A photo posted by Greatest Golf Holes (@bestgolfholes) on Nov 16, 2016 at 2:31pm PST

Here’s the deal with PVGC.  It might be one of the toughest designs if not thee toughest in the tri-state area.  The slope reads 155 with a 75.6 rating which is in line with what is seen at Bethpage Black; although Black is much longer. No one cares about that … it’s the fact that it’s easier to stroll into Fort Knox than it is to play a round here that gives it status.

This super private golf club is extremely convenient for travelers into Philadelphia International Airport.  Their celebrity members and professional athletes can fly in to PIA for a fast round on a course that earned No. 1 in the World honors in 2015 and then jet home.  Not a bad afternoon huh?

And because the grounds do not offer the appropriate room for spectators, you’ll never see a PGA TOUR event played there.

Their male-only membership is still in force, with new members only allowed by invitation from the board of directors.  Now here is a “cool-club” that we most likely will never be a member of.  The roster runs from past presidents, actors, professional golf superstars like Crenshaw and Palmer, and even wealthy corporate executives.  According to sources, the club is said to have just under 1000 members around the world and the roster is extremely confidential.

A photo posted by Jon Cavalier (@linksgems) on Nov 4, 2016 at 5:37pm PDT

It’s safe to assume we will never get a chance at Augusta National, but the possibility is always there if you “know somebody.”   I love that the course ranked better than Augusta National is 30 minutes from where I live and I’m hoping I get to “know somebody” one day.   But let’s face it, you WILL NEVER PLAY THIS GOLF COURSE, but you have to love the mystique surrounding it.

Cover Image Via Instagram