There’s a Lot to Like About Skyway Golf Course in Jersey City

Match Play at Skyway Golf Course in Jersey City

It’s hard to believe that Skyway Golf Course in Jersey City was once a landfill. If you go there today you’ll find no evidence of the old garbage dump. What you’ll discover instead is a world-class nine hole golf course with views of the Manhattan skyline and formidable challenges from every tee box.

Step foot on grounds of Skyway Golf Course in Jersey City, NJ and you’ll struggle to convince yourself that the lush fairways and true greens surrounding you were once a landfill. 

That’s right, this 9 hole track that’s surrounded by NYC skyline views and residing right smack in the middle of an industrial urban landscape used to be a literal dump. 

For me, Skyway checks a lot of boxes. First of all, its a fun layout with a links-style feel that becomes even more challenging as the fescue grows in during the summer. 

If I had one complaint, it’s that the tight layout can cause a bit of a “crowded” feel as players inevitably cross over into each other’s fairways as they make their way around the course. This leads to a few delays as you wait for other golfers to clear before taking your shot.

But even beyond the golf, what I truly like about Skyway is the model it serves for the future of golf in general.

Skyway is an amazing example of what urban golf can truly be. It’s affordable, it brings golf closer to a more urban community, and it has a positive environmental impact.

With regards to the environment, Skyway’s excavating and capping old landfill site resulted in restoring 35 acres to quality wetlands vegetation, enhancing a 10 acre tidally influenced pond, and increasing property elevations to 25-45 feet.  Additionally, the course is using recycled rainwater for irrigation purposes.

As for helping grow the game, Skyway is bringing amazing and affordable golf to the area. In fact, Hudson County residents can play the 9 hole course for as little as $22 during the week and offers club rental options for just $12. Non-residents can walk the course for just $37 during the week and $41 on the weekend.

Somehow Skyway found a way to improve the environment and grow the game of golf in a densely urban area, and for that I tip my hat. I sincerely hope that Skyway Golf Course serves as a model for urban improvement in other areas around the country, and the world.