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Bergen County Lifestyle

Bergen County Golf Courses: Public & Private Clubs

bergen county golf courses

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Spring is here, and that means one thing for a lot of us in Bergen County: it’s time to get back out on the course. Whether you’re a weekend player looking for an affordable round or someone considering joining one of the area’s storied private clubs, Bergen County golf courses offer something for every skill level and every budget. We put together this complete guide — covering the county’s public courses, the semi-private gem in River Vale, and the private clubs — so you can plan your season and find the right fit.

From beautifully maintained county-run courses open to everyone to exclusive member clubs with rich histories, Bergen County has a golf scene that rivals anywhere in New Jersey. Here’s everything you need to know to tee it up this spring.

Public Bergen County Golf Courses

These are the county’s publicly accessible courses — all operated through Bergen County Parks and open to residents and visitors alike. A Bergen County Golf Card gets you discounted rates at all six, so if you’re playing more than a handful of rounds this season, it’s absolutely worth the investment.

1. Darlington Golf Course — Mahwah, NJ

If you want the most scenic round in the county, start here. Darlington winds through the Ramapo Mountain foothills with tree-lined fairways and dramatic elevation changes that keep even experienced players honest. Built in 1979 and renovated in 2007, this 18-hole championship course comes with a full driving range — and a setting that feels nothing like a typical suburban layout.

2. Orchard Hills Golf Course — Paramus, NJ

Orchard Hills is the county’s best-kept secret for a quick, satisfying round. This 9-hole executive course spanning 2,776 yards sits on Bergen Community College grounds — perfectly positioned for residents across central Bergen. Renovated in 2012 with new bunkers and tees, it’s ideal for beginners, players sharpening their iron game, or anyone looking to squeeze in a round before dinner.

3. Overpeck Golf Course — Teaneck, NJ

Overpeck is the workhorse of eastern Bergen County. This well-maintained public course in Teaneck offers accessible play for all skill levels, with reduced green fees for Golf Card holders and a location that’s hard to beat for residents in the eastern corridor. Reliable, no-fuss, and convenient.

4. Rockleigh Golf Course — Rockleigh, NJ

Rockleigh earns genuine respect from experienced players. Located in one of Bergen County’s quietest and most exclusive communities, this well-designed course combines challenging play with scenic beauty. Strategic layout, excellent conditioning, and low traffic make for an outstanding pace of play. If you think through your shot selection, Rockleigh will reward you.

5. Soldier Hill Golf Course — Emerson, NJ

Soldier Hill is the local gem that doesn’t get enough attention — which means you’ll often find a relaxed atmosphere and a great pace of play. The course features thoughtful design and excellent maintenance in a peaceful Emerson setting. Real challenge without being punishing, and the value is hard to argue with.

6. Valley Brook Golf Course — River Vale, NJ

Valley Brook rounds out the county’s public lineup beautifully. Set in River Vale in northern Bergen, this well-maintained course delivers enjoyable play for all abilities — a great combination of challenge and playability with easy access and peaceful surroundings. Players from Westwood, Park Ridge, and Woodcliff Lake make this their regular go-to.

Pro Tip: The Bergen County Golf Card offers discounted green fees at all six county courses. Available through the Bergen County Parks system — it pays for itself fast if you’re playing regularly.

How to Book Tee Times at Bergen County Golf Courses

Booking a round at any of the six public Bergen County golf courses is straightforward — all tee times are managed through the Bergen County Parks golf system at golfbergencounty.com. Here’s what you need to know before you head out.

Bergen County Golf Card

If you’re planning to play more than a handful of rounds this season, the Golf Card is a no-brainer. The annual card provides discounted green fees at all six county courses and pays for itself quickly. You can register and purchase your card through golfbergencounty.com — River Vale residents should also note that a separate registration is required through River Vale Country Club for their resident booking privileges.

Online Tee Time Booking

All six county courses offer online tee time reservations through the Bergen County Parks system. Tee times typically open several days in advance — the exact window varies by course and season, so check the site directly. You can book as an individual or as a group, and Golf Card holders can access the discounted rate at checkout.

Best Times to Play

  • Weekend mornings fill up fast — book as soon as the window opens, especially at Darlington and Rockleigh
  • Weekday afternoons offer the most flexibility and often the best pace of play
  • Twilight rates are available at select courses — check golfbergencounty.com for current pricing
  • Early spring and late fall tend to have more open availability as the season ramps up and down

Walk-Ins and Same-Day Tee Times

Walk-ins are sometimes available depending on the course and day — call the pro shop directly if you’re flexible on timing. Soldier Hill and Overpeck tend to have more availability mid-week than the larger 18-hole layouts. For River Vale Country Club, tee times can be booked online at rivervalecc.com or by calling the pro shop at (201) 391-2300.

Semi-Private: River Vale Country Club

River Vale Country Club deserves its own category because it’s one of the best-kept secrets in northern Bergen County. Owned by the Township of River Vale and managed by Long Ball Golf Management, it operates as a semi-private club — open to daily fee golfers and seasonal members alike, with River Vale residents getting special booking privileges.

The 18-hole, par-72 course plays 6,504 yards with a slope of 132. The Yamaha GPS carts come loaded with Bluetooth speakers, USB chargers, and Toptracer Range is installed on the driving range for virtual golf and game play. The bar and restaurant are open daily through the season, and the halfway snack house has earned a cult following — the egg sandwiches and foot-long hot dogs at the turn get a shout-out in nearly every review.

If you want a course that feels like a private club experience without the membership commitment, this is your answer. Seasonal memberships are available and reportedly worth the waitlist.

  • Address: 660 Rivervale Road, River Vale, NJ 07675
  • Phone: (201) 391-2300
  • Website: rivervalecc.com

Private Country Clubs in Bergen County NJ

Bergen County is home to some of New Jersey’s most prestigious private clubs — from Tillinghast championship layouts to classic designs that have hosted national championships. Memberships vary widely in style, cost, and culture. The details below are a general overview — always contact clubs directly for current availability, fees, and waitlist status.

1. Ridgewood Country Club — Paramus, NJ

If there’s a Mount Rushmore of New Jersey golf, Ridgewood is on it. Founded in 1890 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the club features a 27-hole championship course designed by A.W. Tillinghast — the same architect behind Winged Foot and Baltusrol. Ridgewood has hosted USGA championships, the 1935 Ryder Cup, and multiple PGA Tour events. Membership requires sponsorship by existing members; the club is intentionally reserved about availability.

  • Address: 96 W Midland Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652
  • Website: rcc1890.com

2. Alpine Country Club — Demarest, NJ

Alpine is one of Bergen County’s finest full-service clubs — and one of its best-kept secrets. In 1928, a group of local civic leaders known as ‘The Forty Millionaires’ commissioned A.W. Tillinghast to design a course on 196 acres in northern Bergen. The result required blasting through Palisades rock formations and is considered Tillinghast’s hidden gem. Today, it’s a two-time Platinum Club of America with an 18-hole championship course, five Har-Tru tennis courts, a resort-style pool, a golf simulator, and multiple dining venues. Membership draws families from Demarest, Cresskill, Tenafly, and surrounding northern Bergen towns.

  • Address: 80 Anderson Ave, Demarest, NJ 07627
  • Phone: (201) 768-2121
  • Website: alpinecc.org

3. Hackensack Golf Club — Oradell, NJ

Founded in 1899 and ranked among the top 25 courses in New Jersey by Golf Digest, Hackensack Golf Club earns serious respect from golf purists. The Charles Banks-designed 18-hole layout (par 72, 7,011 yards) features classic template holes — a Redan, Biarritz, and one of Banks’ finest punchbowls at the 16th. A meticulous restoration brought the course back to its architectural roots, and the national golf community has taken notice. Full membership with a waitlist.

  • Address: 880 Soldier Hill Rd, Oradell, NJ 07649
  • Phone: (201) 261-5505
  • Website: hgc.org

4. Arcola Country Club — Paramus, NJ

Arcola bills itself as golf-centric and family-friendly, and it delivers on both. The private 18-hole, par-72 championship layout is meticulously maintained and built to challenge players of all levels. Beyond the course, Arcola offers first-class dining, a full practice facility with driving ranges and putting greens, and an active tournament and events calendar. A great fit for families who want a club that takes the game seriously.

  • Address: Paramus Rd, Paramus, NJ 07652
  • Phone: (201) 843-3990
  • Website: arcolacc.org

5. Knickerbocker Country Club — Tenafly, NJ

Founded in 1914, Knickerbocker is one of Bergen County’s rising stars. The Donald Ross-designed 18-hole layout (6,628 yards, slope 128) features some of the most varied and demanding greens in the county — greens that punish lazy approach putts and reward players who read the break. An ongoing restoration by Jaeger Kovich of Proper Golf continues to elevate the course. Great pool, strong family programming, and a welcoming culture drawing members from Tenafly, Cresskill, and Demarest.

6. Edgewood Country Club — River Vale, NJ

Edgewood is the full-package private club in northern Bergen. The 27-hole course is undergoing a master renovation by Rees Jones, focused on enhancing playability and visual drama across every hole. Members also enjoy tennis and pickleball, a heated pool with poolside dining, top-tier fitness facilities, and a brand-new 24,000-square-foot member clubhouse with multiple restaurant concepts. The club stands out for true tee-time accessibility regardless of membership tenure.

  • Address: 449 Rivervale Road, River Vale, NJ 07675
  • Phone: (201) 666-1200
  • Website: edgewoodnj.com

7. Ramsey Golf & Country Club — Ramsey, NJ

Ramsey Golf & Country Club grew out of a residential estate community and officially opened its 18-hole course in 1995. Today it’s a private residential club with over 550 homes whose owners enjoy golf, paddle tennis, and pool membership as part of community life. The course plays 5,540 yards (slope 124) — approachable for a range of handicaps — and the beautifully maintained grounds double as a popular event and wedding venue. A tight-knit, community-oriented club in the heart of northern Bergen.

Worth the Short Drive: Private Clubs Near Bergen County

Bergen County golfers have always had easy access to some outstanding private clubs just over the county line in Passaic and Essex counties. These three are worth knowing about if you’re exploring membership options in the region.

North Jersey Country Club — Wayne, NJ

Founded in 1895 and ranked in Golfweek’s Top 200 Classic Courses, North Jersey Country Club is a true gem on 300 forested acres in Wayne. The Walter Travis-designed 18-hole course is known for its contoured greens, blind shots, and old-school strategic demands — the kind of course golf architecture enthusiasts seek out. The Tudor-style clubhouse is stunning, and the full amenity package includes tennis, paddle tennis, pool, fitness, and dining. About 20 miles from Bergen County and well worth the drive.

  • Address: 594 Hamburg Tpke, Wayne, NJ 07470
  • Phone: (973) 942-2590
  • Website: northjerseycc.com

Preakness Hills Country Club — Wayne, NJ

Preakness Hills is a premier member-owned private club in Wayne with a newly renovated clubhouse, championship golf, tennis, and a well-earned reputation for exceptional dining and event programming. The club has a strong family culture and an active social calendar, making it popular with Bergen County families looking for a full-service club experience just over the county line.

  • Address: 1050 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ 07470
  • Phone: (973) 694-2200
  • Website: preaknesshills.org

Upper Montclair Country Club — Clifton, NJ

Upper Montclair is one of only a few clubs in the world to have hosted tournaments for all three professional golf associations — the PGA, LPGA, and Champions Tour. The 27-hole championship course was designed by A.W. Tillinghast and later refined by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and it offers pristine conditions with the rare luxury of no tee times for members. Established in 1901, only 12 miles from midtown Manhattan, UMCC is a Distinguished Golf Club of the World and a legitimate bucket-list membership for serious players.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bergen County Golf Courses

Are the county golf courses open to everyone?

Yes — all six Bergen County golf courses operated through the county parks system are open to the public. Bergen County residents get discounted green fees with a Golf Card, but you don’t need to be a resident to play.

What is the Bergen County Golf Card?

The Bergen County Golf Card is an annual card that provides discounted green fees at all county-operated courses. It’s available through golfbergencounty.com and is worth it if you’re planning more than a handful of rounds per season.

Which Bergen County golf course is best for beginners?

Orchard Hills in Paramus is a great starting point — it’s a 9-hole executive course that’s approachable and affordable. Overpeck in Teaneck is also beginner-friendly with a well-maintained layout and a relaxed pace.

How do I join a private country club in Bergen County?

The process varies by club but typically involves being sponsored or referred by an existing member, going through an application and review process, and paying initiation fees plus annual dues. Contact each club directly — some have waitlists, others have current openings.

Can I take golf lessons at Bergen County public courses?

Yes — several of the county courses offer instruction through golf professionals. Check golfbergencounty.com or call individual courses directly for current lesson availability and pricing.

Ready to Tee Off in Bergen County?

Bergen County golf courses are one of the many reasons people love living here — and one of the first things new residents discover when they arrive. Between the six public county courses, a standout semi-private option in River Vale, and a collection of truly exceptional private clubs, there’s no shortage of great golf right in our backyard.

If you’re exploring a move to Bergen County and want to know which neighborhoods put you closest to your favorite course — or which towns offer the best value for your lifestyle — we’re here to help. Michael Guarriello knows this area inside and out and can connect you with the right town, the right home, and yes, the right golf community.

Curious what your Bergen County home is worth in today’s market? Get a free home valuation and see what buyers are paying right now.

And while you’re planning your spring, check out our guide to family-friendly activities in Bergen County and the best diners in Bergen County — because every great round deserves a great meal at the end.

Bergen County residents can register for a Bergen County Golf Card, which provides reduced rates and priority access to tee times at all six county courses. This membership offers significant savings for frequent players and makes it easier to secure preferred tee times, especially during peak seasons

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