East Atlantic Ave,
Pine Valley, New Jersey 08021
Office
+1 (856) 783 3000Pro shop
+1 (856) 783 3000Fax
+1 (856) 783 3137Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Charles M. Raudenbush (General Mgr); David W. Clark (PGA Golf Professional).The Course:
18 holes. Tree-lined "heathland". Undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Woodland.
Designer:
George Arthur Crump (Philadelphian hotelier and Pine Valley's founder) and Harry Colt. The extent of Colt's input is much debated, but would seem to have been significant in terms of the detailed design of each hole, not least the bunkering and green complexes. The feared par-3 5th and 10th holes are among several fully attributed to Colt.
39.789940
-74.971046
1.5 mi SE of Clementon / 17 mi SE of downtown Philadelphia.
Pine Valley, NJ
Pine Valley Golf Club is home to the world's greatest golf course, so say many golf writers and course raters. The stunningly handsome layout presents as tough a test of golf as you'll find anywhere. "Penal, uncompromising and strategic" partly describe its attributes. "Big, bold and beautiful" are also frequently ascribed.
The layout's routing through the sandy pine barrens of southwest Jersey was conceived by its owner George Crump, who worked on the detail of each hole with English architect Harry Colt. Together Crump and Colt forged Pine Valley's indomitable character, based on an excellently crafted array of tree-lined "heathland' holes that test your game to the full, and most likely every club in your bag.
In this wonderfully natural and tranquil woodland environment, there are long carries to be made over sandy waste areas. Sand in abundance also features alongside many fairways and around the well-defended greens, often in the form of small deep bunkers.
Two of Pine Valley's most feared holes are the par-3 5th and 10th. One long, one short, both require accurate tee-shots, supported by a nerveless touch with the putter. "On in one, down in ten" has oft been said of the long par-3 5th, which is played from an elevated tee, across a wide valley to a slightly higher shelf green. The much shorter par-3 10th leaves no margin for error; its array of greenside bunkers includes one deep pot-bunker from which the hole gets its name, "the Devil's Asshole."
Inland golf courses don't get any better than the big, bold and grand design of Pine Valley. It may not have stunning views over oceans, mountains or lakes, but on this course such vistas would constitute an unnecessary distraction from the sublime splendour of Crump and Colt's design.
Limited access: this private course is generally playable only by members and their invited guests.
Private club; visitors/guests may only play if hosted by a member.
Pine Valley is predominantly a walking course. Caddies available.
Excellent
Although regarded as one of the world's greatest courses, Pine Valley does not host major championships and tour events, as do many of its peers. However, it was the venue for the 1936 and 1985 Walker Cup matches.
Pine Valley was the vision of George Crump, a Philadelphia hotelier who identified, bought and cleared the land on which the course was built. Crump decided the routing for the holes, then in 1913 worked closely with the English architect (and Secretary of Sunningdale Golf Club) Harry Colt on the individual design of each hole.
Crump died in 1918 at the age of 46, while the final few holes of Pine Valley were still being constructed. Despite having spent a large part of his fortune and five years of his life on the project, he never got to play the full 18 at Pine Valley, which was completed and opened in 1919.
New Jersey's No.1 course (Golf Digest, 2025/26).
USA's No.1 course (Golf Digest, 2025/26).
World's No.1 course (GOLF Magazine, 2023/24).
Sony Open in Hawaii: played at Waialae Country Club near Honolulu, the Sony Open takes over the spotlight from The Sentry as the PGA Tour’s calendar-year opening event (Jan 15-18). The Sentry (not being played in 2026) was formerly known as the Tournament of Champions, with a field typically restricted to golfers who won a PGA Tour event in the previous calendar year.
Dubai Desert Classic: the DP World Tour’s first Rolex Series event of 2026, is contested for the 37th time (Jan 22-25). First won by Englishman Mark James in 1989, it now boasts a four-time winner, Rory McIlroy. Played on the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course, this once desert-surrounded course is the long-time flagship for Golf in Dubai.
Our visit last month included two rounds at Golf de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
It offers two superb layouts: Le Vineuil, a five-star championship course with a rich history, and Longères, an excellent four-star course that provides a strong and enjoyable test.
The wider Paris region offers plenty more. Courses such as Fontainebleau, Golf de Saint-Germain, and several other top-rated layouts make this area one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations, offering a mix of woodland, heathland, and parkland designs.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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