In the bustling New York metropolitan area, secrets are a rare commodity. News of exceptional experiences – be it a new restaurant, a must-see show, or a remarkable golf course – spreads like wildfire. Yet, nestled less than 20 miles west of Midtown Manhattan in West Orange, New Jersey, lies Montclair Golf Club At Rock Spring, an anomaly that has managed to maintain an air of delightful secrecy.
While discerning local golfers and architecture aficionados are aware of its merits, Montclair Golf Club at Rock Spring remains surprisingly under the radar for many. Having transitioned from a private club to a municipally owned gem in 2019, this course, boasting views of the iconic Big Apple skyline, is still considered by many to be a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.
Montclair Golf Club at Rock Spring: A stunning view of the meticulously designed golf course in West Orange, NJ.
Chris Parker, the general manager of Montclair Golf Club at Rock Spring, remarked, “The exciting part is that even after three years as a public course, many people are still unaware of us. They either believe it’s still private or have simply driven by, unsure of what it truly offers.”
A Legacy of Design: Seth Raynor’s Masterpiece Accessible to All
What Montclair Golf Club at Rock Spring truly is, is a remarkable opportunity to experience a Seth Raynor design, made accessible to the public. It stands as one of only two non-resort, publicly accessible courses in the United States bearing the hallmarks of this legendary architect. While Charles Banks, Raynor’s trusted lieutenant, oversaw the construction, the design itself is unmistakably Raynor’s, his distinctive vision imprinted across the landscape.
For those unfamiliar with Seth Raynor, understand this: playing Montclair Golf Club at Rock Spring is an exercise in golfing joy. The course is brimming with intrigue, charm, and a delightful variety of challenges. Adding to its allure, it represents exceptional value within the often-pricey Met Area golf scene. During a recent visit, a walking round was priced at a mere $40. While rates are subject to adjustments, even the updated fees solidify Rock Spring’s position as a high-quality experience without breaking the bank.
Strategic bunkering at Montclair Golf Club at Rock Spring, showcasing the risk-reward challenges of Seth Raynor's template design.
For those who recognize Raynor’s name, anticipation is justified. Montclair Golf Club at Rock Spring is indeed exceptional. Raynor’s signature “template” holes are strategically woven throughout the rolling terrain. From the par-3 6th featuring a green guarded by a sand “moat,” to the par-4 11th with its risk-reward proposition dictated by diagonally placed fairway bunkers, and the characteristic pushed-up greens and steep bunker faces, every turn presents a fresh and engaging challenge. Among public courses in the Met Area personally experienced, none offer a more compelling or memorable round.
Experience Template Golf: Unique Holes at Rock Spring
Template holes, inspired by iconic designs from the British Isles and championed in America by C.B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor, are a defining feature of Montclair Golf Club at Rock Spring. Often, these architectural gems remain hidden within the confines of private clubs. Rock Spring breaks this mold, democratizing template golf for a wider audience. The par-3 3rd, a Redan hole, is a prime example, offering not only a challenging tee shot but also breathtaking views that extend to the Manhattan skyline. From the back tees, it demands a 200-yard carry across a rugged ravine to a diagonally oriented green sloping from front to back. It’s a hole that is both visually striking and demanding, even with the presence of construction equipment in the distance during a recent visit.
The beautifully contoured green at the par-3 16th hole of Montclair Golf Club at Rock Spring, a testament to classic golf architecture.
During a round played on an unseasonably warm March afternoon, the desire to keep playing was palpable. A fellow golfer, a regular at Montclair Golf Club at Rock Spring from Hoboken, jokingly pleaded, “Don’t you dare write about this place and make it too popular!” He understood the delicate balance – the locals cherish this hidden gem and understandably wish to keep it somewhat secret. Parker echoed this sentiment, noting, “People who have found us appreciate the course and are a little worried about overcrowding, as tee times are already becoming sought after.”
From Private to Public: Preserving a Green Space Legacy
Montclair Golf Club at Rock Spring’s understated profile is partly rooted in its history. For 93 years, it functioned as a private club, with remnants like an empty swimming pool and a grand locker room serving as reminders of its past exclusivity. However, evolving financial realities led to a shift. In 2015, Montclair Golf Club stepped in, assuming Rock Spring’s mortgage and making it a subsidiary. This arrangement lasted three years before West Orange Township, keen to preserve the valuable green space, acquired the property in 2019 for $11 million.
The township entrusted KemperSports with course management, and within its first year as a public entity, Montclair Golf Club at Rock Spring became profitable, as highlighted in West Orange city council meetings. Today, business remains strong.
While some patrons are familiar with the architectural significance of the course, Parker acknowledges that many are not. “Part of our strategy moving forward is to educate golfers about the unique experience of playing template golf,” he explained. “Many people aren’t familiar with the concept. We plan to implement signage and enhance scorecards and yardage books to highlight the importance and significance of these classic design elements.”
The challenging tee shot at the par-3 3rd hole at Montclair Golf Club at Rock Spring, featuring Seth Raynor's signature template design.
“However,” Parker concludes, “one of the beautiful aspects of Montclair Golf Club at Rock Spring is that you can thoroughly enjoy the course without any prior knowledge of its design pedigree. It’s a true second-shot golf course, demanding strategic thinking rather than brute force. Whether you’re a high or low handicapper, the course offers an engaging and rewarding experience.”
And indeed, as a mid-handicap golfer can attest, Montclair Golf Club at Rock Spring delivers on that promise. It’s a course that deserves to be discovered, appreciated, and perhaps, kept just a little bit secret a little bit longer.
