Baltusrol Golf Club - Sports Tourist

Baltusrol Golf Club, located on the scenic ridges of Springfield, New Jersey, is one of the most storied and historically significant private clubs in American golf. Famous for being the first club in the world to feature two courses (the Upper and Lower) that have both hosted a U.S. Open, Baltusrol has been a continuous test for the world’s best golfers for over a century, providing challenging, parkland-style championship golf just outside New York City.

The Golf Courses

Baltusrol is home to two world-class 18-hole courses, the Lower and the Upper, both designed by the legendary A. W. Tillinghast.

The Lower Course (Championship Course): This course is the primary venue for major championships and is known for its classic, long-form challenge. It features massive, sprawling bunkers, strategic water hazards, and two iconic closing par-fives (the 17th and 18th) that often define tournament outcomes.
The Upper Course: Though often overshadowed by its sibling, the Upper Course is equally renowned. It is a slightly tighter, hillier test, demanding greater accuracy off the tee. Both courses were laid out by Tillinghast simultaneously in the early 1920s on a revolutionary dual-course concept.

Major Championship History

Baltusrol has hosted 17 major championships, including U.S. Opens, PGA Championships, and U.S. Amateurs, tying it for the second-most majors hosted by any club in the United States.

U.S. Open: The club has hosted the U.S. Open seven times, including the first on the dual course setup in 1954 and most recently in 1993. Notable champions include Jack Nicklaus (who won two of his four U.S. Open titles here) and Ed Furgol.
PGA Championship: The club has hosted the PGA Championship twice, in 2005 and 2016.
Women’s PGA Championship: Baltusrol hosted the Women’s PGA Championship in 2023.
Upcoming Majors: The club is scheduled to host the 2029 PGA Championship and the 2036 Women’s PGA Championship, continuing its championship legacy.

Club Overview

Established: 1895
Location: Springfield, New Jersey, USA (New York Metropolitan Area)
Course Architect: A. W. Tillinghast (Designer of the Upper and Lower Courses)
Address: 201 Shunpike Rd, Springfield, NJ 07081, USA

Contents

How to Get to Baltusrol Golf Club

The club is conveniently located near major metropolitan transit hubs in the Northeast.

By Air:
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): The closest and most accessible major airport, located approximately a 20-25 minute drive from the club.
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) / LaGuardia Airport (LGA): These New York airports are roughly a 60-90 minute drive, depending on traffic conditions.
By Car & Parking:
- The club is located just minutes from several major New Jersey highways (I-78 and I-95).
- On-site parking is available for members and their invited guests.

Playing at Baltusrol Golf Club

Baltusrol is an exclusive, private club that maintains a strong tradition of classic golf.

Visitor Tee Times: The club does not offer any public tee times, packages, or visitor green fees. Access to play the Upper or Lower Course is strictly limited to members and their accompanied guests.
Green Fees: Green fees are not published, as access is restricted to members and their invited guests only.
Note: The club places a high emphasis on walking the courses, and caddies are often required when playing as a guest.

Where to stay near Baltusrol Golf Club

As an exclusive private club, Baltusrol does not offer on-site public accommodation.

Nearby Towns:
- Summit/Short Hills: These nearby towns offer upscale hotel options, boutique shopping, and excellent dining, providing easy access to the club.
- Newark/Elizabeth: The areas surrounding Newark Airport offer several national chain hotels for a quick, convenient stay.
- New York City: Guests wishing to combine their golf visit with a city trip can stay in Manhattan (roughly 45-60 minutes away) and drive to the club.
Booking Tips:
- Due to the exclusive nature of the club, visitors should focus on securing a direct invitation from a member.
- For accommodation, consider hotels in Summit or Short Hills for the best blend of quality and proximity.
- Use well-known and trustworthy booking websites like TripAdvisor to find and compare accommodation options in the Northern New Jersey area.