ARCHITECTS
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Course Report
Plainfield Country Club is credited with the creation of golf’s handicapping system, conceptualized by member Leighton Calkins in 1904.
About
Plainfield Country Club in Edison, New Jersey, is a historic Donald Ross design, known for its classic routing, rolling terrain, strategic bunkering, and challenging greens. Established in 1898, the club features a beautifully restored Ross course with updates by Gil Hanse. It offers a prestigious and exclusive setting that has hosted numerous elite championships, including PGA Tour events.
Caddie Tip
Stay below the hole on approach shots, as the greens are classic Ross—fast, undulating, and can quickly turn good shots into tricky recoveries above the pin. On blind shots, trust your yardages and favor safe targets, as trouble lurks just off many fairways. Local caddies recommend conservative play on the outward nine, saving aggressive shots for the back when you know the course better.
The Main Challenge
The greatest challenge at Plainfield comes from the site’s rolling terrain and signature Donald Ross greens, which demand precise iron play and deft touch. The strategic placement of bunkers and punishing rough after tournaments make both driving accuracy and approach angle critical. Fast stimp readings add difficulty, as nearly every green is cunningly contoured.
The Good
Golfers particularly praise the classic Donald Ross routing, with its clever bunkering, variety in approach shots, and fast, undulating greens. The restoration by Gil Hanse returned many original features, heightening strategic interest and highlighting the site’s natural terrain. Members love the course’s intimacy, exclusivity, and its sense of timeless, historic golf architecture.
The Not So Good
Some players wish for greater flexibility in guest access, as the club’s exclusivity limits opportunities to share the historic experience. Others have noted that the rough can be punishing after major events and that the speed and firmness of the greens may be overly challenging for mid- to high-handicappers. Slow play can occur during busy member times.
Signature Hole:
#
7
The 7th hole, a par 4 measuring 460 yards, is widely considered the club’s signature. It requires a precise drive and a challenging approach to a well-protected green, featuring strategic bunkers and movement across the undulating terrain. The hole’s classic Ross design rewards strategic thinking and shot placement, offering a memorable challenge for all levels of player.
Clubhouse
The impressive historic clubhouse offers fine and casual dining, full men’s and women’s locker rooms, event spaces, and a pro shop with premium gear. Members enjoy attentive staff service, well-appointed lounges, and views over the property. Additional amenities include tennis, pool, fitness facilities, and social events that support a vibrant club community.
Practice Facilities
Plainfield offers an expansive driving range, large short game area, multiple chipping and putting greens, and state-of-the-art instructional facilities. The teaching staff is experienced, and members can expect well-maintained surfaces that mirror those on the course, giving players the best chance to hone every aspect of their game.
Dress Code:
Prestigious
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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