ARCHITECTS
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Course Report
Somerset Hills is one of only a small handful of A.W. Tillinghast designs left largely as he intended, maintaining much of its Golden Age character through careful restoration.
About
Somerset Hills Country Club, designed by A. W. Tillinghast in 1918, is a Golden Age parkland course nestled in Bernardsville, New Jersey. Widely admired for its classic architecture, the course features rolling terrain, strategic bunkering, and a thoughtful routing. Restoration by Renaissance Golf Design has revived the historic character, making it a favorite for architecture enthusiasts and club members.
Caddie Tip
Play conservatively on the opening few holes—the undulating greens penalize aggressive approach shots. The front nine offers more open terrain, but the back weaves through trees; stay below the hole to avoid quick downhill putts, and pay special attention to the subtle breaks on Tillinghast's greens.
The Main Challenge
Somerset Hills tests golfers with a blend of bold greens and strategic bunkering. Many holes require precise tee shots to optimal positions, and recovery from misses is complicated by severe green contours and deep bunkers. The inward nine, routed through trees, demands accuracy and thoughtful club selection.
The Good
Members and guests consistently praise Somerset Hills for the exceptional routing and strategic interest that each hole presents. The course delivers a superb mix of open and wooded holes, with ingenious green complexes and natural land movement that reward thoughtful play and creative shot-making.
The Not So Good
The course is lauded for its design and condition, but some players wish for expanded practice facilities and improved drainage after heavy rain. The classic routing means certain holes can play tight, and slow recovery in wet weather can affect turf consistency at times.
Signature Hole:
#
2
The par 3 2nd hole, known as the "Redan," is Somerset Hills' signature hole. It features a sharply sloped green from right to left, protected by bunkers and framed by mature trees. Precision with a mid or long iron is required, and missing on the wrong side leaves a difficult recovery, making this Redan template a memorable test early in the round.
Clubhouse
Somerset Hills offers a historic clubhouse with classic dining rooms, locker rooms, and event spaces. Amenities include tennis courts, a pro shop, and attentive staff, featuring an old-world ambiance and personal service fitting a premier private club environment.
Practice Facilities
The club provides a driving range, pitching/chipping area, and putting green. While functional, these facilities are smaller than at modern venues. The focus is on traditional member play, with a welcoming and efficient setup for warm-up and short game work.
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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