Ballyowen Golf Club

Beautiful course and so much fun, it's pricey but well worth it.

We had a fabulous time at Ballyowen Nov 25 with 67 degrees! We were greeted by all staff and restaurant employees with friendly, professional service. Thank you! The day was perfect and my opponent in the match shot 73. My 35 on the front sadly did not carry over to the back nine...lol... but the course seemed to come alive in the wind giving us every challenge Roger G. Rulewich had in mind. Thank you Ballyowen and Crystal Springs Resorts. We love what you've created here. Now I realize we don't have to retire in Florida...just visit Fla, January to March, the rest will be golfed right here at home in New Jersey.

When I played there was a Cold weather delay and the staff called me let me know so I would not be waiting around in the cold . That was very nice of them

Great course.....will be back...! Weather was iffy first few holes but hey...! it's a Links course....!

Ballyowen is always in excellent condition even in the end of season. The price from golfnow is too good to pass.

Played the course with some friends this past saturday. The course is in nice shape. The greens were a bit tricky to get a feel for the speed but also in good shape. The course was packed so we waited on every hole. It took over 5 hours to complete the round.

The staff was friendly and helpful. We got there early to have lunch, and it's a good thing we did as they were closing the Pub at 2pm for a wedding which we were told is a regular occurrence. Since that was the only place to get food it would be a good idea to let golfers know that when they make a tee-time that there are no other eateries available on the premise and they'll have to go elsewhere if they want to eat after their round.

The pro shop was well stocked for men, but only a small section for women. I'm guessing not many women play this course.

The starter and ranger were nice and personable. They couldn't do much about the pace of play. It would probably be helpful to space the tee-times out. We played after 1pm at a price of $95 per person which I thought was a bit pricey.

Overall it was an okay experience. If you like links style courses you might find it more enjoyable. If you prefer a woodsy layout I suggest you take a pass on Ballyowen.

Beautiful links style course. There was a 2 hour frost delay and I thought that the starter might have a nervous breakdown dealing with it! But our 1:40 tee time went off at 2:10. The course is absolutely beautiful. Rolling hills, and several greens 20+ feet above your 2nd shot, and most of us aren't really experienced enough to figure out how to adjust club selection in order to hit the greens. Definitely enjoyed the experience. Got on at $40+tax on a Tuesday. Sometimes $140, so that was a steal.

My first time playing here so I'm not sure whether to fault the course or the two foursomes in front of us who were apparently all doctors, but still could not seem to grasp a few basic concepts: 1) if you park your cart 40 yards from where you think you lost your ball, do NOT walk all the way to the ball, spend five minutes looking for it before deciding its gone, only to walk all the way back to the cart, grab a club and another ball, and back to the spot to hit it; 2) if three out of the four of you are women, you do not need to wait for the group in front of you to clear the green when you're 250 yards out, a distance which even the sole male in your group had no possibility of hitting; 3) do not explain your pace to the two-some behind you (us) who you did not let play through as being reasonable because "we're new here" - that is no excuse.

The course was really nice. Conditions were good, not excellent. Greens are fast and true. The wind was howling which made it a true links challenge. I would imagine that the course has a lot of birdie opps when you catch it on a calm day.

BUT - there is no excuse for a Tuesday morning, 9am, 5 hour round. That was just ridiculous. Course ranges seem totally content with a 4:30 pace, which means when a group is only 30 min behind that pace, they dont feel the need to do much about it. Maybe if you shot for 4hrs, you'd actually get groups in in 4:30.

Typical links course- keep it in the fairways and you have no trouble. Some blind 2nd shots on few holes made the round a bit more challenging and other than the weather (80 degrees & HOT!) it was a very nice round. "Play/manage the course" and you will have fun. We did.

First 6 holes took 3 hours and ten minutes--that' translates into a 9 and half hour round. Rangers were asleep at the wheel. Didn't see one until I phoned into the clubhouse and complained.

Probably should have asked to be comped for another round.

Tee time 2:20 did not make the turn til 4:55! Had no choice but to replay the front....Hurry up and wait golf!

This was my first time playing here. After reading all the stellar reviews I was expecting a much better experience. The layout is great but the course was in fair condition at best. The greens were in poor shape. Too many pitch marks not fixed, fairways were average but nothing to write home about. The bunkers are a joke. They look more like a gravel pit than a beach. You risk damaging your club if you land in a bunker. Lastly after listening to the starter tell us how the pride themselves on a 4hr 15min round there were no rangers to be found on the back 9. Looks like they all went home early today. Took us 5hrs to play. Waited on every hole. Even the other people we played with who play here often said that Wild Turkey is in better shape. Save your money and go somewhere else so you won't be disappointed.

Thoroughly enjoyed my round, great course, great condition, value for money during the week

Very enjoyable course esp for the hot rate of $75. Free range balls to warm up, a great feature.

The course. Well maintained and extremely beautiful. Very challenging but very much worth it. I just cant understand why a few players don't replace green divots, sacrilege on a track so well maintained.

I will be back.

Got a fantastic rate from Golf Now "Hot Deals" plus had additional discount from them because it's my birthday this month. $100 course for $35, can't beat that. Conditions of the course were great and staff was very friendly. Layout is terrific and greens in fantastic shape as they air rated them couple weeks back. Pace was little slow only because my playing partner and I played terribly. That did not matter as playing on a monday morning is a reward in itself. Can't wait to go back.

A fantastic course with fantastic views. The staff was great and the price is right.

unfortunately entire course was just airefied, however the layout is awesome and can't wait to play it again when course recovers from airefication

This is a great course with multiple tee boxes that offer challenges for all level. There are few trees and no relief from the sun, so think about the weather before playing. It can be very hot. Also, when the wind picks up, usually in the afternoon, it adds to the difficulty.
We try and play it once or twice a year. It is worth the 45 minute ride.
As I said, few trees in play, but there is water.
Fun time was had by all.

It's very expensive but worth the money. I would only recommend an experienced golfer, not for the novice.

Ballyowen is the best public golf course in North New Jersey.