Heron Glen Golf Course

Temps in the upper 40s, bit of wind, intermittent rain.

**I don't rate clubhouses and off course stuff.** That said, they're building a new clubhouse. It looks like it will be open for the main part of the 2018 golf season if clubhouses are something that gets your blood pumping.

Pace of play was excellent. I played in about 3 hours without pushing the pace. I knew coming in that the course would be pretty much empty. I spoke with a gentleman after the round, he said that the course generally has no pace issues and has steady play, but not over crowded, unless you want to play early in the day on Saturday, then it's a bit crowded.

The Course

The designer definitely had to move a bunch of dirt to make the course look like it does. It's pretty obvious that this is the case, but it's not bothersome. The course is compromised by an Environmentally Sensitive Area, this causes some odd forced carries on the back nine and a very poor spot in the routing from 17 to 18.

Hole 2 is a solid par 5, retaining some interest on all shots even topping out at over 600 yards. Both tee shot and second shot have fair strategy. 6 is a good, mid-length par 4 with a nicely shaped fairway. The conservative player is able to hit a fairway wood or hybrid club into a landing area that is 50 yards wide while the aggressive player only has a landing zone that is 25 yards wide. There are odd notes on the tee markers stating the "ideal layup yardage" for the shot. It's rare to see that. The 8th hole is a solid mid-length par 5 that has a very cool green, multiple tiers and tongues add to the variety on the green. 15 is a long par 3 that doesn't play overly difficult. Holes 13 and 16 are both par 5s that play across the ESA. The hazard is closer to the green on 13, making is like a H's Half Acre hazard (you know, the bunker on 7 at Pine Valley)...except you're give no opportunity to recover. 13 and 16 are easily the weakest holes on the course. I'd probably rate it a bit higher were it not for 2 perpendicular cart path crossings (holes 2 and 14) and the terrible transition from 17 to 18 (Nearly 400 yards from 17 green to 18 tee)

For me, this is the second-best public course I've played in NJ and I'd actually recommend it to people more than I would the course that I believe is better. It's a good bit better than Hominy Hills or Neshanic Valley and far superior to Galloping Hills or Charleston Springs (disclosure, I haven't played the ranked courses around Atlantic City or Crystal Springs).

The course was a pleasure to play, with just enough challenges to make it interesting. The bunkers were plentiful, well designed, and beautifully maintained. The landing areas for drives were pretty wide which was helpful because of the many blind tee shots. I live in monmouth county which has many fine public courses, but this course compares equally with any of them.

Love this course played it years ago when it was cheaper. Just like most of the better golf courses the prices are so high now a person on a fixed income can only play there when there is a deal on golf now.

Will play again,great course one of the best course in NJ

Awesome course with a nice layout. Fairways and greens were in excellent shape. Did not use the clubhouse amenities so I can't really say much except when in the past they have a nice little bar. I would play there again.

First time playing this course and was in great condition, especially the greens! Greens rolled exceptionally well. Fortunate to have played with golfers, who have played this course several times. Somewhat challenging, mostly, due to the unfamiliarity of the course. Generous fairways, but you will find trouble, if you drift too far from the fairways. Course is expensive, but enjoyed the experience!!

Always a pleasure to play this course. This layout does not overly penalize you for an wayward tee or approach shot. I only wish that the course was a little closer.

Rolling and open golf course for the most part.. it was the first time that I had played the course,needless to say I was more tentative than aggressive. Fairways ,tee boxes and greens were perfect, no complaints here~ I look forward to playing there again soon( weather permitting:)

Course is in excellent shape. Yardage markers are very helpful. Staff were very friendly and an overall good value for the money. Highly recommend this course.

For September the course was in excellent condition. Well groomed, very well maintained. It has a very nice layout that embraces the landscape.

While there are many bunkers (with some of the soft sand in the area), there are only a few hazards to traverse. The golf aspect is very straightforward and natural with no gimmicks.

The value of for a round is excellent especially if you are able to scoop of a Hot Deal. Otherwise, the $65-$80 range is very reasonable for the course. You definitely get your money's worth.

Holes not well marked when environmental areas came into play. Tough course for the ladies because of the long unmarked carry areas.