Sunset Valley Golf Course
Rating Snapshot
About
Sunset Valley Golf Course is consistently ranked as one of the best public courses in New Jersey. It is one of four golf courses in the Morris County Parks system and it's considered the toughest. Located in Pompton Plains, the course is nestled in a wooded valley. It has a dramatic topography that provides plenty of ups and downs throughout the golf course. Golfers can expect a variety of elevation changes as well as a few blind shots and forced carries. Strategically placed bunkers come into play along the fast, undulating greens and mature trees line the rolling fairways. Water hazards come into play on a few holes too. Sunset Valley Golf Course's final three holes present one of the area's toughest finishes. The trio begins with the uphill par-5 16th and then finishes with two long par 4s.
| Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | 70 | 6338 yards | 71.8 | 130 |
| White | 70 | 5990 yards | 69.5 | 128 |
| White (W) | 70 | 5990 yards | 75.2 | 131 |
| Gold | 70 | 5679 yards | 69.5 | 128 |
| Gold (W) | 70 | 5679 yards | 73.3 | 128 |
| Red (W) | 70 | 5157 yards | 70.6 | 124 |
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue M: 71.2/134 | 370 | 537 | 201 | 408 | 402 | 185 | 355 | 352 | 378 | 3188 | 384 | 329 | 203 | 342 | 396 | 147 | 542 | 433 | 404 | 3180 | 6368 |
| White M: 69.0/130 W: 75.1/138 | 345 | 500 | 176 | 384 | 374 | 166 | 335 | 325 | 356 | 2961 | 368 | 299 | 194 | 323 | 380 | 134 | 516 | 421 | 394 | 3029 | 5990 |
| Gold M: 67.6/126 W: 73.4/134 | 320 | 481 | 166 | 370 | 346 | 139 | 318 | 315 | 340 | 2795 | 345 | 295 | 188 | 303 | 360 | 130 | 477 | 409 | 377 | 2884 | 5679 |
| Red W: 70.4/128 | 285 | 392 | 149 | 314 | 334 | 114 | 289 | 291 | 317 | 2485 | 326 | 267 | 170 | 288 | 337 | 119 | 433 | 373 | 359 | 2672 | 5157 |
| Handicap | 13 | 1 | 15 | 3 | 7 | 17 | 5 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 14 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 18 | 2 | 4 | 6 | |||
| Par | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 35 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 35 | 70 |
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Reviewer Photos
Tough Greens
The lack of rain has made the course dry, and the layout is challenging. The greens are inconsistent...some are fast, some are slow, which made it difficult to find a rhythm when putting. I would play this course again...I'm guessing it would be fantastic in October.
Expected more of Sunset Valley
Maybe my expectations were too high but the course was in rough shape outside of the fairway and greens. Greens were challenging and fast. We had a cart and were paired with a walking group which delayed our round but the pair with us were friendly and did their best to keep the pace. The dry weather in NJ did no favors to this course and there were several areas that were dirt and felt like you were playing in a trap because of the condition of the course. For a public course, it was fair overall but I won't be going back this year based on the last round there.
The worst condition by far in years
Used to be one of my favorite courses to play, but I was very shocked to see the condition of this course on 8/18/2022. Too many spots with no grass (even on some of the tee boxes) & the green wasn't properly managed neither. I think it will take a while to bring the course back in a good shape. Any changes in management or something? Course is fun but won't go back for a while.
Rough Shape
Course was in terrible condition. I know it’s been a hot month but this was in the worst shape out of several I’ve played in the area over the past month.
Gone downhill
I used to be a morris County resident and played here most weekends. I played today for the first time in about 6 years and did this place go downhill. Burnt out fairways, dirt patches, no sand in bunkers, untrained bushes. Ever the lake fountain were turned off which lead to a lot of mosquitoes. Bring back the old maintenance crew.
Great course for the money
Tough greens, interesting layout, a bit short, but otherwise a nice place to play for the money. Needs more watering, but the weather has been dry and hot. Pace of play a bit slow at the turn.
Great course usually
I’ve played here many times over the years but this was the first time this year. They apparently have 90 degree rule all the time on every hole now and you wouldn’t know unless you read the one sign they have at the start or if a a-hole grounds keeper comes and talks down to you at hole 16 for riding up the fairway on a 97 degree day with completely dry conditions. Do you know what 90 degree rule is? Followed by Did you have to ride up the fairway? he didn't let it go after we acknowledged him and had to tell him ok about 5 times before he finally moved on and I could set up for my next shot… with that commitment you would think he’s prepping to host the next pga tour event… just another d bag with no people skills… way to ruin an otherwise really great round…
Rate of Play
Never saw the started until the 14th hole. Playing behind a foursome who took 40 practice swings before hitting the ball 10 feet. One person in the group kept opening an umbrella to walk to his ball and then put it away prior to their 40 practice swings. By the time the starter said something to this group, they were teeing off on the 16th hole. Absolutely abysmal.
