Montclair Golf Club (1893)
West Orange, New Jersey, USA
3rd Nine
5th Hole / 396 Yards / Par-4
Architect: Donald Ross (1920)
New Jersey may be small in size but on the private golf club scene the Garden State rates among the very best in the United States.
The depth of such courses stems from an intersection of engaging land sites and some of the best architects who created such compelling courses.
Montclair Golf Club is among the earliest clubs to have opened in the United States in 1893. The original course was created by Tom Bendelow but in 1920 it was the brilliance of the renowned designer Donald Ross that truly shaped the golf product one sees today.
The Scotsman crafted 27 holes and in 1928 Charles Banks added an additional nine holes.
The club opted to number each of the nines 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Montclair has hosted a number of key events over the years. The USGA Women’s Amateur was played in 1973 and in 1985 the men had their event at the West Orange located club. At the end of this month, Montclair will stage its third national championship when the Women’s Mid-Amateur is contested there (August 29 – September 3).
The championship will be staged on the 3rd and 2nd nines respectively.
Through the years Montclair deviated from its original premise as the entire property was engulfed with trees and the course often played “slow” because of over-watering. Pin positions were lost because of grass encroachment that was not originally maintained.
Fortuitously, the club went through a renaissance in a significant manner in recent years.
A new management team was brought on board and the club smartly hired Michael Campbell as the Director of Grounds. In concert with Campbell’s efforts, the club wisely hired architect Brian Schneider to return Montclair to its original premise.
Schneider formally worked with Tom Doak at Renaissance Golf and his keen eye has proven to be instrumental at other key clubs in the New York metro area. Those successes have included Hollywood, North Jersey and Tamarack.
Montclair is located on a hilly site that descends nearly 300 feet from the ornate clubhouse to the far reaches of the property situated on flattish land at the far end.
One of the most strategic holes on the property is the 5th on the 3rd nine.
The hole follows a north to south direction and is one of the few on the entire property that does so.
The tee shot encounters the serpentine Peckman River. In years past, the Peckman has overflowed its banks and caused major flooding in this part of the property. Recent work has been done to stem that possibility.
The Peckman winds its way both on the right side and directly across the fairway at roughly 290 yards. Most players will take the prudent step in getting a tee ball to finish just before the intersection.
The challenge intensifies with the approach. Montclair is home to some of the most challenging greens in all of NJ. The putting surface is elevated and contains a vexing array of confounding movements. This is especially so when the pin position is located in the deep, far right corner.
Players must not finish beyond the pin location because the wherewithal to leave the green in two putts or less will be a major test of putting nerves.
Mid-length par-4 holes encompassing superior architecture for both low and higher handicap golfers are hard to find. The 5th at Montclair’s 3rd Nine is noteworthy because it demands placement over sheer brawn.
Those competing in the upcoming Women’s Mid-Amateur will need to skillfully navigate the challenges found at this memorable Ross hole.
Related: What a Round at Ardfin on the Isle of Jura is Really Like
M. James Ward
A long-time member of both the GWAA and MGWA. The 68-year-old has covered all facets in golf since 1980 — including reporting on over 100 major championships and 13 Ryder Cup matches. His writings have appeared in various outlets. On a personal level, has played over 2,000 courses globally and is lead reviewer for Top 100 Golf Courses.
Previously served for 17 years as national course rating panelist for Golf Digest. Has also personally competed in USGA Championships. Resides in the metro New York City area with his wife Celeste. Favorite quote paraphrased for golf — “You are what your golf score says you are.”