Let’s talk about Galloping Hills, the most sought after public golf course in North/Central Jersey. Everyone wants a piece. If you’ve ever tried to book a weekend tee time here, you already know it’s harder to get into than a Hoboken brunch spot at 11 AM.

Why? Because it’s stacked. We’re talking 27 holes (18 regulation + a 9-hole learning center), a driving range with heaters (important if you’re a winter warrior), multiple practice greens, and even a full-on fitting suite called “The Vault.”

It’s Giving… Private Club Energy

The clubhouse? Oh, it’s not shy. This thing is a unit, perched on a hill as it overlooks the course. Monumental in size and energy, it’s visible from all over the course and gives serious private club vibes. The patio is prime real estate for post-round drinks, snacks, or just watching approach shots onto the 9th and 18th green. And yes, the gallery effect is real. Expect the occasional cheer or roast from someone who had one too many transfusions.

The Course: Tough But Fair

Galloping Hill is no pushover. It’s challenging, but fair. Tough elevation changes test even the best players with slope adjustments pushing many approach shots a club or two. Here are a few highlight holes:

• Hole 2: The approach plays to a green that’s approximately 20–30 feet above your head. Left side is littered with bunkers, so take my recently experienced advice and don’t miss left.
  
• Hole 5: Looks easy. Isn’t. This par 3 is the golf version of a trap. Short? Brutal rough and an uphill hack. Long? A bunker that demands a soft, high lob. Your best bet? Hit the green and sprint to the next tee box.
  
• Hole 12: From the tips, you’re looking at a 250-yard forced carry over 2 different bodies of water. Yup. Add in a little wind and a dash of “I’ve been playing well so far” nerves and boom, goodbye ProV1. But catch the fairway and you’re rewarded with a comfy ~100-yard approach.
  
• Hole 14: Welcome to Undulation City. A blind tee shot with a fairway bunker smack in the middle (if you’re long enough). Then it’s an all-or-nothing approach across a gully. If it goes well, it’s a highlight-reel hole. If not? Therapy.
  

The Greens Are Rolling

I played this track after a week of non-stop rain, and let me tell you, those greens were flying. Fast, true, and sneaky difficult. They’re no joke, and for a public course, I was honestly blown away. Shoutout to Arcola CC for setting the “fast green” standard in my book, but Galloping Hill wasn’t far off. And again, after it rained all week, good on ya, Galloping.

The Tee Time Struggle Is Real

Let’s address the elephant in the fairway: getting a tee time here is a skill in itself. Galloping Hill runs on a tiered players card system. Let me save you the heartbreak, get the 14-day card or don’t bother. The 7-day card is like bringing a knife to a gunfight. You’ll log in and see nothing, because all the prime times were swallowed up by the 14 dayer’s. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Final Verdict

If you’re lucky enough to land a tee time, buckle up for one of the better public golf experiences in the state. It’s tough, it’s scenic, and it’s got just enough country club sauce to itch the scratch between CC invites from friends and family.

Pros:

• Greens were mint
  
• Layout feels more private club than muni
  
• Clubhouse is an absolute flex
  
• Central location right off the Parkway
  

Cons:

• Tee times are rare
  
• Price isn’t outrageous, but definitely not budget golf
  
• Not a course you want to walk. Most likely requires a golf cart
  

Galloping Hills Golf Course Review: 8.6/10

• Best quality: Great layout. Great conditions. Great vibes.

• Worst quality: Everyone else knows it too.