Ballyowen Golf Club (Hamburg, NJ)

Ballyowen is the #1 rated public course in NJ. Roger Rulewich designed it atop a plateau overlooking the Wallkill River. The Irish motif of the course and clubhouse is suppose to transport members and guests to the highlands of Ireland, and it even has a kilt cladded man to play the bagpipes at sunset. 

(The penisula tee par three sixth. Never has a bunker looked so inviting!) 

Rulewich was the senior associate of RTJ Sr, and his design philosophy is that of his mentor. The biggest influence is at the greens where the putting surface is broken up into "mini greens" by mounds, tiers, and ridges. They may look large from the fairway, but the pin is always in a specific spot that requires a precise approach. 

(The beautiful first hole is backdropped by the valley below. It's not too difficult a start, but should one miss left, a big number awaits.) 

(The butterfly green at the driveable second is sectioned into quarters, making the pitch a testy shot. Golfers have plenty of options from the tee to setup their preferred yardage.)

(The fifth begins a terrific three hole stretch of golf. I would say it's the easiest of the three except water is in play on both the drive and second shot.  Par is well earned.) 

The front nine does a good job of showing off the property, and taking advantage of the views and natural terrain. While the first three holes all offer birdie opportunities, four thru seven can produce a big number at a moments notice. 

(The ninth is a strong par four with an elevated green. A good approach shot is on the same side as the flag, otherwise it's a difficult two putt over the ridge.) 

The back nine struggles to match the front nines energy. Both ten and seventeen are short downhill par fives, and while they're good birdie chances, they're too similar. Same thing with eleven and fifteen. Both par threes play over the same lake. It just lacks the movement and continuity of the front. 

(The rock outcroppings add to the visual beauty of the thirteenth.) 

(Eighteen green is divided into three sections. It's a wonderful approach, uphill to well bunkered green. Club selection is critical.) 

Ballyowen is on a beautiful piece of property, and while I think it's a very good golf course, it could've been a great or even excellent one. Still, it's a must play  for anyone living in NYC, and looking for a road trip. I give it a 6 (very good).