The 5 Best Public Golf Courses in Atlantic City, NJ

Atlantic City, New Jersey, is known for its vibrant entertainment and beautiful coastal landscapes. It’s also home to some of the most challenging public golf courses in the region. Here’s a list of the five most difficult public golf courses in the Atlantic City area, ranked from least to most difficult, with two honorable mentions for those looking for a slightly less intense experience.

5. Links At Brigantine Beach

Links At Brigantine Beach Tee Times

Location: Brigantine, NJ
Hardest Tees: Black
Yards: 6507
Slope: 129
Rating: 72.3

Brigantine Golf Links, located in Brigantine Beach, New Jersey, is a historic and unique links course designed by Wayne Stile and Jon Van Kleek during the golden age of golf course architecture. Spread out on a barrier island just across the bay from Atlantic City, it is the closest layout to the iconic Boardwalk and casinos. This atmospheric course, restored to its original links heritage through a long-term renovation project, is notable for being one of the best value courses in South New Jersey. With four sets of tee markers, players have distance options ranging from as short as 5,053 yards to as long as 6,507 yards. Brigantine Golf Links is a shotmaker’s course that truly gives you a feel for the Scottish game as it was originally played. The wide open, gently rolling, sand-based terrain rambles over natural dunes and berms and around native marshes. Creeks, ponds, and tidal inlets enter the fray on no fewer than fourteen holes, but wind has an even greater impact on the game. Brigantine Golf Links boasts a nice collection of par 3s and reachable par 5s where you can do your scoring. Its small, undulating greens roll smoothly and have earned widespread praise for being among the finest putting surfaces in Southern New Jersey. Opportunities to hit creative bump-and-run shots that ride the mounds and natural contours of the land add to the fun. In the process, you’ll see plenty of birdlife and wildlife on this National Audubon Sanctuary. The clubhouse features a pro shop and a snack area, but the course does not have a driving range. Practice facilities are limited to a putting green where you can putt and chip. Finally, club lore suggests that Brigantine Golf Links was once visited by legendary players Walter Hagen and Harry Vardon, providing an opportunity to walk in historic footprints. For an affordable round on an authentic links course located close to the Atlantic City Boardwalk, make a tee time at Brigantine Golf Links.

4. Harbor Pines Golf Club

Harbor Pines Golf Club Tee Times

Location: Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Hardest Tees: Black
Yards: 6827
Slope: 133
Rating: 72.9

Harbor Pines Golf Club is a well-known and loved course for public golfers in southern New Jersey. Located 15 miles from Atlantic City’s boardwalk and casinos, it first opened in 1996 and has since continued to attract golfers due to its beautiful parkland-style layout, fun challenge, meticulous course conditioning, and personalized service. The course was designed by Stephen Kay and Doug Smith and extends through a wooded environment, with each hole existing in its own private corridor, creating a sense of privacy and solitude. The course features five sets of tee boxes, plus two scorecard options for hybrid tees, and generous fairways, making it enjoyable for highly skilled and less accomplished players alike.

The layout provides plenty of variety, with holes playing in all different directions. One of the toughest holes is no. 9, called “Escape,” due to its length and the need for precision to avoid the water to the left and the trees to the right of the fairway. The course’s bunkering is a distinctive feature, with sand in all shapes and sizes, including the long, ribbon-like bunker known as “Sand Creek” and the enormous half-acre sand pit on the par-4 17th hole. The undulating greens present big targets that accommodate multiple pin placements, adding even more variety and challenge to the game. The course also has extensive practice facilities spread out in three distinct areas and a clubhouse that includes the lively Grill Room restaurant, making it an excellent choice for a rousing day of golf in Atlantic City.

3. Vineyard Golf at Renault Winery

Vineyard Golf at Renault Winery Tee Times

Location: Egg Harbor City, NJ
Hardest Tees: Black
Yards: 7213
Slope: 132
Rating: 74.5

Vineyard Golf at Renault Winery is a beautifully maintained course located in Egg Harbor City. The course provides a challenging layout with well-manicured fairways and greens. Golfers appreciate the scenic views and the excellent conditions of the course. It’s a great place to enjoy a round of golf while taking in the natural beauty of the area.

2. Buena Vista Country Club

Buena Vista Country Club Tee Times

Location: Buena, NJ
Hardest Tees: Black
Yards: 7111
Slope: 135
Rating: 74.6

Welcome to Buena Vista Country Club. Located in the heart of South Jersey, Buena Vista Country Club offers a challenging golf experience. Established in 1957, we recently celebrated our 65th year. While originally a private club, BVCC now welcomes both public golfers and members, but still maintains the exclusive ambiance.

Situated between the Vineland, NJ and Hammonton, NJ areas, Buena Vista Country Club is conveniently accessible for golfers from Philadelphia as well as those traveling to or from Atlantic City. Whether you are a local enthusiast or a visitor, our golf course provides a formidable test of skill and an enjoyable round for all.

1. Twisted Dune Golf Club

Twisted Dune Golf Club Tee Times

Location: Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Hardest Tees: Black
Yards: 7248
Slope: 130
Rating: 74.9

Twisted Dune Golf Club is a top public course in New Jersey, situated along the Jersey Shore and near Atlantic City. This 7,248-yard golf course was designed by architect Archie Struthers, boasting a beautiful links-style layout with stunning views and remarkable conditions. The course opened in 2001 and features deep ravines, grassy hills, rolling fairways, and huge dunes covered with fescue, which line each hole and create a Scottish links look. Struthers aimed to create an isolated layout, with more than 2 million cubic yards of earth moved in the process.

The course has five sets of tees, starting at 4,930 yards, making it very playable, and the fairways are generous. The course features many bunkers, including pot bunkers, and several water features. The club offers outstanding practice facilities, including a full range, short-game area, and practice putting green, as well as a golf academy for those looking to improve their game. The clubhouse houses a fully-stocked golf shop, offering the latest in apparel and accessories. Twisted Dune Golf Club has some challenging holes, such as the difficult par-4 fifth, which is a dogleg right that plays to a green almost entirely surrounded by large bunkers. Another tough hole is the 14th, a 410-yard par 4, which requires length and accuracy, as water hazards line both sides of the fairway.

Honorable Mentions

Blue Heron Pines Golf Club

Blue Heron Pines Golf Club Tee Times

Location: Galloway Twp, NJ
Hardest Tees: Black
Yards: 6810
Slope: 133
Rating: 72.2

Blue Heron Pines is a golf course in New Jersey that opened in 1993. This course was designed by Stephen Kay, who utilized the natural beauty of the area to create a stunning landscape. With majestic tree lines framing breathtaking vistas, this course has been recognized by The Press of Atlantic City, Casino Connection Magazine, and other publications as the best 18-hole course at the Jersey Shore.

Atlantic City Country Club

Atlantic City Country Club Tee Times

Location: Northfield, NJ
Hardest Tees: Black
Yards: 6577
Slope: 132
Rating: 72.1

Atlantic City Country Club offers a challenging layout with well-maintained fairways and greens. The course features a variety of holes that require strategic play and precise shot-making. Golfers appreciate the course’s scenic beauty and the friendly atmosphere, making it a favorite among local golfers.

The Atlantic City area offers a range of challenging public golf courses that cater to golfers looking to test their skills. Whether you’re aiming for the top spots or seeking a tough but enjoyable round, these courses provide a unique and exciting golfing experience.