5 courses near the Shore from Golfweek’s list of New Jersey top publics

New Jersey is home to some of the most unique and challenging golf courses in the country, with layouts that blend rich history and scenic landscapes that give memorable playing experiences.

In March 2026, Golfweek released its annual rankings of the top public-access golf courses in every state, and several familiar names near the Jersey Shore earned spots on the prestigious list.

The Garden State rankings feature a mix of modern masterpieces and timeless classics, highlighting the depth of golf talent across New Jersey. Here’s a look at the Shore-area courses that landed on Golfweek’s coveted list and continue to make their mark among the state’s best.

Seaview (Bay), Galloway 

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No. 2 on the list, few golf courses in New Jersey can match the history and prestige of Seaview’s Bay Course. Opened in 1914, the layout has become one of the most recognizable destinations in the Garden State and a cornerstone of Jersey Shore golf.

Designed by legendary architects Hugh Wilson and Donald Ross, the Bay Course rewards precision rather than pure power. Nestled along the marshlands of South Jersey, the course is known for its scenic views and classic links-style characteristics.

Seaview’s reputation extends far beyond the Shore, having hosted professional tournaments for decades, including the ShopRite LPGA Classic. More than a century after it opened, the Bay Course remains one of New Jersey’s premier public-access golf experiences and a must-play for golfers across the region.

Twisted Dune, Egg Harbor Township

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No. 5 is Twisted Dune Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township, widely regarded as one of the premier public-access courses in New Jersey. Designed by architect Archie Struthers and opened in 2001, the course was built by moving roughly 2 million cubic yards of sand and earth to create a true links-style layout rarely seen in the state. 

What makes Twisted Dune unique is that it feels more like a course you’d find along the Scottish coast than at the Jersey Shore. The layout features dramatic elevation changes while having deep ravines and more than 100 bunkers, with wind often serving as the course’s toughest defense. 

The course plays to more than 7,200 yards from the back tees and rewards creativity as much as power. The club itself describes the course as a “taste of the Scottish Coast” brought to South Jersey. 

Seaview (Pines), Absecon

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While the Bay Course gets most of the national attention, many golfers believe the Pines Course is the hidden gem at Seaview. It’s No. 6 on the Golfweek list.

Opened in 1929 and designed by renowned architects William Flynn and Howard Toomey, the course offers a completely different challenge than its seaside counterpart. 

Instead of marshland views and coastal winds, the Pines Course goes through South Jersey woodlands with tree-lined fairways and strategic doglegs,The layout rewards precision off the tee and smart course management, making it one of the more demanding public courses in the state. 

The course also carries a piece of golf history, as its 16th hole was the site of Sam Snead’s famous chip-in victory during the 1942 PGA Championship, the first major championship of his legendary career. Nearly a century after opening, the Pines Course remains one of New Jersey’s premier public-access layouts and a favorite among many golfers who prefer its classic, wooded design over the more famous Bay Course.

Shore Gate, Ocean View

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Not many public golf courses at the Jersey Shore have earned as much praise as Shore Gate Golf Club. No. 10 on the list. Opened in 2002, the course has consistently been ranked among New Jersey’s top public-access layouts and is widely considered one of South Jersey’s toughest tests. 

Designed by David Dale and Ron Fream, Shore Gate carves through the Pine Barrens with rolling fairways and water hazards that demand precision on nearly every shot. Unlike many Shore-area courses that rely on coastal views, Shore Gate’s challenge comes from its design and championship-caliber layout. 

Playing more than 7,200 yards from the back tees, Shore Gate rewards course strategy and punishes mistakes, making it a favorite among serious golfers. More than two decades after opening, it remains one of the premier public golf destinations in New Jersey and a staple on many “best courses you can play” lists throughout the state.

Ballamor, Egg Harbor Township

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Fifteenth is Ballamor Golf Club, which has become one of the premier golf destinations in South Jersey since opening in 2001. The layout combines pristine conditions with a challenging design, making it a favorite among both local golfers and visitors heading to the Jersey Shore.

Designed by Dan Schlegel, Ballamor stretches across more than 350 acres of rolling terrain featuring elevation changes and strategically placed bunkers. The course offers a unique blend of beauty and difficulty, rewarding golfers who can balance aggressive play.

Consistently ranked among New Jersey’s top public-access courses, Ballamor delivers a private-club feel without the membership requirement. Its outstanding conditioning and memorable layout have helped cement its reputation as one of the Garden State’s must-play golf courses.

Here arethe rest of the courses on the Golfweek list:

1. Crystal Springs Resort (Ballyowen), Hamburg

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3. Neshanic Valley, Neshanic Station

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4. Rock Spring, West Orange

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T7. Architects, Lopatcong

T7. Knoll (West), Boonton

9.  Crystal Springs Resort (Crystal Springs), Hamburg

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T10. Scotland Run, Williamstown

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12. Crystal Springs Resort (Wild Turkey), Hamburg

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13. Heron Glen, Ringoes

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14. RiverWinds, West Deptford

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This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: 5 courses near the Shore from Golfweek’s list of New Jersey top publics