Hal Purdy

Blakeslee, PA

Jack Frost National Golf Club sits atop Jack Frost Mountain in the Pocono Mountains near Blakeslee, Pennsylvania, at roughly 2,000 feet of elevation. Terry LaGree designed the course, which opened in the early 2000s and spans about 200 acres of natural oak forest. Despite its mountain setting, the course was built with wide fairways, clearly defined landing areas, and few blind shots, an intentional departure from many mountain layouts that rely on narrow corridors and uneven lies. The par-72 routing plays to roughly 7,250 yards from the championship tees, with five total tee options. The club is open to the public. It includes a two-tier driving range and short-game practice area, and is part of the broader Pocono golf trail that draws visitors from the Northeast.

Thiells, NY

Phillip J. Rotella Memorial Golf Course is a public 18-hole course in Thiells, New York, built on former Letchworth Custodial property acquired by the Town of Haverstraw in the early 1980s. It was designed by Hal Purdy, took about two years to build, and opened in the mid-1980s at roughly 6,500 yards from the back tees. Originally named the Minisceongo Golf Course and later the Rotella Municipal course, it was renamed in 2002 in honor of longtime town supervisor Philip J. Rotella. The course is municipally owned, open to daily-fee play, and includes a driving range and an on-site restaurant.

Oak Ridge, NJ

Berkshire Valley Golf Course occupies a roughly 600-acre former quarry site in Jefferson Township, New Jersey, on land that once held the ruins of circus owner Alfred Ringling's early-1900s winter headquarters. Contaminated soil and old industrial waste had to be removed from the site before the course could be built. Architect Roger Rulewich designed the layout, which opened to the public in 2004 as the fourth course operated by the Morris County Park Commission. The course runs along the ridge of Green Pond Mountain, with narrow fairways, well-protected greens and notable elevation change on holes such as the par-3 second. Berkshire Valley plays to a par of 71 across 18 holes and stretches to about 6,800 yards from the back tees. It is a public, county-owned facility with a driving range, putting green and clubhouse dining.

Monroe, CT

Public course in Monroe with wide fairways and friendly atmosphere.

West Orange, NJ

Francis A. Byrne Golf Course is an Essex County public course in West Orange with genuine Golden Age pedigree. It dates to 1928, when it was designed as a private club course by Seth Raynor and built by Charles Banks after Raynor's death. A $9.6 million county renovation, completed in 2023 with Stephen Kay consulting, restored many of the classic template holes, including a Road Hole, Biarritz, Short and Eden. The hilly, tree-lined layout plays to a par of 70 at roughly 6,660 yards from the back tees, with deep bunkers and rolling greens. It is one of the few places a public golfer can play a Raynor-Banks design.

Flanders, NJ

Flanders Valley Golf Course Red and Gold course is an 18-hole public facility located in Flanders, New Jersey. The original Red nine was designed by Hal Purdy, while the Gold nine addition was designed by Rees Jones and opened in 1982. The rotation plays to a par of 72. The Red to Gold rotation is a hilly layout that offers views of the surrounding Morris County countryside. The Gold nine is particularly known for its elevation changes and doglegs, while the Red nine features flatter terrain and straighter holes. A 475-yard par 4 on the seventh hole is considered one of the most difficult on the property due to wind and trees. Practice areas and professional lessons are available on-site.

Farmingdale, NJ

Howell Park Golf Course is an 18-hole public facility with a par of 72 located in Farmingdale, New Jersey. The course was designed by Frank Duane and opened in 1972 as part of the Monmouth County Park System. It is situated in a rustic setting and has consistently been recognized for its quality by national golf publications. The layout at Howell Park features manicured bent grass fairways and fast-sloping greens that provide a challenging round. The course measures nearly 7,000 yards from the championship tees and incorporates strategic bunkering and water hazards. Mature trees border the fairways, creating a secluded atmosphere throughout the property. The facility also includes a large practice green and a warm-up range to help players prepare for their round in this natural environment.

Flanders, NJ

Flanders Valley Golf Course (White/Blue) features an 18 hole public layout known as the White-to-Blue course in Flanders, New Jersey. It was designed by Hal Purdy and opened in 1963. The course plays to a par of 72. The layout is traditional and spans a mostly flat terrain with many mature trees. These trees create tight lines on several holes, requiring accurate shots. The 14th hole features a pond that borders the entire left side of the fairway. The property covers over 400 acres of countryside in Morris County.

Warren, NJ

Warrenbrook Golf Course is an 18 hole public facility in Warren, New Jersey. Designed by Hal Purdy, the course opened in 1963 and is operated by the Somerset County Park Commission. The Warrenbrook layout plays to a par of 71 and features a heavily wooded terrain with numerous elevation changes. Water hazards and bunkers are strategically placed to challenge players throughout the round. The course is situated in a scenic valley and is known for its natural environment and quiet atmosphere.

East Brunswick, NJ

Tamarack Golf Course (East) is an 18 hole public course in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Designed by Hal Purdy and opened in 1971, it is part of the Middlesex County golf system. The Tamarack East course plays to a par of 71 and is one of two 18 hole championship layouts at the facility. The course features narrow fairways and several water hazards that require accurate shot making. It is a popular destination for golfers in central New Jersey looking for a well maintained municipal experience.