If you’re craving a golf getaway with incredible variety, lush scenery, and top-notch course design, Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg, New Jersey, is the perfect destination. Nestled in the rolling hills of northwestern New Jersey, this golf haven boasts six courses—including four championship-level 18-hole tracks and two friendly 9-hole courses ideal for beginners and families. Whether you’re chasing a low score or just soaking in the views, Crystal Springs has something for every golfer.
I first discovered the resort years ago while looking to check New Jersey off my U.S. golf quest. The Wild Turkey course caught my eye—and it didn’t disappoint. Built beneath a rustic lodge with sweeping views, it was a scenic and challenging introduction to the resort. Recently, I returned with my wife for a birthday weekend getaway and enjoyed two more spectacular rounds—Crystal Springs and the renowned Ballyowen.
Crystal Springs: A Beautiful Beast
This course is the original jewel that gave the resort its name. Carved through wooded hills and upscale homes, it’s one of the most challenging public courses in the state—but don’t let that scare you off. With five sets of tees, golfers of all levels can enjoy the test. The rolling fairways are lined with mounds, and the elevated, well-protected greens make precision a must. You’ll need a good short game here—there’s no easy path to bump and run.
Two holes stood out for me: the dramatic 11th, where you launch your tee shot off an 80-foot cliff over a pond toward a two-sided green (a real postcard moment), and the three-tiered 18th green, which is as fun as it is tricky. The maintenance was excellent, and the course layout kept me engaged the entire round.
Ballyowen: A Taste of the British Isles
If Crystal Springs is bold and rugged, Ballyowen is expansive and romantic. Just a few minutes from the main resort, this links-style course feels like a trip to Scotland without the passport. With few trees, long fescue roughs, and sweeping elevation changes, it’s as beautiful as it is playable.
Rated one of New Jersey’s best public courses, Ballyowen offers wide fairways and strategic bunkering. The course stretches to over 7,100 yards, but multiple tee boxes give players the flexibility to find their comfort zone. When I played, the rain cleared by the third hole, and I had the course to myself—a rare luxury that made the round unforgettable. The finishing holes offer panoramic views from the hilltop clubhouse, capping off a truly memorable golf experience.
Whether you’re planning a buddy trip, a romantic golf weekend, or just checking another course off your list, Crystal Springs Resort is a top-tier golf destination that combines challenging layouts, beautiful views, and a relaxing resort vibe. Pack your clubs—you won’t be disappointed.
