I finally got to play Ballowen, Hamburg NJ.
Crystal Springs Resort - New Jersey's Golf Destination Resort
It has a lot of (right) doglegs, a bit of water, and plenty of tall mounds (small hills) which keep you honest. There's sporadic theskew on those hills to keep you honest. 80% of the balls there are playable.
The fairways and greens were in very good shape. Balls rolled well and failways were very decent, and not bumpy.
The greens rolled very true towards the setting sun (we played late in the day) so uphill putts sometimes were faster than downhill ones!
Many holes allow you to play safe or "go fo it".
The snack cart came around at least 3 times per nine holes and the clubhouse and staff were extremely helpful.
My only negative note was the lack of depth perception on some holes and a few more yardage plates would have helped. But the 150 post in the center of most fairways was very helpful, and the yardage was very accurate.
Once you've played it once, its sure to be a much more enjoyable course.
We played the blue tees at 6500+ yards. Shot an 87 with 3 lost balls (2 in water) but all in all had a great time. White tees are 6000 yards, which i recommend for those at a hdcp of 20+.
The 10th hole is amazing, a par 5 that is down hill and dog legged to the left over a large trap. If you can turn it over you can have 200 to the green or less. The green itself is about 40 yards long! So depending where the flag is... good luck.
Rates are about 65/week, 95/weekend which includes a cart I believe. You can walk, but i wouldn't recommend it.
They have a very nice club house with party capabilities. Large windows overlook the entire course. The food was very good... I recommend the "bally burger".
Direction are quite easy... Rt80 to 15N (or 80 to 23N). Once you get onto 15N or 23N it's about 40 minutes.
Then take 15N to 94N (or 23N to 94S). Travel a few miles to Wheatsworth Road, take that 1.2 miles and turn right, up the winding road to the clubhouse.
One final note, the driving range is off to a very deep valley. You have no idea how far your hits go. The balls are in good shape, but the tee box itself could be redone. It's smallish and a bit old.
Ballyowen, #1 rated public course in NJ
I believe Atlantic City Country Club is #1 
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