If you’re wondering where to golf in or around Westfield, NJ, you’re not alone. Whether you're moving to the area, visiting for the weekend, or just trying to find a new spot to play as you explore homes for sale in Westfield, it helps to know what your options are. Westfield has a beautiful golf setting, and the region is surrounded by a handful of top-tier courses with unique experiences.
This guide gives you a detailed look at the golf courses near Westfield: what each one offers and what makes them stand out. You’ll get the scoop on location, amenities, and more so that you can choose a course that fits your style and needs.
Echo Lake Country Club
If you ask locals about premier golf in Westfield, Echo Lake Country Club is likely the first name you'll hear. This is a private club with a long history; it was created in 1921 (as a convergence of The Cranford Golf Club and Westfield Golf Club) and has remained one of the most well-known courses in Union County.
The course itself is an 18-hole, par-72 layout designed by the famous Donald Ross. That means it’s got a classic design with a mix of challenging holes and strategic play. Expect fast greens, elevation changes, and fantastic views of Echo Lake from several points along the course.
Echo Lake is members-only, but it offers more than just golf. The club includes tennis courts, a swimming pool, and formal dining areas. If you're considering joining a private golf club, this one is worth looking into.
Galloping Hill Golf Course
For those looking for public golf with a country club feel, Galloping Hill is one of the top picks in the Westfield area. It's located just minutes from downtown Westfield in Kenilworth, making it super convenient.
Galloping Hill is known as “The Hill” for good reason. The course, initially designed by Williard Wilkinson and renovated by Rees Jones, is indeed hilly, and that adds a unique challenge. It’s a full 18-hole, par-71, 271-acre course with impressive landscaping, practice facilities, and even a lighted driving range that stays open late.
Another bonus? Galloping Hill is home to the New Jersey State Golf Association, and it's hosted major amateur tournaments. That says a lot about the quality of the course and the level of play you’ll find here.
Shackamaxon Country Club
Shackamaxon Country Club is a private course in nearby Scotch Plains, just a short drive from Westfield. This course stands out because it was designed by A.W. Tillinghast, one of the most famous golf course architects in the U.S.
The layout is 18 holes with a par of 70, and it includes one of Tillinghast’s most iconic hole designs: an island green that makes the 18th hole unforgettable. The course blends challenge with beauty, and it’s surrounded by mature trees and peaceful views.
Shackamaxon offers more than just golf. Members enjoy social events, themed dinners, wine tastings, holiday parties, cooking classes, tennis, and a full calendar of seasonal activities. The vibe here is relaxed but polished, and it’s popular with locals who want a private course with a close-knit community.
Shady Rest Country Club
Shady Rest Country Club is another gem in Scotch Plains, just a short drive from Westfield. Opened in 1920, this historic club was once home to legendary golfer John Matthew Shippen, Jr., and has hosted Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington.
Today, the course is open to the public and managed by Union County. It’s a 9-hole layout with a par of 33, offering a relaxing and accessible option whether you’re fitting in a round after work or introducing someone new to the game. The course features tree-lined fairways, small greens, and a welcoming vibe that draws golfers of all skill levels.
Ash Brook Golf Course
Ash Brook is another excellent public course in the region managed by KemperSports of Union County. The alluring course here gets a lot of praise for its layout and consistent course conditions.
The 18-hole, par-72, parkland-style course was originally designed by Alfred Tull and features wide fairways, bunkers, and water hazards that keep the game interesting. Recently renovated by Rees Jones, the stunning course promises memorable play for all levels. Ash Brook also features golf instruction, a practice range, a “pitch & putt course,” and a short game area, which makes it a solid choice if you’re working on your skills. If you’re new to golf or want to take lessons, this is a great place to start. They offer group clinics, junior programs, and one-on-one instruction with PGA-certified instructors.
In the end, the golf scene in and around Westfield offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for public access, private luxury, fast rounds, or serious challenges, there’s a course nearby that fits your needs.
If you’re ready to explore everything that life in Westfield, NJ, has to offer, you can become a new homeowner in this incredible community with the Michelle Pais Group as your guide.