When people look for a golf club in NJ, they usually expect a good course and some practice facilities. Great Gorge Golf Club offers that, but it also brings much more. From its history to its natural setting, it’s become a destination for golfers who want a complete experience. Here are five reasons why.
1. A history that sets us apart
Great Gorge started back in the 1970s when it was part of the old Playboy Club Resort. George Fazio designed the course – he was a big name in golf course architecture back then – and it became pretty popular around Vernon Township. The place went through some rough patches over the years, changing hands and dealing with various issues, but it’s been brought back and updated for today’s golfers. That mix of history and revival makes it stand out compared to many other golf clubs in New Jersey.
2. A scenic mountain location
Few golf destinations in New Jersey can match the setting of Great Gorge. The course is surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, with natural elevation changes, wooded areas, and open views.
The layout takes advantage of the landscape, which makes each round feel connected to the outdoors. It’s not just about golf – the scenery plays a big part in the experience.
3. 27 holes of George Fazio design
George Fazio made his mark as a golf course designer from the 1950s into the 1980s, building courses that used existing landscapes instead of bulldozing everything flat. That approach was gaining traction during those decades as architects moved away from cookie-cutter designs.
Fazio earned a reputation for creating layouts that gave skilled players plenty to think about while not beating up casual golfers every weekend. When you see his name connected to Great Gorge, it means the course has good foundation work – the way holes connect to each other, how the greens are shaped, and where hazards are placed all came from someone who knew how golf courses should work together as a complete experience. When courses get redesigned or restored years later, having that original Fazio foundation gives architects something worthwhile to work with rather than starting from scratch.
Great Gorge isn’t limited to a standard 18-hole setup. The club has three distinct nine-hole courses: Rail, Lake, and Quarry. Players can combine them in different ways for a new challenge each visit.
Water hazards, bunkers, and terrain shifts make the courses interesting for both experienced golfers and newcomers. You can explore the details of each layout on the Our Courses page.
4. More than just golf
While golf is the focus, Great Gorge functions as a destination in itself. Outings and tournaments bring groups together, and the driving range adds practice opportunities.
The location works well if you want to do more than just golf. Mountain Creek is right there, plus there are hiking trails around Vernon Township that are worth checking out. Beyond the course, the full Great Gorge experience includes dining at Hef’s Hut, adventure at TreEscape Aerial Park, or trying 1Club Park Golf. It gives you options for filling up a whole weekend instead of just playing 18 holes and driving home.
5. Space to enjoy nature
Great Gorge is not just about fairways and greens. The place stays pretty quiet and feels more natural than a lot of other courses. You’ll see deer wandering around, the sky opens up without city haze, and the mountain air is noticeably cleaner than what you get closer to the highways. A lot of golfers say it feels more like getting away from everything than just playing a round of golf – which is probably the point.
Plan Your Visit
Great Gorge Golf Club blends history, scenery, and 27 holes of Fazio design into one destination. Whether you come for a round or a full weekend in Vernon, it’s a golf experience that goes beyond the basics.
Learn more at Great Gorge Golf Club.
Reserve your round today.