Joel Moore had a very clear vision of what he wanted to build: a traditional, golf-only club. “All I heard from my friends at clubs I belonged to were complaints that golf wasn’t the focus, that other things were taking away from the golf,” Moore says. “I wanted a club based on making golf the true focal point. No residences, no pool, no tennis courts. Just a great world-class golf course with a world-class practice facility, and with great conditioning.”
With Tom Fazio’s help, Moore has done just that at the Ridge at Back Brook, from the distinctive, lodge-style clubhouse to the 7,156-yard layout. Located in a rural area of central New Jersey, 60 miles west of New York City, the club is named for two of the course’s most prominent features, a ridge and a brook that run through the property. The ridge is a 100-foot wall that separates the 8th and 9th holes from the 17th and 18th—and provides a spectacular backdrop for the 192-yard 8th.
Back Brook meanders into play on eight holes, most notably on the par-5 18th, where it cuts in front of the green, tempting players to try to carry the hazard with the second shot or lay up.
The Ridge at Back Brook
Ringoes, N.J.
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,156
Year founded: 2002
Architect: Tom Fazio
