TPC Jasna Polana In Princeton, New Jersey

BY: John Torsiello

TPC Jasna Polana’s par-72, 7,098yard championship layout crafted by the legendary Gary Player, is considered among the top private golf courses in New Jersey.

The course blends harmoniously with its surroundings amidst the rolling hills of Princeton. Corridors of mature hardwood trees frame manicured fairways, while TPC Jasna Polana’s amenities and exclusive benefits make it one of the most coveted private club memberships in New Jersey.

TPC Jasna Polana members enjoy a sense of community, camaraderie and belonging that come with participation in golf and social events throughout the year such as wine pairing dinners, cooking classes and “Nine and Dine” mixed golf outings and other golf tournament formats. Adjacent to the course, several historic luxury accommodations provide an ideal retreat for special conferences, celebrations and weekend getaways.

The Annex, which is adjacent to the 14th tee, is a 12,300-square-foot Georgian mansion and is the original house on the property. Beata’s House, built in 1987, offers 10,100 square feet of comfort overlooking the 18th fairway. Complementing the golf course is a 3.5-acre practice facility that features a 60,000-square-foot practice tee, four putting greens, and practice bunkers.

TPC Jasna Polana was built in the early 1970’s as the country home of J. Seward Johnson and his wife, Barbara. Designed by world-renowned architect Wallace Harrison, no effort or expense was spared in its design and construction.

When the decision was made to convert the private estate, Barbara Johnson and her family partnered with the PGA TOUR’s TPC Network, the only organization with the history and vision to turn Jasna Polana into a truly unique golf and social club.

The golf course is a true delight to play. The second hole, at 145 yards, requires an accurate tee shot to a guarded green. A creek that runs in front of and down the right side of the green will capture any wayward shots. The putting surface is 33 paces deep and slopes from back to front, making club selection on this hole critical.

On the third hole, two well-struck shots will reach this 480-yard uphill par-five in two. A meandering creek and waterfall guard the fairway from 150 yards in on the right, and fronts the entire green, which is 46 paces deep and slopes from back to front. Any shots above the hole will lead to very fast-breaking putts.

A spectacular risk/reward finishing hole, the 515-yard, par-five 18th favors long hitters that can carry their tee shot down the slope for a realistic chance at hitting the green in two. The pin position on this hole will determine how difficult it plays, as several tricky spots will challenge even the most skilled players. The green is 30 paces deep and slopes severely from back to front.