2025 By the Numbers: A Year to Remember for New Jersey Golf
KENILWORTH, N.J. – From record-setting participation to milestone celebrations, 2025 was a landmark year for New Jersey Golf. As the organization celebrated its 125th anniversary, golfers across the state continued to demonstrate just how strong, active and engaged the New Jersey golf community remains. Here’s a look back at the year — by the numbers.
Nearly 1.8 Million Rounds Posted
Golfers at New Jersey Golf member clubs posted an impressive 1,797,897 rounds during the 2025 season, underscoring the vitality of the game throughout the Garden State.
August emerged as the most popular month for posting scores, with Saturdays standing out as the most active day of the week. The single busiest day of the year came on June 1, when more scores were posted than on any other date in 2025.
That date carried special meaning as well. As part of New Jersey Golf’s 125th anniversary, a statewide Par 3 Contest was held on June 1 — the organization’s founding day — connecting today’s golfers with the association’s historic roots.
Championships, Competition and Community
Over the course of the year, 32 champions were crowned across New Jersey Golf’s championship schedule, highlighting excellence across multiple age groups, formats and competitive levels.
Beyond championships, participation thrived at the grassroots level. Fifty-one clubs and leagues operated under the New Jersey Golf umbrella, providing structured, competitive opportunities for golfers across the state.
Member Golf Days Continue to Thrive
New Jersey Golf’s popular Member Golf Day program once again delivered memorable experiences at premier venues. A total of 1,063 golfers participated in 12 Member Golf Days throughout the season.
Designed to offer golfers of varying skill levels the chance to play outstanding courses in a relaxed, non-championship setting, Member Golf Days remain one of the association’s most valued member benefits.
Course Rating: Ensuring Fair Play
In 2025, 22 courses across the state were officially rated, a critical behind-the-scenes effort that helps ensure equitable competition for all golfers.
A Course Rating represents the USGA’s evaluation of a course’s difficulty for a scratch golfer (Handicap Index 0.0) under normal playing conditions, indicating the expected score. When paired with the Slope Rating—which measures relative difficulty for higher-handicap players—these ratings work alongside a golfer’s Handicap Index to calculate a personalized Course Handicap. A higher Course Rating reflects increased difficulty for skilled players, while a higher Slope Rating indicates a tougher challenge for higher-handicap golfers, with 113 representing standard difficulty.
Powered by Volunteers
None of this would be possible without the dedication of volunteers. In 2025, 103 volunteers — including tournament volunteers and course raters — donated their time and expertise to support events, maintain standards and ensure the success of New Jersey Golf’s mission. Their commitment remains the backbone of everything the association does.
Looking Ahead
From historic celebrations to everyday rounds posted at courses across the state, 2025 showcased the strength of golf in New Jersey. Thank you to the golfers, volunteers, clubs, partners and supporters who made it such a memorable year.
We look forward to continuing the momentum in 2026 and building on 125 years of golf in the Garden State.
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