Member Club Spotlight: TPC Jasna Polana
PRINCETON, N.J. –– Set across 222 acres in Princeton, N.J., TPC Jasna Polana combines the history of a former private family estate with a championship golf course designed by Gary Player. Originally built in the 1970s as a private residence for Johnson & Johnson heir J. Seward Johnson Sr. and his wife Barbara, the property became a Tournament Players Club (TPC) facility in 1998 following the conversion of its historic 46,000-square-foot Georgian mansion into a clubhouse. Today, the private club stands out for its distinctive architecture, exceptional course conditions, and personal member experience.
History and Setting
The experience at TPC Jasna Polana begins well before golfers reach the first tee. Located along Province Line Road in Princeton, the property welcomes members and guests through a set of gates and down a long, winding entrance road that gradually reveals the estate’s centerpiece: its impressive 46,000-square-foot clubhouse.
For Director of Golf, Michael Furey, that arrival is one of the property’s most memorable characteristics.
"From the moment you drive through the gates down that long winding road it takes you to a different place,” Furey said. "The mansion is picturesque.”
The mansion’s architecture and interior provide a fitting complement to the surrounding landscape, and upon entering the clubhouse, guests are greeted by a grand foyer and striking travertine staircase. The current golf shop is housed in a former rose garden, preserving portions of the original structure and design of the original estate as well.
The Golf Course
Designed by Gary Player, TPC Jasna Polana’s championship golf course takes full advantage of the property’s natural terrain. Rather than dramatically altering the landscape, Player incorporated the estate’s existing rolling hills, elevation changes and tree-lined corridors into the design, creating a course that feels connected to its surroundings.
The result is a layout that offers a variety of challenges while remaining enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. Five sets of tees provide options for different abilities, while the course’s fairways and green complexes offer something new throughout each round.
"The golf course itself is in impeccable condition,” Furey said. “It's just a course where you can enjoy playing on an everyday basis, because you’re going to interact with something different each day.”
Among the course’s defining characteristics are its elevated and downhill tee shots, tree-lined fairways and greens featuring multiple tiers and undulations. The par-threes offer a particularly wide range of challenges, stretching anywhere from 110 to 230 yards.
The second hole is one of the course’s most memorable, featuring a significant elevation change from tee to green, a scenic backdrop and bunkers positioned right and rear. Nearby, the 534-yard par-5 third hole presents a reachable yet strategic risk-reward opportunity with a twisting fairway guarded by penal bunkering. A cascading waterfall adds to the natural setting, complemented by the cobblestone and old-style bridges that connect holes throughout the property.
The 452-yard par-4 sixth hole poses the course’s toughest challenge and highest handicap rating, demanding an accurate approach shot to a well-defended green. On the par-3 eighth hole, an out-of-play stream runs down the right side, leading to a contoured green featuring visual deception from a front-right bunker hidden from the back tees.
Opening the back nine, the 10th hole requires an uphill tee shot over a chute of trees to a fairway pinched by sand on both sides. Players must later navigate a demanding stretch of long par-4s on No. 13 (456 yards), No. 14 (430 yards), and No. 15 (440 yards), a middle section across the property’s more open land that tests stamina and long-iron accuracy.
The round concludes at the 18th hole, a large par-5 that brings players back toward the mansion clubhouse. Golfers must navigate a bridge over a winding creek, known as Strawberry Run, on their second shot before approaching the green, which is framed by the clubhouse and viewed from the glass-enclosed Travertine Room.
Beyond the design itself, the course’s natural surroundings contribute to its character. Deer and other wildlife are frequent visitors, while floral arrangements and orchids scattered throughout the property reflect the interests of the estate’s former owner.
“We have tons of wildlife on top of the floral arrangements that are out there on the golf course,” Furey said. “There are orchids everywhere on this property, which makes it feel like you're playing golf throughout a flower garden for the most part.”
A Unique Array of Amenities
While golf remains at the center of the TPC Jasna Polana experience, the property amenities extend well beyond the course.
The mansion clubhouse provides a setting for dining, gatherings, and special events, while two on-site cottages offer members and their guests the opportunity to enjoy overnight accommodations through the club’s ‘Stay & Play’ packages.
The Beata House, a 10,000-square-foot contemporary residence, and The Annex, a historic 12,300-square-foot Georgian mansion (located adjacent to the 14th tee box) add charm to the facility. Combined with meeting spaces, the two residences are convenient for members to use when hosting visitors outside the area. The cottages also accommodate members of other TPC properties who visit through the network’s reciprocal relationships.
“Those houses have that old school Princeton charm to it, which aligns with the clubhouse itself,” Furey said. “They are a great additive for our members.”
As part of the TPC network, members enjoy reciprocal playing privileges at 26 TPC facilities nationwide. The club’s affiliation with Concert Golf Partners extends that reach even further, opening the door to a portfolio of private clubs from coast to coast.
The property also serves as a destination for weddings, corporate outings, and other special occasions. Throughout the golf season, the club maintains an active calendar of member events, including member-guests, club championships and its annual Black Friday tournament.
The Member Experience & What’s Ahead
For Furey, what stands out most about TPC Jasna Polana goes beyond the architecture or course design. It comes down to the day-to-day relationships built between members, guests, and staff.
“I think the biggest thing that they take away from being a member here is the overall experience and the sense of community,” Furey said. "Our members just feel like they're at home.”
That sense of familiarity and community remains central to the club’s identity, supported by ongoing investments in its facilities. Recent projects include renovations to the main dining room and the Oak Room grill, as well as updates to common areas of the clubhouse.
“We’re always looking for improvements for our members and are never completely satisfied with the way it’s always been done,” Furey said.
The club also maintains a commitment to giving back beyond its membership. Recent efforts have included participation in a 100-Hole Marathon benefiting the NJ Golf Foundation, as well as its Birdies for the Brave, a community charity golf outing and national military outreach initiative supporting U.S. Armed Forces members, veterans, and military homefront charities.
TPC Jasna Polana combines the history of its Princeton estate with a championship Gary Player-designed course and a welcoming, member-focused club experience.
New Jersey Golf periodically highlights courses from across the state. If you would like your club to be featured, please contact Mike McAneny at mikem@njgolf.org.
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