Mercer Oaks East, West Windsor, NJ

The small NJ commuter town of West Windsor,  NJ must enjoy some of the best municipal facilities in the Northeast.  Members of the community play for just $24 mid week, have access to a lightly used grass driving range (half are mats for colder months), and two thought provoking 18's.

Attempt a drive over the bunkers, for a chance to reach
this par 5, or tack your way to the right off the tee.

Now you have just seen me write affordable, thought provoking, and NJ all in the same sentence!  It is a first for me but this is what public golf is all about in West Windsor and could be seen as a great example of how best to grow the game one community at a time.  The latest and greatest remote destination course builds excitement in the world of golf but it will not create the type of ground swell needed to grow the game from the roots up.  Mercer Oaks is the type of golf facility which should be applauded for its accessability and overall quality of experience.  Junior play is also supported here with green fees of just $15.  

More options abound off the tee...

Also to the point of accessibility and enjoyment are the 5 sets of tees ranging from 5400-7000+.  That is a tremendous range of options for all levels of golfers from children and seniors to top level amateur play.  The fairways are also wider than average to create some strategic options and alternate routes to the hole.   I always enjoy coming to Mercer Oaks because you get the most for your money here.  The staff clearly care about maintaining the best product possible and my last visit justifies this praise once again.

A precise approach is required to find the putting surface here.