Baltusrol Golf Club - Lower Course: NJ Golf’s 125th Amateur Preview

Jaimie Pierson, Head Golf Professional at Baltusrol Golf Club, previews the Lower Course ahead of the 125th New Jersey Amateur Championship. Opened in 1922 as part of A.W. Tillinghast’s groundbreaking dual-course design and restored by Gil Hanse, the Lower has hosted some of the defining championships and moments in American golf. For this milestone State Amateur, it will play as a par 70, with Nos. 1 and 7 converted into long Par 4’s that immediately change the scoring expectations and character of the round.

Pierson explains where players must accept par, which holes still offer legitimate birdie opportunities and how the restored bunkers, expanded greens, fairway lines and ground-game options shape tournament strategy. The discussion covers the demanding opening seven holes, the risk-reward decision at No. 13, the restored Sahara bunker at No. 17 and the opportunity waiting at No. 18. It is a complete championship preview of the course that will open the event Monday and begin the final 36 holes Wednesday morning.

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