Sunset Valley Golf Course, Pompton Plains, NJ

First time playing Sunset Valley in 3 years and probably the last time this year. When i'm playing a course, its for the quality of the course for the price more than any amenities it may offer. Today, the conditions were not good. Many of the greens were pockmarked with a fungus or had simply small 2ft areas of no grass at all. As is normal, the greens were fast (which is good), that is when they were mowed recently! A few hadn't been mowed at the same time as others and were suddenly crazy slow. A few of the fairways were no different than the rough. Just bad conditions for what is normally a decent course. Compared to fellow county course, Berkeshire Valley, they were terrible. Played BV last week and conditions were as good as I've seen for that course in a few years. When there is competition like the Crystal courses 20 minutes north, your conditions better match the price paid and unfortunately, that was not the case with SV today.

Great setting in a wooded valley. Interesting, undulating course, but poorly maintained greens. No driving range, limited putting and basic cafe.

I play it once or twice a month, primarily because it is close to my home. Staff is nice, concession stand lady nice but overprices everything. Numerous nice holes. Number 2 is now a 550 yard par 5 with the last 150 yards new grass that still hasn't grown in. Greens are atrocious, hit the ball pin-low or enjoy walking 15 yards down the fairway. Course is getting better though. Back nine is unique, largely due to the fact many tee shots are hit blindly up or down into the fairways. Out of county rate is ridiculous. If you are just playing different courses to collect logo balls, its a good course. Play it once, and leave. Don't come back. Scenery is awesome.

The course has potential to be a nice course. It has a great layout and tough track. However, its not maintained all that well. Greens were inconsistant and spongy and the rough was beginning to get burnt.

To see my full review of Sunset Valley as well as other courses in NJ go to:

www.golfcoursereviewgurus.com