Preakness Valley Golf - East Course

One of two golf courses at historic Preakness Valley Golf Course, the East Course is a solid layout with plenty of opportunities for scoring and challenges as well. Run by Passaic County, Preakness Valley has two 18-hole layouts -- with the other being the West Course -- and is the home of the Passaic County Amateur Championship. It's located on the same 377-acre property as the historic Day Mansion, which was built in 1770 and restored in 1934 by the county. Golf at PreaknessValley goes back to 1892, but the county purchased and restored the golf course in 1931. The East Course, a par 70 that plays 5,850 yards from the back tees, has three sets of tees. It has just two par 5s, the third and the sixth, and they are good ones, even though both are less than 500 yards from the back tees. The sharp dogleg right third wraps around the second and first holes to a green protected by a large bunker. The first two holes are par 4s, with the second being just 303 yards from the back tees, a definite birdie opportunity. The par-5 sixth, which is just 475 yards, is the no. 1 handicap hole on the East Course. It's straightaway, but there is a creek that crosses the fairway about two thirds of the way to the green, which is guarded by two bunkers in the front. Another unusual feature is the front nine ends with a par 3, and the back nine begins with one as well. Both courses share good practice facilities that include a driving range, short-game area and practice putting green. Inside the large clubhouse, there's also a golf shop and snack shop that serves sandwiches and beverages.