Scenic view of a green at Darlington Golf Course with lush trees and mountains in the background

Mahwah, New Jersey· Public

Golf at Darlington?
Track Your Handicap & Bets

Short Grass is the free golf app used by golfers at Darlington Golf Course to log rounds, track their USGA handicap index, and run Nassau, Low Medal, and Skins bets — all on the course, in real time.

4.1(172 Google reviews)

72Par

6,800Yards (Black)

130Slope

72.8Rating

About Darlington Golf Course

Nestled in the picturesque Ramapo Mountains of Mahwah, New Jersey, Darlington Golf Course offers a classic public golf experience designed to challenge and delight players of all skill levels. Opened in 1965 and designed by renowned architect Hal Purdy, Darlington has long been a favorite among local golfers, known for its well-maintained conditions, strategic layout, and stunning natural beauty. The course seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, featuring mature trees, rolling terrain, and subtle elevation changes that demand thoughtful shot-making.

The design philosophy at Darlington emphasizes a traditional approach to golf, where accuracy and course management are often rewarded over sheer power. Purdy's layout presents a variety of holes, from tight, tree-lined fairways requiring precision off the tee to more open holes where a well-struck drive can set up a birdie opportunity. The greens are generally true and offer a fair challenge, often protected by bunkers or subtle undulations that test a golfer's putting touch. The course's commitment to excellent conditioning ensures a consistent and enjoyable playing surface throughout the season.

What makes Darlington truly special is its ability to provide a high-quality golf experience in a public setting. It strikes a perfect balance between challenge and playability, making it accessible for beginners while still offering enough complexity to keep experienced golfers engaged. The serene atmosphere, coupled with the scenic views of the Ramapo Mountains, creates an immersive golfing environment that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle, yet is conveniently located for golfers in Bergen County and beyond. Darlington Golf Course is more than just a round of golf; it's an opportunity to enjoy the game amidst New Jersey's natural splendor.

Course Tee Information

Black6,800 yds

Rating 72.8Slope 130

Blue6,450 yds

Rating 71Slope 127

White6,050 yds

Rating 69.1Slope 123

Red5,400 yds

Rating 71.5Slope 121

All tees play to par 72. Source: www.golfdarlington.com.

Free for all golfers

Track your handicap at Darlington Golf Course.
It takes two minutes to set up.

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Everything You Need at Darlington Golf Course

Short Grass is built for golfers who play courses like Darlington Golf Course — where every stroke counts and the bets make it interesting.

Live Handicap Tracking

Log your round at Darlington Golf Course and your handicap differential is calculated automatically using the official USGA World Handicap System formula. No spreadsheets required.

Score History & Trends

See how your game evolves across every round at Darlington Golf Course. Track your scoring average, best rounds, and improvement over time with visual charts.

Hole-by-Hole Stats

Identify your weakest holes on the Darlington Golf Course layout. Discover exactly which holes are costing you strokes and where you can pick up shots.

In-Round Betting

Set up Nassau, Skins, Low Medal, and Short Grass bets before you tee off. The app tracks the money in real time as you play.

Playing Partners

Connect with the golfers you play with at Darlington Golf Course. Compare handicaps, view each other's scorecards, and settle bets through the app.

Leaderboards

See where you rank among Short Grass members who play at Darlington Golf Course. Compete on gross and net leaderboards by course.

Betting Games

Run Your Usual Games at Darlington

Whether your group plays a weekly Nassau or a Skins game on the back nine, Short Grass handles the maths so you can focus on your game. All bets support gross and net (handicap-adjusted) scoring.

Nassau

Three separate bets — front nine, back nine, and overall 18. The classic format for any foursome at Darlington Golf Course.

Low Medal

Lowest gross or net score wins the pot. Choose Full 18, Front 9, Back 9, or Front & Back 9 together.

Skins

Win a hole outright to claim the skin. Ties carry over, building the pot on Darlington Golf Course's toughest holes.

Short Grass

Points for hitting fairways and greens. Rewards the ball-strikers in your group.

Match Play

Hole-by-hole head-to-head with full handicap strokes applied. Perfect for a challenge match.

Why Mahwah, New Jersey Golfers Use Short Grass

1Darlington Golf Course's slope of 130 means handicap strokes matter — Short Grass allocates them correctly by hole handicap rank.
2Tracking your stats hole by hole shows where you're losing shots and where you can improve.
3Mahwah, New Jersey golfers play regularly. Short Grass keeps a running handicap index that updates after every round.
4All betting games support gross and net scoring — Nassau, Skins, Low Medal, and more.
5Free for all golfers. No subscription required to log rounds, track handicap, or run bets.

Course Photos

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Course Layout

Notable Holes at Darlington Golf Course

The 4th hole, a par-3, is a standout for its scenic beauty and demanding tee shot. Often playing downhill, it requires a precise iron to a green that can be guarded by bunkers, with the Ramapo Mountains providing a stunning backdrop. Club selection is crucial here, as misjudging the distance can lead to a challenging up-and-down.

Another memorable hole is the par-5 12th. This dogleg left requires a strategic tee shot to avoid the trees on the left side, setting up a decision on whether to lay up or go for the green in two. The approach to the green is often uphill, adding another layer of complexity and demanding a well-struck shot to find the putting surface.

The finishing hole, the 18th, is a strong par-4 that provides a fitting end to the round. Often playing uphill, it demands a solid drive and a precise approach to a green that can be challenging to hold. A par here feels like a well-earned reward, leaving golfers with a sense of accomplishment.

Local Knowledge

Tips for Playing Darlington Golf Course

When playing Darlington, pay close attention to the elevation changes, especially on your approach shots. Many greens are elevated or feature subtle slopes that can make club selection tricky. Consider playing one extra club on uphill approaches and be prepared for putts that break more than they appear. Additionally, the course can play longer than its yardage suggests due to the rolling terrain, so don't be afraid to take an extra club if you're unsure.

Accuracy off the tee is paramount on many of Darlington's tree-lined holes. While some holes offer room to roam, others demand precision to avoid trouble. Focus on hitting fairways, even if it means sacrificing a little distance. The course is generally well-maintained, but be aware of potential wet spots after heavy rain, particularly in lower-lying areas. Finally, take a moment to appreciate the beautiful scenery – it's part of what makes Darlington a special place to play.