Aerial view of the lush green fairways and clubhouse at Knickerbocker Country Club in Tenafly, NJ

Tenafly, New Jersey· Private

Golf at Knickerbocker?
Track Your Handicap & Bets

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

4.6(186 Google reviews)
72Par
6,800Yards (Black)
136Slope
73.6Rating
Designed by Donald Ross

About Knickerbocker Country Club

Knickerbocker Country Club, nestled in the picturesque landscape of Tenafly, New Jersey, is a prestigious private golf club with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1914. The club boasts an exquisitely designed 18-hole championship golf course, a masterpiece originally crafted by the legendary Donald Ross. Ross's design philosophy, characterized by strategic bunkering, challenging green complexes, and a harmonious integration with the natural terrain, is evident throughout the course, offering a timeless and engaging golfing experience.

Over the decades, Knickerbocker has undergone thoughtful enhancements and restorations to maintain its classic integrity while adapting to modern play. A significant restoration by Ron Forse in the early 2000s meticulously brought back many of Ross's original design elements, ensuring the course remains a true testament to his vision. This commitment to preserving its heritage, combined with immaculate conditioning, makes Knickerbocker a standout among private clubs in the tri-state area.

Playing at Knickerbocker is an experience steeped in tradition and challenge. The course demands precision and strategic thinking from golfers of all skill levels. The rolling fairways, often framed by mature trees, lead to impeccably maintained greens that are known for their subtle breaks and speed. Beyond the exceptional golf, members enjoy a vibrant club community, first-class amenities, and a serene escape from the hustle and bustle, making it a truly special place for golf enthusiasts.

Course photo 1

Course Tee Information

Black6,800 yds
Rating 73.6Slope 136
Blue6,450 yds
Rating 71.9Slope 133
White6,050 yds
Rating 70.1Slope 129
Red5,400 yds
Rating 71.8Slope 126

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

Free for all golfers

Track your handicap at Knickerbocker Country Club.It takes two minutes to set up.

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Everything You Need at Knickerbocker Country Club

Short Grass is built for golfers who play courses like Knickerbocker Country Club — where every stroke counts and the bets make it interesting.

Live Handicap Tracking

Log your round at Knickerbocker Country Club 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 Knickerbocker Country Club. Track your scoring average, best rounds, and improvement over time with visual charts.

Hole-by-Hole Stats

Identify your weakest holes on the Knickerbocker Country Club 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 Knickerbocker Country Club. 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 Knickerbocker Country Club. Compete on gross and net leaderboards by course.

Betting Games

Run Your Usual Games at Knickerbocker

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 Knickerbocker Country Club.

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 Knickerbocker Country Club'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 Tenafly, New Jersey Golfers Use Short Grass
  • 1Knickerbocker Country Club's slope of 136 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.
  • 3Tenafly, 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 Knickerbocker Country Club

While every hole at Knickerbocker offers its own unique challenge, a few stand out for their strategic brilliance and memorable character. The 4th hole, a par-3, is a classic example of Ross's genius, often requiring a precise iron shot over a ravine to a well-guarded green, making par a hard-earned score.

The 12th hole, a demanding par-4, presents a significant test with its dogleg right layout and a strategically placed bunker guarding the corner. A well-struck drive is crucial to set up an approach to a green that slopes subtly, adding to the challenge of securing a par.

The finishing stretch, particularly the 18th hole, provides a dramatic conclusion to the round. This par-4 often plays uphill to a clubhouse-backed green, requiring both power and finesse to finish strong. The pressure of a gallery, even if imagined, adds to the excitement of this memorable closing hole.

Local Knowledge

Tips for Playing Knickerbocker Country Club

When playing Knickerbocker, pay close attention to the green complexes. Donald Ross was famous for his intricate greens, and Knickerbocker's are no exception. They often feature subtle undulations and false fronts that can send an otherwise good shot rolling off. Spend extra time on the practice green to get a feel for their speed and breaks, as putting will be key to scoring well here.

Given the course's classic design and mature tree lines, strategic course management is paramount. Don't always reach for the driver; sometimes a well-placed iron or hybrid off the tee can put you in a much better position for your approach shot. Understanding the optimal angles into the greens, especially on doglegs, will significantly improve your chances of navigating this challenging yet rewarding layout.

Google Rating

Based on golfer reviews on Google Maps

4.6

186 reviews

Course Conditions

Recent reports from golfers who played here

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Playing Knickerbocker Soon?

Set up your Short Grass account before your next tee time at Knickerbocker Country Club. It takes two minutes and it's completely free.

188 Knickerbocker Rd, Tenafly, NJ 07670, Tenafly, New Jersey(201) 568-1020www.knickerbockercc.com
Short Grass GolfGolf CoursesKnickerbocker Country Club