SPRINGFIELD, NJ—With the playing of the 98th PGA Championship this week at Baltusrol Golf Club attention will be focused on one half of the golf equation at the New Jersey club—the storied Lower Course. What many golf observers may not fully appreciate is that the companion course—aptly named the Upper Course, since it features several holes abutting Baltusrol Mountain—is nothing less than an equal in terms of its overall architecture and challenge provided.
The Upper came into existence—like its big brother sibling—in 1922 and was the handiwork of the same architect, A.W. Tillinghast. The Upper was not created to be the back-up course. Far from it. Just 14 years after its opening the course hosted the U.S. Open won by Tony Manero, firing a final round 67 and setting a new four-round aggregate total of 282. The Lower would not host the Open until 1954 with subsequent returns in 1967, 1980 and 1993.
Unlike the Lower which occupies relatively flattish land on the property, the Upper features plenty of land movement—most especially the greens which are more vexing to putt than what is found on the Lower. Being able to correctly assess the slope and speed of the greens on the Upper can prove to be a most baffling experience for those not blessed with a sound caddie or member to assist them.
