Half the golf courses in New Jersey are private facilities. That’s the highest ratio of private to public clubs of any state in the country. New Jersey is a small state, dominated by two large metropolises, New York City and Philadelphia. The population in many parts of the state is among most affluent in the nation. Given its affluence, New Jersey makes a logical home for many of the best golf courses in the country. Number 5 Ridgewood County Club Jerry Pate had one of