If you’ve driven down Route 601 in Montgomery Township, you’ve probably seen the understated signage for Cherry Valley Country Club Skillman NJ. It doesn't scream for attention like some of the older, "old money" bastions in nearby Princeton. But that’s kinda the point. Most people looking at private clubs in Central Jersey find themselves torn between the high-octane prestige of Bedminster or the stiff-collared tradition of Jasna Polana. Cherry Valley occupies this weird, comfortable middle ground. It’s a place where you’ll see a CEO in a polo shirt grabbing a burger next to a family whose kids are covered in pool water and sunblock.
It's not just a golf course. Honestly, calling it "just" a country club feels a bit reductive given how much the membership relies on it for their entire social ecosystem.
The Golf Reality at Cherry Valley
Let’s talk about the Rees Jones design. If you know golf architecture, you know Jones is the "Open Doctor." He’s the guy who redesigns courses to make them harder for the pros. At Cherry Valley, he leaned into the natural topography of the Sourland Mountain foothills. It isn't a flat, boring walk. You’re dealing with elevation changes that can mess with your club selection, especially on the back nine.
The course plays about 7,000 yards from the tips. That’s plenty of muscle for the low-handicapper, but it’s actually playable for the rest of us. The fairways are generally wide, though the rough can get gnarly if the grounds crew is prepping for a tournament. One thing you’ll notice is the water. It comes into play more often than you’d think, particularly on the par 3s.
Membership here is through Invited (formerly ClubCorp). This is a big deal. Why? Because it means your membership isn't just a key to Skillman. If you travel for work or vacation, you get access to a massive network of clubs globally. It’s basically a "get out of the office" card that works in Philly, NYC, or even London.
Why the Practice Facilities Matter
Most people overlook the range. Big mistake. Cherry Valley has a legit practice area with a grass tee line, which is becoming a rarity as clubs switch to mats to save money. If you’re paying these dues, you should be hitting off grass. The short-game area is also high-quality. You can actually practice 40-yard bunker shots, which is usually the weakest part of a weekend warrior's game.
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It’s a Tennis Hub, Not an Afterthought
In many NJ clubs, tennis is where the old clay courts go to die. Not here. Cherry Valley is arguably one of the strongest tennis communities in the Princeton area. They have Har-Tru courts—that green clay that’s easier on your knees than hard courts.
- There are 11 outdoor courts.
- The lighting is good enough for late-season evening matches.
- The USTA programs are actually competitive.
If you’re a beginner, you might feel a bit intimidated by the level of play during the peak of the summer ladder. Don't be. The pros there are pretty good at slotting people into the right clinics. But if you're serious about your serve-and-volley game, this is probably the best club in a 20-mile radius.
The "Family Club" Reputation: Fact or Marketing?
Every club claims to be "family-friendly." Usually, that just means they have a kids' menu with soggy chicken fingers. Cherry Valley Country Club Skillman NJ actually lives up to the label, but in a very specific way.
The pool area is the heartbeat of the club from June to August. It’s a resort-style setup. They have a competitive swim team—the Blue Waves—that competes in the Princeton Area Swimming and Diving Association (PASDA). If you have kids between the ages of 5 and 17, your summer basically revolves around swim meets and "B" meets on Wednesday nights. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and it’s where most of the parents actually make friends.
Dining is another story. The clubhouse has a casual side and a slightly more formal side. Honestly, most people stick to the bar and grill. The food is better than average "club food," but don't expect a Michelin star. It’s reliable. You want a decent steak or a fresh salad after a round? They’ve got you. The outdoor patio overlooking the 18th green is the spot. Seeing the sunset over the Sourlands with a drink in hand? That’s what you’re really paying for.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Dues
People assume you need to be a millionaire to walk through the front door. You don't. While it’s certainly a luxury expense, Cherry Valley offers different tiers.
There’s the Full Golf Membership, which is the "all-in" option. Then there’s the Tennis/Social or just Social memberships. If you don't play golf, the social membership is actually a sneaky good value. You get the pool, the gym, the dining, and the social events for a fraction of the golf initiation fee.
Wait, what about the hidden costs?
This is where people get tripped up. Like most private clubs, you have to account for:
- The Food and Beverage Minimum: You have to spend a certain amount on food and drinks every quarter. If you don't use it, you lose it.
- Service Charges: Gratuities are often built-in or handled through a service fee.
- Cart Fees: Unless you’re walking (and the hills make that a workout), you’re paying for a cart every time you tee off.
The Social Vibe
The demographic has shifted. Ten years ago, it felt older. Today, you have a lot of younger families moving in from Jersey City, Hoboken, or New York who want space but still want a social life. It’s less "The Great Gatsby" and more "Succession" but with nicer people who actually like their kids.
Comparing the Competition
If you’re looking at Cherry Valley, you’re probably also looking at:
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- Bedens Brook: More exclusive, more expensive, very golf-centric. It’s right down the road. It feels more traditional.
- The Ridge at Back Brook: Incredible golf, but it’s a "golfer’s golf club." Not the place for a family pool day.
- TPC Jasna Polana: The prestige pick. It’s stunning, but the vibe is much more formal.
Cherry Valley wins on the "lifestyle" front. If you want to play 18 holes, drop the kids at the pool, and then meet your spouse for dinner without changing into a suit, this is your place.
The Geography of Skillman
Location matters. Skillman isn't a town in its own right; it’s a section of Montgomery Township. This area has some of the best public schools in the state. Because of that, property values stay high. The club benefits from this. It’s tucked away from the suburban sprawl, surrounded by preserved farmland and the sprawling estates of Great Road.
You’re 10 minutes from downtown Princeton, which is great for a post-club stroll, but you’re far enough away to avoid the university traffic. It feels private because it is.
Actionable Steps for Potential Members
Don't just call the membership director and sign a check. Private clubs are a major investment of both time and money.
- Request a "Discovery" Round: Most clubs will let you play a round as a prospective member. Pay attention to the pace of play. If a round takes 5.5 hours on a Tuesday, run. (At Cherry Valley, it's usually around 4 hours).
- Audit the Social Calendar: Ask to see the last three months of events. Are they things you’d actually attend? If you hate wine tastings and trivia nights, the social dues might not be worth it for you.
- Check the Capital Assessment History: This is the big one. Ask if there are any planned renovations. If the club is planning to redo the bunkers or the clubhouse roof, you don't want to get hit with a surprise $5,000 assessment three months after joining.
- Talk to the Pros: Meet the head golf pro and the tennis director. These are the people you’ll interact with most. If you don't vibe with them, your experience will suffer.
Cherry Valley is a solid choice for someone who wants the full "club life" without the stifling atmosphere of a 100-year-old institution. It’s modern, it’s active, and it’s arguably the most balanced club in the Skillman/Princeton area. Just make sure you’re ready to spend your July weekends at the pool, because once you join, that’s where you’ll be.