Happy Anniversary! That’s what they are saying at Panther Valley Golf & Country Club these days. Fifty years ago the club opened with much fanfare as the premier golf course in Northwest New Jersey. Now, the club is not only a premier golf club, but a premier country club with all the amenities, including golf, swimming, tennis, dining, special events, catering, and simply put, a great place to network with business associates and socialize with family and friends. 

“What an amazing history Panther Valley Golf & Country Club has,” said Joseph Mattar, whose family owns the club. “The founders had a great vision that continues to this day. We are proud of where we are now, not only with our golfing programs but also with our social programs. Panther Valley is all about family, friendship and tradition.”

The club is planning a weekend of celebration July 12-14.

The heart of the club, of course, is the championship golf course designed by the famous architect Robert Trent Jones Sr.  Jones designed a challenging and picturesque course that its members and their guests find exceptional at all levels of play. The club is well known outside of the region as well, having been selected to host major events over the years, most recently a US Open Qualifier (in 2016) and the USGA Senior Amateur Sectional Qualifier (2017).

In fact, Panther Valley’s golf course has been highlighted in numerous publications and websites over the years, such as Met Golfer, NJ State Golf Association magazine, the Star-Ledger, the Daily Record, and the New Jersey Herald.

“Panther Valley is recognized as among the best in the state,” said Dan McCarthy, the Golf Pro.  “It was designed for golfers who want a challenge but also with golfers in mind who might be starting out or are still honing their skills.”

The club’s championship plaque features noted names past and present. In 1969, the first men’s and women’s club champions were Vincent Larkin and Helen Wilkenson. Raymond Ash is the all-time men’s club champion with 10 titles. On the women’s side, Donna Policastro has been the champion for the past seven years, tying her with Sarah Gallagher for the most titles.

In recent years Joe Larkin was the men’s crown last year while Dan Gregory captured titles in 2015 and 2017, with Mark Weaver taking the 2016 championship. Panther Valley has additionally produced numerous young “stars”, most recently Derek Weaver and the Barton twins, Chloe and Lucy.

Others from Panther Valley who have attained success in the state and beyond, include Chris Nallen, Pat Wilson and Ruan Snouffer.  

The weekend of July 12-14 will feature a host of events for Members – and former Members – in celebration of the anniversary, from a special golf tournament, the 50th Anniversary Gala on Friday night, and Steakhouse Night (Saturday). All events that weekend are open to anyone who is, or was, a Member of the club.  

The success of the club overall arguably has come down to its various Membership programs, including golf, social, and swim, combination options that allows one to choose what’s best for them.  

For more information about Membership opportunities, visit panthervalleygolf.com or phone 908-850-0800.