There’s a historic private club near Princeton University that is part of a 222-acre estate and considered to be one of the most coveted private club memberships in all of New Jersey. It features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Gary Player, who once described it as “the finest course of its type in the world.”
There’s a story behind every property like this, and Jasna Polana is no different. Built during the 1970s, the $25 million mansion that adorns the estate was one of the most expensive homes built in the United States during that decade. Jasna Polana was the home of J. Seward Johnson, heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical fortune, and his wife Barbara Piasecka (Basia) Johnson, his third wife. Basia had been hired by Johnson’s first wife, Esther, as a member of her domestic staff, and then became curator of the Seward Johnson art collection. In 1971, Seward recognized a good thing when he saw it, divorced Esther, and married Basia.
During their marriage, the new Seward Johnson family built Jasna Polana as their main residence. It’s a 46,000 square-foot mansion and is now one of the most unique and ornate clubhouses in the golf world. Aside from the 17th and 18th-century stone mantels and a few other of the Johnsons’ personal touches that remain, it has undergone a major makeover. On the main floor, you’ll find dining facilities, an oak room, a travertine room, locker rooms, dining facilities and a wine cellar. And that’s just one end of the building. At the other end, you’ll find a well-stocked pro shop with all the latest fashions, an outdoor patio that has seen its share of wedding ceremonies, a tennis court, and some event space.
On the upper level is a 2,500-square-foot one-bedroom suite with a library, private wet room, marble jacuzzi, and sauna. It’s larger than the average U.S. home! If you have a chance, take a few minutes and look around; the artwork and furnishings are equally impressive!
After J. Seward passed away in 1983, Basia had to decide what to do with the property. Some thought she might turn the estate into a conference center or museum and show off her worldly artwork and treasures. But Basia had other ideas; she opted to turn Jasna Polana into a private golf and country club.
Basia wanted to make Jasna Polana one of the best private clubs in the area, a venue worthy of professional golf tournaments. She hired a well-known PGA TOUR professional to design the course and the PGA TOUR’s TPC Network to manage it.
Gary Player designed this parkland-style golf course with help from Tim Freeland. Both felt the golf course should have a traditional style with a natural look and feel. As it turned out, the property did not need much of a facelift; Mother Nature had already done her job. Rather than move a lot of dirt, Player and Freeland were able to keep most of the estate intact. Many of the mature trees were left in place, and for each one that was removed, two were planted. The existing wetlands, marshy areas, and surrounding land were easily incorporated into the design.
A year after opening in 1998, TPC Jasna Polana hosted Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf, featuring a match between Tom Watson and Hale Irwin. In 2002, Basia’s dreams were realized when the club hosted the PGA CHAMPIONS TOUR Instinet Classic from 2000 – 2002.
These days, TPC Jasna Polana is well known for its conditioning, meticulously manicured fairways lined with mature hardwood trees, challenging greens, and picturesque views. From the back tees, the course can be stretched to 7,098 yards. I found the Middle Tees (6,004/69.7/131) offered a suitable challenge. With five sets, there’s a suitable yardage for everyone, regardless of ability.
We visited TPC Jasna Polana last fall and were privileged enough to spend a couple of nights in the mansion, tour the clubhouse, sample the cuisine, and play the golf course. I have been blessed to stay and play at some impressive venues around the world, and TPC Jasna Polana ranks up with the best. The golf course was in immaculate condition, and the accommodations were first rate; the first night, my wife and I were the only ones in the “guesthouse” and were treated like royalty.
Two of my more memorable holes were #3 and #18. The 3rd hole at TPC Jasna Polana is the course’s number one handicap; it’s a beautiful 474-yard par five that plays downhill off the tee and then back uphill to the green. It’s short enough that a good tee shot that avoids the bunkers on either side of the landing area will leave an opportunity to reach the green in two. Then, all you need to do is avoid the meandering creek and waterfall that come into play 150 yards out and front the entire green. Any putt from above the hole will break more than you think.
All memorable courses should have spectacular finishing holes, and TPC Jasna Polana does not disappoint. The 494-yard, par-5 18th hole will favor longball hitters who can carry their tee shot down the slope and leave themselves a realistic chance at hitting the green in two. You’ll need to carry the creek that meanders down the fairway and fronts the green, as well as the large, deep bunker in front. Hopefully, the pinsetter was in a good mood and didn’t position the flag in one of the many tricky spots on the green. The green slopes sharply from back to front.
In 2013, Basia Johnson passed away, and control of Jasna Polana went to her heirs. For more than 10 years, the Piasecka-Johnson heirs conducted a worldwide search for a new owner of Jasna Polana. They wanted a company that would continue their vision and mission. Concert Golf Partners was selected from a competitive pool of 20 bidders as the Piasecka Johnson Family’s choice to preserve and enhance this esteemed country club for years.
As is their custom when purchasing a new club, Concert will invest $3 million in amenities at Jasna Polana to enhance and complement the existing infrastructure, clubhouse, and golf course.
In addition to a world-class golf course and clubhouse, there’s a 3.5-acre practice facility, four practice putting greens, practice bunkers, event spaces, tennis courts, gardens featuring a reflecting pool, 2 private lodges with 16 bedrooms for overnight guests, and over 100 works of rare fine art.
For more information on joining the club or to arrange a visit, call (609) 688-0500 or online at www.jasnapolanaclub.com.