I'm lucky enough to live in Monmouth county NJ and our public courses are amazing. The one I play most is because it's 5 mins from my house and 36 holes. So I can bounce back and forth between courses to keep it different each week.
Many many years ago I did the same. That's why I still hate playing courses with house right next to the fairways. We came to an agreement that I would replace it if it approved of my work. Took me 30mins and was under $100. Not sure what type of window you hit, but glass is dirt cheap.
I saw JB posted something in this back in November that there was something in the works for NJ. AC is always a good time. Crystal Springs is always fun too but can become pricey.
https://www.crystalgolfresort.com/golf
After taking 8 or 9 years completely off of golf I can't really gauge where I'm at. I stopped because I had 2 kids and my game completely fell off the rails. I've got in about 4 rounds this year hitting in the mid to high 80's so I guess I'll start tracking from that. I can say one thing that...
I thought the blue flag at our range was around 150 and was coming just short of it with my 7. After being off golf for many years was fine with this. Guy next to me was using a laser and it was actually 198. So I'm thinking 180 right now.
The lack of water definitely drives me nuts. Played a place last weekend and when I asked if they had water on the course he said, nope. We got rid of it during Covid and have no plans to bring it back. It was 90* here in NJ that day and the sun was brutal!