Matt,
Galloway can't compare to Mountain Ridge.
I love Essex County, but the front nine has some weaknesses not found at Mountain Ridge.
With respect to Plainfield, I also love that course, but the finishing hole is extremely weak and many are critical of # 13, # 14 and # 15 and # 17.
Ridgewood is underrated in my opinion, but, you can't evaluate Ridgewood based on a gerrymandered selection of holes, you have to take two nines. I'd opt for East and West as I think Center is a little weak.
Other than Pine Valley, I don't see any course in NJ knocking Mountain Ridge out of the top 5.
And, from the tips, Mountain Ridge is very, very challenging.
There's no stronger selection of par 4's in the State.
With respect to the challenge from the tips, I'd be willing to wager any and all comers on shooting their handicap on Sept 27th.
I might even spot anyone 5 additional shots since the hole locations will be more than interesting.