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Welcome to Essex County Online
ESSEX COUNTY PUBLIC GOLF COURSES

To schedule a tee time:
Golfers with an Essex County Golf ID Card can schedule tee times at Francis Byrne, Hendricks Field and Weequahic Golf Courses using an automated tee time system. Call 973-350-8930 and follow the prompts on the message. Golfers with Essex County Golf ID Cards can continue using their old PIN #. Enrolled residents may book tee times up to 7 days in advance starting at 8:00 p.m. the prior week. Enrolled non-residents may book tee times 5 days in advance starting the prior week. (To obtain a Golf ID Card, see Golf General Information below.)

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Essex County Golf

 

Francis Byrne Golf Course
Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange
Phone # 973-736-2306

HOST COMMUNITY - WEST ORANGE

First known as Fairmount when it became  a Township in 1862.  The new name was adopted in 1863. The town is third in the county in area.

HISTORIC PROFILE

The golf course covers a 167.71-acre tract  located off Pleasant Valley Way, Mt. Pleasant Avenue, and Old Indian Road in West Orange.  The West Branch of the Rahway River runs across the western portion of the land.  

It is named after Francis Byrne, a West Orange community leader and Town Commissioner for 15 years during the 1960's.  The course was designed by Charles Banks, golf architect. 

Once a private golf club, it was acquired by the County in 1978—one of the last acquisitions of the Park System.  Since that time $2.2 million in improvements have turned the golf course into one of the finest in New Jersey.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

  • 18 golf holes pattern their way over rolling, hilly, grass covered and wooded areas.
  • Golf carts.
  • Clubhouse and food concession.
  • Putting green.

CURRENT IMPROVEMENTS

  • Improvement to Second Tee

      Cost: $94,725   Completed in 2004

DIRECTIONS

From New Jersey: Take Route 280 West to Exit 7/Pleasant Valley Way. Turn left onto Pleasant Valley Way. Cross Mt. Pleasant Avenue. Course is on the left.

From New York: George Washington Bridge or Lincoln Tunnel to New Jersey Turnpike South. Take Exit 15W for Route 280 West. Follow above directions.

Use the intersection “Pleasant Valley Way and Mt. Pleasant Avenue” when obtaining driving directions from the Internet.

Francis Byrne Map

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Hendricks Field Golf Course
Franklin Avenue, Belleville
Phone # 973-751-0178

HOST COMMUNITY - BELLEVILLE

Belleville was once called "Second River." The Passaic River town separated from Bloomfield Township in 1839.  The Belleville Copper Rolling Mills operated here in the 1870's.

HISTORIC PROFILE

On July 24, 1924, Harmon W. Hendricks deeded the Park Commission his mansion.  It was situated between what are now the 4th and 5th golf holes of Hendricks Field Golf Course—an
18-hole, 124.99-acre golf course bordered by Belleville and Branch Brook Parks, and Belleville, Franklin, and Garden Avenues. Opened in 1929, this facility was designed by Charles Banks, golf course architect.

Twenty acres of the golf course was laid out on property owned by the Soho Copper Corporation, which subsequently changed to Hendricks & Brothers. It was here that the SOHO copper works was milled for America's first railroad locomotives.  The interrelationship among steam engineering companies and the Soho Copper works developed simultaneously with the use of American Industry.

CURRENT IMPROVEMENTS

• General improvements.
Cost: $81,975 Completed in 2003

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

  • Championship 18-hole revenue producing golf course.
  • Clubhouse renovated in 1990.
  • Putting green.
  • Food concession.

DIRECTIONS

From Garden State Parkway North: Take Exit 150. Turn right onto Hoover Avenue. Turn right onto Joralemon Street. Turn right onto Franklin Avenue. Course is on the right.

From Garden State Parkway South: Take Exit 149. Turn right onto John F. Kennedy Drive. Turn right onto Belleville Avenue. Turn left onto Franklin Avenue. Course is on the right.

Use the intersection “Belleville Avenue and Franklin Avenue” when obtaining driving directions from the Internet.

Hendricks Field Map


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Weequahic Park Golf Course
Elizabeth Avenue, Newark
Phone # 973-923-1838

HOST COMMUNITY - CITY OF NEWARK

Founded and incorporated as a township in 1666, then as a city in 1836—the third oldest city in the nation.

HISTORIC PROFILE

The Weequahic Golf Course, located within the limits of Weequahic Park, was the first public golf course in New Jersey.

Weequahic Park is the second largest developed park in the county system with 311.33 acres, including an 80-acre lake.  Originally intended as a reservation, it rapidly evolved into a popular park with a variety of recreational activities.  The Olmsted Brothers finalized their design for the park in 1901.

It was later determined that Weequahic Park could support a 9-hole golf course. The course was designed by George Low and constructed in 1914.  The popularity of the facility eventually created demand to expand it to a full 18-hole course, and through expert repositioning of the greens, golf course architect Hal Purdy redesigned the course, placing 18 fairways in the same 70-acre area occupied by the former 9-hole course.  The improved golf course reopened in 1969.

Since the public associates the sport of golf with the suburbs, Essex County’s Byrne and Hendricks Field golf courses are the more heavily sought after, but smart golfers find no waiting for tee time on these peaceful green fields in this golfer’s delight in the heart of Newark.

CURRENT IMPROVEMENTS

• Irrigation improvements.
Cost: $5,400 Completed in 2003


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

  • 18-hole golf course.
  • Newly renovated clubhouse.
  • Putting green.
  • Food concession.

DIRECTIONS

From New Jersey: Take Route 78 West. Use Elizabeth Avenue Exit. Turn right onto Elizabeth Avenue. Turn left onto at Grumman Avenue/Weequahic Park Drive. Drive into the Park and go over the bridge. The Course is on the right.

From New York: Take Holland Tunnel to New Jersey Turnpike West to Route 78 West. Follow above directions.

Use the intersection of “Elizabeth Avenue and Grumman Avenue” when obtaining driving directions from the Internet.

Weequahic Golf Park Map


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Golf General Information
How to obtain a Golf ID Card
The County of Essex requires each golfer to enroll with the County prior to using the automated tee time system. You may enroll in person at the Parks Department Golf ID Unit located at 115 Clifton Ave., Newark, NJ 07104. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

New registrations
The County only will accept a valid New Jersey Driver's License with current address and one current utility bill (Telephone, PSE&G or Cable only) with the applicant's name on it. If bills are in a spouse's name, the applicant must show a copy of a marriage certificate.

Renewals
Golfers must provide proof of residency annually when renewing their Golf ID card. Proof of residency is a valid New Jersey Driver's License and a current utility bill (Telephone, PSE&G or Cable only) with the applicant's name on it. If bills are in a spouse's name, the applicant must show a copy of a marriage certificate.

To Renew by mail, send the following to the Parks Dept. Office:
1) Copies of 2 of the following: New Jersey Driver's License, current telephone, PSE&G or Cable bill or voter's registration card with the same address.
2) Golf ID Card
3) Print a Registration form and provide all requested information.
4) Check or money order payable to Essex County Dept. of Parks for the required fee (See Essex County Golf Course Official Fee Structure.)
Please note: Golf ID Cards cannot be renewed through the mail if there is a change in status or address.

New registration for juniors
Juniors ages 12 to 17 years must have a birth certificate and a parent or guardian present who must bring their valid New Jersey Driver's License and a current utility bill (Telephone, PSE&G or Cable only). A valid New Jersey Driver's License is sufficient for a Junior age 17.

Registration for the disabled
If a golfer can show proof that he/she is fully disabled, they will be extended a discount on their greens fee.
The following are considered proof of eligibility: Social Security Administration Award Letter, Medicare Card accompanied by proof of age, or a motor vehicle disabled person's ID.

To replace lost cards
Cards should be kept from year to year as only the stickers will be updated. If a golfer has lost his/her card and would like it replaced, then he/she must report to the administrative office at 115 Clifton Ave. with proper identification with a $25.00 replacement card fee.

Cancellation information and no show policies
A no-show is defined as anyone who fails to cancel/modify a tee time in advance, who appears with fewer
players than held by the reservation, or when the person making the reservation is not present in the group.
1st Offense: A charge to your account of $10 per person.
2nd Offense: A charge to your account of $10 per person plus and a 30-day suspension from the reservation system.
3rd Offense: A charge to your account of $10 per person and a one-year suspension from the reservation system.

Golf Tournaments

Tournaments for Essex County-based organizations are permitted during the months of May through November at the discretion of the Director for Essex County Department of Parks and Recreation. Tournaments will not be permitted on holidays or weekends. Organizations must complete a Golf Tournament Agreement. Requests will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Organizations are limited to one request per season.

Paid fees include green fee, cart fee and reservation fee per golfer. The current rates: Byrne $50.00, Weequahic $40.00, Hendricks $40.00 per person.

Please print the Golf Tournament Agreement and fill it out completely and mail with your deposit to the Essex County Parks Department at 115 Clifton Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104.

Group Size: Shotgun tournaments require a minimum of 72 golfers. Tee time tournaments require a minimum of 60 golfers.

Starting Time: Starting time begins at the time assigned. Groups should arrive one (1) hour before tee off registration

Golf Carts: Golf Carts are mandatory for all players. To ensure golf car availability, please arrange to have pairing sheets to the head golf professional at least 48 hours in advance of the tournament.

Dress Code: Golf attire is mandatory. Golf shoes and sneakers are the only acceptable shoes permitted for play. Shirts must be worn at all times. No tanks tops, no fishnet shirts, no sweat pants, no baseball pants, no spandex or bike shorts, and no jeans with holes. Proper attire is required at all times in accordance with Essex County Department of Parks standards. Anyone who fails to comply will be prevented from playing golf.

Food: Any food or beverages consumed by the group must be provided by the host course. No coolers are allowed. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE NOT PERMITTED AT ANY TIME. Anyone caught in violation will be prohibited from scheduling future tournaments for the entire group/organization.

Refunds: In order to receive a refund of the deposit, written notification of cancellation must be received at least 30 days prior to the date of your tournament. ABSOLUTELY NO REFUNDS, other than cancellations made 30 days in advance, will be made except when the course is officially closed.

Final Confirmation and Payment Balance: No later than 10 days prior to your tournament date, you are required to quote an exact number of golfers. All fees and charges in effect on the date of the tournament must be paid in full 10 days prior to event, or your tee time will be canceled with no refund.

Other Responsibilities
1. Any damage to the golf course, cart fleet and/or property due to misconduct by participants of your event must be paid for by your tournament committee.
2. Tournament participants must observe all prevailing rules and regulations covering use of the course
3. Host course reserves the right to fill incomplete starting times within the tournament group from the daily call sheet.
4. Golf Carts are mandatory for all players. To ensure golf car availability, please arrange to have
pairing sheets to the head golf professional at least 48 hours in advance of the tournament.
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Golf Gallery

Click Each Course to view images.

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Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs
115 Clifton Ave, Newark, NJ 07104 ~ (T) 973-268-3500 ~ (F) 973-481-5302
 
If you have any comments on features you would like to see on this site or any other feedback, please email: joedi@admin.essexcountynj.org