Essex County Country Club – Facts and Information

Beauty Plus Tradition

The Essex County Country Club boasts of being the oldest country club in New Jersey.  Their courses are considered to be among the finest in the Tri-State Region.    It was originally incorporated in 1887.  The Constitution that established the club was passed the following year.

New Jersey Golfer names the Essex County Country Club along with Plainfield and Pine Valley as the best three golf courses in New Jersey.  While the links are long and can be challenging, the club is devoted to promoting the sport as an activity the whole family can enjoy.  There are other facilities to enjoy such as a swimming pool and tennis courts.  The club also hosts Summer Sports Camps for children and a Junior Golf Program.

• Contact info:  Essex Country Club 350 Mt. Pleasant Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052. Fax (973) 731-0171
• Course Information: Designer Raynor Banks, 1987

• Driving Directions:
  DirectionsGARDEN STATE PARKWAY North or South to exit 145 – 280 West to exit 8A (Prospect Ave). Take Prospect Ave to the third light. Turn right onto Mt. Pleasant Ave (Route 10). Club entrance is on LEFT about 1/4 mile down Mt. Pleasant Ave.NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE (I-95): Exit 15W to Route 280 West to exit 8A. Follow above directions from exit 8A.HOLLAND TUNNEL: NJ Turnpike North to exit 15W to Route 280 West. Follow above directions from 280 West.GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE: NJ Turnpike South to exit 15W to Route 280 West. Follow above directions from 280 West.

A History Briefing

The club’s constitution called for “the encouragement of athletic exercise and sports.  Thomas Edison was an early member as was his son Charles.  Charles Edison also was the Governor of New Jersey from 1941 to 1944,  Several presidents have enjoyed playing here beginning with Teddy Roosevelt in 1898 when he was Governor of New  Woodrow Wilson and William Taft also paid visits.

The original designed course developed by A.W. Tillinghast was updated by noted golf course designer Seth Raynor along with his assistant Charles Banks.  Seven of the original holes designed by Tillinghast were retained: one through six and number nine.

Golfing greats such as Bobby Jones, Byron Nelson, and Sam Snead have enjoyed playing here.  Tournament play dates back to the WMGA Championship in 1902.  The Essex County Country Club continues to sponsor numerous New Jersey State Amateur and Opens.  Its back nine is widely regarded as being one of the best in the country.  It is committed to remaining true to the precepts of its constitution and promoting the value of sports and good sportsmanship.