Francis Byrne Golf Course - Image 1
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Francis Byrne Golf Course

4.2
·200 reviews·West Orange, United States

A beautifully renovated public golf course in New Jersey, offering a challenging and enjoyable experience with modern amenities.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better pace

CrowdLow
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Francis Byrne Golf Course - Image 1

Francis Byrne Golf Course

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better pace

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beautifully renovated public golf course in New Jersey, offering a challenging and enjoyable experience with modern amenities.

4.2
(200 reviews)

"Simply the best kept secret in New Jersey. Stunning renovation, new everything and maybe the best thing of all.. tee times every 12 minutes."

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TIP

🎯 Book Ahead for Non-Residents

Non-residents may find it challenging to get tee times. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment. 🎟️

👟 Play Your Best Game

The course features significant slopes and strategic bunkers, so plan your shots carefully. :athletic_shoe:

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 200 reviews

Type

Golf Course

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Renovated Greens

Renovated Greens

Throughout the course

Experience meticulously maintained greens that are true and challenging, offering a fantastic putting surface.

Reddit+1
Challenging Slopes & Bunkers

Challenging Slopes & Bunkers

Fairways and greens

Navigate strategic bunkers and significant course slopes that demand thoughtful shot-making.

Reddit
Modern Cart Amenities

Modern Cart Amenities

Golf Carts

Enjoy carts equipped with touch-screen GPS and radios, enhancing convenience and entertainment.

Reddit+1
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tee Time Early

Francis Byrne Golf Course is a gem, and tee times can fill up fast, especially for non-residents. Plan ahead to secure your spot on this beautifully renovated course. Consider weekdays for a smoother booking experience. Reddit

Embrace the Renovation

The recent renovations have transformed Francis Byrne into a top-tier public course. Expect challenging slopes, well-maintained greens, and strategic bunkers. The new cart GPS systems add a modern touch to your game. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better pace
Crowd
Low
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Beautiful autumn scenery
Crowd
Medium
When
Twilight rounds
Why
Quieter, scenic end to day
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Francis Byrne Golf Course: inside the renovation and rise of one of NJ’s best public courses #golf #instagolf #njgolf golf
fromthedropzone
0 likes • 1.1K views

🎯 Book Ahead for Non-Residents

Non-residents may find it challenging to get tee times. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Reddit 🎟️

👟 Play Your Best Game

The course features significant slopes and strategic bunkers, so plan your shots carefully. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

Holes 9-11 at Francis A. Byrne Golf Course #golf —>50 course 50 states New Jersey edition
andrewkunkle_golf
29 likes • 545 views
Thank you to @coursemaps and @manorsgolf for your great review of Essex County Francis Byrne Golf Course. We are proud to provide such a fabulous and affordable resource for the public to enjoy. #PuttingEssexCountyFirst #EssexCountyNJ
joedessexcounty
209 likes • 6.6K views

📱 Utilize Cart GPS

Take advantage of the touch-screen GPS in your cart for accurate yardages and course strategy. Reddit :iphone:

👍 Friendly Staff

Expect a warm welcome from the staff, who are often praised for their friendliness. Reddit+1 :smiley:

Francis Byrne dates back to 1928 when famed golf course architect Seth Raynor and Charles Banks constructed the West, or Lower course, of the Essex County Country Club. Throughout the years, the course has gone through many iterations, until this most recent renovation completed by Stephen Kay (Old Bridge Golf Course - The Rose). Stephen’s vision brings back the classic template holes from the Go...
thedrop_pod
53 likes • 3.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Ahead for Non-Residents

Non-residents may find it challenging to get tee times. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Reddit 🎟️

👟 Play Your Best Game

The course features significant slopes and strategic bunkers, so plan your shots carefully. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

📱 Utilize Cart GPS

Take advantage of the touch-screen GPS in your cart for accurate yardages and course strategy. Reddit :iphone:

👍 Friendly Staff

Expect a warm welcome from the staff, who are often praised for their friendliness. Reddit+1 :smiley:

🍂 Enjoy Fall Golf

The course is particularly beautiful in the fall with stunning autumn foliage. Instagram :maple_leaf:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(200 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Francis Byrne Golf Course is widely lauded as a 'best kept secret' and a top-tier public golfing experience in New Jersey, particularly after its stunning renovation. Golfers rave about the immaculate course conditions, challenging slopes, and modern amenities like GPS-equipped carts. The friendly staff and good pace of play further enhance its appeal, making it a highly recommended destination for golfers seeking quality and value. Reddit+3

"Simply the best kept secret in New Jersey. Stunning renovation, new everything and maybe the best thing of all.. tee times every 12 minutes, not 10 so it never really gets too crowded or too slow. Between this and Hedricks and now Weequaic, Essex County gets a gold star for how they treat their golf courses and golfers."

eric simon

"Really nice county course. Everything was in great shape and the greens were very puttable. Appreciated the GPS device in the cart and all of the staff I encountered were very nice. Speed of play was very good for a weekday round. Pictures of the clubhouse and first tee box and chipping area. Recommend!"

P. Kahn

"What a beautiful golf course the renovations that they did are phenomenal. The car paths are in excellent condition and the greens are in fantastic shape. If you get a chance, go play it the staff is great and fun to talk with."

Manny Diaz

What People Like

Stunning renovation
Immaculate course conditions
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Hard to get non-resident tee times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Francis Byrne Golf Course is located in West Orange, New Jersey. It's accessible by car, with GPS navigation recommended. For those coming from Manhattan, it's a manageable drive, and for those in central New Jersey, it's also conveniently located. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available for golfers at the course. Details on specific parking lot locations can be found upon arrival at the facility. Reddit

From NYC, you'll typically head west into New Jersey. The exact route will depend on your starting point, but using a GPS app is highly recommended for the most efficient path to West Orange. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tee times can be booked online or by phone. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for non-residents, as popular slots fill up quickly. Reddit+1 📅

While the course is public, some reviews suggest it can be harder for non-residents to secure tee times, implying potential priority for locals. It's best to check the official website for the most current pricing and booking policies. Reddit+1

The golf course typically opens in the morning and closes around dusk. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so it's advisable to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

While carts are readily available and recommended due to the course's slopes, walking may be permitted. It's best to confirm with the pro shop upon arrival or when booking your tee time. Reddit

Standard golf attire is generally expected. This usually includes collared shirts and appropriate golf shorts or pants. Avoid denim or athletic wear that doesn't conform to golf course standards. TikTok

🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience

The course is in great shape, with excellent conditions reported for the fairways and greens. The recent renovations have significantly improved its overall quality. Reddit+1

The course offers a good challenge for players of all levels, featuring significant slopes and strategically placed bunkers that require precise shot-making. Reddit

The clubhouse has been updated with new tables, chairs, and lounge areas, providing a comfortable space to relax before or after your round. Instagram

Yes, golf carts are available and come equipped with touch-screen GPS and radios, allowing you to play music. Reddit+1

The pace of play is generally very good, especially on weekdays. Tee times are spaced every 12 minutes, which helps prevent excessive crowding and slow play. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are dining facilities available at the clubhouse, offering refreshments and meals for golfers. Instagram

While specific menus aren't detailed, expect typical golf course fare. The updated clubhouse offers a pleasant atmosphere for dining. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The renovated course itself offers many picturesque holes, especially with the challenging slopes and well-maintained greens. The clubhouse area also provides nice backdrops. Reddit+1

Absolutely. The course's design, coupled with its natural setting and recent upgrades, makes it a visually appealing location for golf photography. TikTokInstagram

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