• Essex County, New Jersey Public Golf Coursesgolf image by Zauberhut from Fotolia.com
  
  The typical window to play golf in New Jersey lasts about nine months--February through November. When spring weather melts the last of the winter snow, you know it's time to hit the links. In Essex County, courses serve as both the home turf for locals and an affordable alternative for residents of New York City, which is located about 10 miles away.
  
  

Francis A. Byrne Golf Course

• The Francis Byrne Golf Course was built in 1926 off Pleasant Valley Way in West Orange. This 18-hole course, designed by Charles Banks, measures nearly 6,800 yards. A number of the holes are modeled after famous ones from across the globe, including the par-five first, which resembles the Road Hole at St. Andrews. Francis Byrne features a course rating of 72 with a slope rating of 129.
  
  Greens fees vary depending on if you're an Essex County Golf ID cardholder. Non-residents can purchase a card at an additional cost. Senior, junior, disabled and twilight discounts are also available.
  
  Francis A. Byrne Golf Course
  Pleasant Valley Way
  West Orange, NJ 07052
  973-736-2306
  essexcountycc.com
  
  

Hendricks Field Golf Course

• The Hendricks Field Golf Course, which is also managed by the Essex County Parks Department, was designed by architect Charles Banks. This par-70 course opened in 1929, but features renovated tee boxes and bunkers. Hendricks Field Golf Course has a course rating of 69.4 and slope rating of 116.
  
  Hendricks Field Golf Course
  240 Franklin Ave.
  Belleville, NJ 07109
  973-751-0178
  
  

Weequahic Park Golf Course

• Weequahic Park Golf Course is another one of the Essex County Parks courses. It can be found in Newark's historic Weequahic Park and is currently the oldest public golf course in the state. The course was constructed in 1913 based on the designs of Baltusrol Golf Club professional George Low.
  
  This 18-hole course measures just under 6,000 yards and features a course rating of 66.3 and a slope of 108. Similar to Hendricks, Weequahic also offers golfers the option of playing nine (after 11:00 a.m.) or 18.
  
  Weequahic Park Golf Course
  Elizabeth and Grumman Avenue
  Newark, NJ 07112
  973-923-1838
  
  

East Orange Golf Course

• The East Orange Golf Course is not a member of the Essex County Parks system. This 18-hole layout, designed by Scottish architect Tom Bendelow, can be found in Short Hills. The par-72 course measures 6,120 yards and features a 69.7 rating and slope of 117.
  
  East Orange Golf Course
  440 Parsonage Hill Road
  Short Hills, NJ 07078
  973-379-7190
  eastorange-nj.org
  
  

The Fernwood Club

• If you're looking to sharpen your short game, then The Fernwood Club may be the spot. This par-three, nine-hole course is located on eight acres of land in Roseland. Each hole measures approximately 100 yards.
  
  Green fees Monday through Friday allow you to play all day, while on the weekend you are able to play two full rounds.
  
  The Fernwood Club
  30 Fernwood Ave.
  Roseland, NJ 07068
  973-226-8800
  fernwoodclub.com