Hendricks Field Golf Course
Belleville, New Jersey
About Hendricks Field Golf Course
Hendricks Field Golf Course, nestled in Belleville, New Jersey, is one of the most historically significant public golf courses in the New York metro area. Designed by renowned architect Charles Banks — his only course built for public play — the course opened in 1929 and has served Essex County golfers for nearly a century. A $5.2 million renovation completed in 2021 by architect Stephen Kay restored the course to its original glory, reconstructing tees, bunkers, and greens while dramatically improving drainage. What sets Hendricks Field apart is its collection of classic template holes drawn from the great courses of Scotland and the golden age of American golf architecture. The routing features an Alps hole on the 1st, a Redan on the 8th, a Biarritz on the 12th, and the iconic Principal's Nose on the 15th — all hallmarks of the C.B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor school of design that Banks trained under. For golf architecture enthusiasts, this is a must-play. The course sits adjacent to Branch Brook Park, famous for its Japanese cherry blossoms, and the setting is as scenic as the golf is strategic. With a par of 70 and championship yardage of 6,150 yards, Hendricks Field rewards precision over power — making it a superb test for golfers of all skill levels who appreciate thoughtful, strategic design over raw length.
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Tips for Playing Hendricks Field Golf Course
Hendricks Field rewards strategic play over raw power. The template holes demand you think before you swing — on the Redan (8th) , aim left of the pin and let the green's slope feed the ball toward the hole. On the Principal's Nose (15th) , the central bunker complex in the fairway forces a decision: lay up short, or carry it with your drive. Don't try to be a hero if you're not confident in your carry distance. The course sits adjacent to Branch Brook Park and is particularly beautiful in late April when the cherry blossoms are in bloom — worth timing a round around if you can. Green fees are very reasonable as an Essex County Parks facility, and cardholders get a significant discount. Book tee times online at essexcountyparks.org, especially for weekend mornings which fill quickly. Walking is encouraged and the relatively flat terrain makes it very manageable.
Course Information
Address: 220 Franklin Ave, Belleville, NJ 07109
Phone: (973) 751-9310
Website: https://essexcountyparks.org/golf/hendricks-field-golf-course
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