Essex County C.C.

Course Description

In addition to being one of the premier golf courses in the Tri-State area, ECCC is rich in tradition and history. Incorporated in May of 1887, a Constitution was adopted in January of 1888 which established the Club, “for the encouragement of athletic exercises and sports…”.

Some of the earliest notable members of ECCC were, Colonel Austin Colgate, Hendon Chubb, George W. Merck and of course, West Orange’s own, Thomas Alva Edison. Edison’s son, Charles, was also a member at ECCC and Governor of New Jersey from 1941 to 1944. 


In addition to the rich history of its membership, many U.S. Presidents were entertained at the Club. Theodore Roosevelt was the first to visit in 1898 as Governor of New York. Woodrow Wilson visited in 1909 as President of Princeton University and William Howard Taft stopped by in 1910 during his Presidency.



Originally designed by A.W. Tillinghast, a revision of the golf course was started in 1925 under the guidance of golf Architects, Seth Raynor and his assistant, Charles Banks. Seven of the old Tillinghast holes were retained, those being our present one through six, and nine.

The ECCC course has been played by some of the great golfers of the game, including, Bobby Jones, Frances Quimet, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson and Harry Vardon. The Club’s tradition of top ranked head professionals includes a list of Jim Barnes, David Hunter and Jack Mitchell.



ECCC has sponsored many great Tournaments dating back to the 1902 WMGA Championship. Since 1910, ECCC has sponsored many New Jersey State Amateurs and Opens and has always been recognized as having one of the best back nine holes in the country.



The ECCC tradition carries on being named by The Jersey Golfer Magazine as one of the top 3 golf courses in New Jersey, along with Pine Valley and Plainfield. Despite being known for its long and challenging golf course, ECCC has always been committed to, “promoting a diverse family membership with activities for all ages.” The ECCC pool and tennis courts provide great entertainment to members and their families, and we host one of the finest children’s Summer Sports Camps and Junior Golf programs in the state.

EVENTS HOSTED

1900, 1910, 1915, 1922, 1923, 1935, 1944, 1953, 1962, 1982, and 2000 NJSGA Amateur Championship

1951, 1957, 1976, and 1987 NJSGA Open Championship

1942 and 1970 NJSGA Four Ball Championships

1978 NJSGA Women’s Amateur Championship

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