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Essex County Country Club
Architect: Tillinghast / Raynor / Banks Year: 1887 350 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052 Phone: (973) 731-1400 Course Access: Private https://www.essexcountycc.com/ |
Essex County Country Club
Foundation and Early Years:
Founded in May 1887, ECCC is the oldest country club in New Jersey and the sixth oldest in the United States. Initially established on the site of the former Orange Springs Hotel, which was a health resort centered around the Orange Mineral Springs, the club bought the property in 1889. The hotel was transformed into the club's first clubhouse, known as the Mansion House. A nine-hole golf course was completed in 1895, which was extended to 18 holes by 1897, designed by Alex Findlay. The club was instrumental in the formation of the New Jersey State Golf Association (NJSGA) in 1900, hosting the inaugural meeting where 10 clubs came together and also hosted the first New Jersey Amateur Championship that year.
Course Development and Renovations:
In 1916, A.W. Tillinghast designed a new 18-hole course known as the "Upper Course" on a 180-acre site on top of First Mountain, which is separate from the original course location. A second 18-hole course was later developed by Seth Raynor in the late 1920s, which after being sold in the 1970s, became the Francis A. Byrne Golf Course. The current ECCC course was also shaped by Raynor, with Charles Banks completing the work after Raynor's passing. This course retains seven holes from Tillinghast's original design, with the remainder being new holes crafted by Raynor and Banks. Significant renovations were undertaken by Gil Hanse in the early 21st century, with further updates planned for 2023, focusing on modernizing while respecting the historical integrity of the course.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
ECCC has been a venue for numerous prestigious golf events, including multiple New Jersey State Amateurs, Opens, and championships organized by both the Metropolitan Golf Association (MGA) and the NJSGA. The club has hosted notable figures like presidents Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and William Howard Taft, as well as celebrities like Babe Ruth and Bob Hope. Notable members have included Thomas Edison and his son Charles, who was also Governor of New Jersey. The club has also been known for its comprehensive facilities beyond golf, offering a pool, tennis courts, and hosting family-oriented activities, emphasizing its commitment to a diverse membership.
Recent Developments:
In 2023, ECCC began another renovation project led by Gil Hanse, aiming to refresh the golf experience while preserving the club's historical essence. This initiative reflects the club's ongoing commitment to maintaining its status as one of the premier golf courses in the Tri-State area, with a focus on enhancing the playability and aesthetic appeal of the course.
This history underscores ECCC's enduring legacy in both golf and community, maintaining a balance between tradition and modern golfing needs.
Founded in May 1887, ECCC is the oldest country club in New Jersey and the sixth oldest in the United States. Initially established on the site of the former Orange Springs Hotel, which was a health resort centered around the Orange Mineral Springs, the club bought the property in 1889. The hotel was transformed into the club's first clubhouse, known as the Mansion House. A nine-hole golf course was completed in 1895, which was extended to 18 holes by 1897, designed by Alex Findlay. The club was instrumental in the formation of the New Jersey State Golf Association (NJSGA) in 1900, hosting the inaugural meeting where 10 clubs came together and also hosted the first New Jersey Amateur Championship that year.
Course Development and Renovations:
In 1916, A.W. Tillinghast designed a new 18-hole course known as the "Upper Course" on a 180-acre site on top of First Mountain, which is separate from the original course location. A second 18-hole course was later developed by Seth Raynor in the late 1920s, which after being sold in the 1970s, became the Francis A. Byrne Golf Course. The current ECCC course was also shaped by Raynor, with Charles Banks completing the work after Raynor's passing. This course retains seven holes from Tillinghast's original design, with the remainder being new holes crafted by Raynor and Banks. Significant renovations were undertaken by Gil Hanse in the early 21st century, with further updates planned for 2023, focusing on modernizing while respecting the historical integrity of the course.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
ECCC has been a venue for numerous prestigious golf events, including multiple New Jersey State Amateurs, Opens, and championships organized by both the Metropolitan Golf Association (MGA) and the NJSGA. The club has hosted notable figures like presidents Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and William Howard Taft, as well as celebrities like Babe Ruth and Bob Hope. Notable members have included Thomas Edison and his son Charles, who was also Governor of New Jersey. The club has also been known for its comprehensive facilities beyond golf, offering a pool, tennis courts, and hosting family-oriented activities, emphasizing its commitment to a diverse membership.
Recent Developments:
In 2023, ECCC began another renovation project led by Gil Hanse, aiming to refresh the golf experience while preserving the club's historical essence. This initiative reflects the club's ongoing commitment to maintaining its status as one of the premier golf courses in the Tri-State area, with a focus on enhancing the playability and aesthetic appeal of the course.
This history underscores ECCC's enduring legacy in both golf and community, maintaining a balance between tradition and modern golfing needs.