Francis A. Byrne Course
West Orange, NJ, USA
Francis A. Byrne Golf Course is a testament to accessible, engaging golf within the rolling landscapes of West Orange, New Jersey. A mid-century design, the course unfolds across gently undulating parkland, favoring a strategic approach over sheer power. Shorter distances invite players to shape shots around mature trees and cleverly positioned bunkers, rewarding thoughtful course management with scoring opportunities. Don't let the proximity of some tees and greens fool you as the green complexes are what makes the course a challenge to be reckoned with. Originally conceived by Hal Purdy, Francis A. Byrne’s layout has remained largely unchanged, preserving its classic character. While it hasn't hosted major championships, its enduring popularity within the local community speaks volumes. Many junior golfers learned the game here. Francis A. Byrne may not command global recognition, but it holds a significant place in the hearts of Essex County golfers. The course's well-maintained conditions and approachable atmosphere make it a regular haven for both seasoned players and those new to the game. Beyond the course, the friendly atmosphere extends to the clubhouse, where the local fare is often the topic of friendly banter, providing a fitting end to a round enjoyed amongst the fairways of Byrne. It's a place where the focus remains firmly on the simple pleasures of the game.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Unranked
Best in USA
Public: #274
Best in NJ
Public: #2
Golfers say Francis A. Byrne stands out as one of the best municipal courses in New Jersey and the broader Northeast, praising its restored Raynor/Banks design that features distinctive holes like the 250-yard Biarritz par-3 second. Most reviewers highlight the challenging layout with limited scoring opportunities and greens that steal the show, though several note the putting surfaces can be painfully slow and soft for a public facility. The course consistently earns praise for its conditioning and interesting routing, with many calling it an exceptional value at under $100 and noting efficient four-hour rounds. Reviewers appreciate the restoration work by Stephen Kay and Essex County Parks, which transformed what was previously a boring layout into a compelling track, though the facility lacks a practice range.
8.0
119 players
Francis A Byrne is the best municipal golf course I have ever played. I found myself saying “wow - I love this golf course” over and over again. The greens steal the show throughout, starting with the long Biarritz on 2 (a hole I unfortunately made a mess of). Unfortunately caught it on a tough day for the greens, but I’m excited to return for the fall when it’s less humid. Favorite holes were 3, 9, and 10.
Great course. Has to be one of the better Munis around
Amazing layout in great shape. The greens are painfully slow at times
Perhaps the best public course in New Jersey, and it can be played for under $100 and often four-hour rounds. The improvements by the Essex County Parks dept. and Stephen Kay have this Raynor/Banks design shining once again.
The restoration absolutely knocked it out of the park. Course was boring and in poor shape before it and they seem to have fixed both of those problems. The course is much more interesting now. A Banks layout that has been brought back to life. 2 is a 250 yard Biarritz Par 3.
One of the best deals you’ll get in northeast golf. It’s a public north Jersey course, but it’s an awesome track. Very few scoring opportunities, a scratch golfer is lucky to be +2 or 3 at the turn. Really good design and well kept. Maybe the best public course in NJ or the whole area. One downside-no range
Favorite NJ public. Sweet design and solid condition. Greens are soft and slow but expected from a muni. If that was my home course, I'd be content.
Public courses closest to Francis A. Byrne.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Francis A. Byrne has a Course Vaults score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 78 explicit golfer ratings.
Francis A. Byrne was designed by Charles Banks.
Yes. Francis A. Byrne is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Francis A. Byrne is 70.
Francis A. Byrne plays 6,788 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Francis A. Byrne is 138.
