ARCHITECTS
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Course Report
Several holes at Francis A. Byrne are direct tributes to famous designs from St Andrews, including the Road Hole and Eden, making it a rare public venue for experiencing such classic architecture.
About
A Golden Age public course in New Jersey designed by Charles Banks and influenced by Seth Raynor, Francis A. Byrne Golf Course features classic template holes such as the Road, Biarritz, and Eden. Deep bunkers, rolling greens, and hilly terrain create a challenging, scenic layout restored in 2023 by Stephen Kay.
Caddie Tip
Aim for the proper side of each template green; use slopes to feed your ball toward the pin. On the back nine, play conservatively on the long par 4s such as 12 and 15; avoid deep bunkers and high fescue. Fast greens reward below-the-hole approaches.
The Main Challenge
The toughest challenge lies in navigating elevation changes and deep bunkers, particularly on the long par 4s of the back nine. Fast, rolling greens and strategic fescue create difficult recoveries, and poor angle approaches often result in three-putts or difficult chips.
The Good
Golfers praise the classic Golden Age template holes restored through recent renovations. The variety, strategic bunkering, and undulating greens offer memorable challenges and reward creative shotmaking, while the setting in Essex County is both scenic and accessible.
The Not So Good
Golfers commonly cite slow rounds during busy weekends and note that the practice facility lacks a full driving range. Some greens can become firm and fast, requiring careful management to hold approach shots, which newer players find difficult.
Signature Hole:
#
2
The signature par 3 second hole is a classic Biarritz template, playing well over 200 yards from the back tee. A dramatic deep swale divides the green, demanding a precise long iron or fairway wood shot to reach the proper tier.
Clubhouse
The modest clubhouse offers a snack bar, restrooms, and seating. There is no full restaurant, but users can expect a relaxed check-in process. Limited merchandise available.
Practice Facilities
No driving range, but a pitching/chipping area and large putting green are available. Practice from bunkers and short chips is possible, but warm up for full swings is limited.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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