Fore! Great Public Golf Courses of Morris County

When you think of golf, the public courses of Morris County probably don’t immediately come to mind.  The picture- perfect azaleas adorning “Amen Corner”, and the drama of the back nine at Augusta during the Masters Tournament - absolutely.  The breathtaking ocean views and near impossible conditions during a U.S. Open Championship played at Pebble Beach - without question.  The splendor of the seaside links matched with the historical significance of a British Open Championship contested at St. Andrews in Scotland - no doubt.  
 
In 2002 the Black Course at Bethpage State Park on Long Island became the first publicly owned and operated course to host the U.S. Open Championship.  It also hosted the 2009 U.S. Open, and is set to host the first week of the FedEx Cup Playoffs this year.  Prior to 2002 all U.S. Opens had been staged at private golf clubs or resorts, and all had limited access and were very expensive for the public to play.  The USGA’s choice of Bethpage was seen as an egalitarian move.  At last, recreational golfers could play on the same course.
 
With a reputation for the finest park system in the region, Morris County boasts some of the finest public golf courses.   And who knows... maybe a future site of a U.S. Open or PGA Championship Golf Tournament!  Long gone are the days of substandard conditions at public courses.  Hitting shots off of crab grass and dirt, and boring stretches with no water or sand hazards are a thing of the past.  One no longer needs to sneak into a private club at dusk, hoping to play a few holes before being chased away by security.
 
The Morris County Park Commission recently announced the grand re-opening of the award-winning Berkshire Valley Golf course located in Jefferson Township.  In addition to Berkshire Valley, Morris County’s nationally recognized courses include:  Flanders Valley Golf Course in Flanders, Pinch Brook Golf Course located in Florham Park and Sunset Valley Golf Course in Pompton Plains.  You can find more information regarding all of these courses at morrisparks.phantomgolf.com.
 
The value is truly outstanding.  In addition to the reasonable fees (especially for county residents), the Park Commission offers opportunities for every level of player.  Clinics and lessons are available for individuals who may be thinking of taking up the game for the first time.  Special programs have been created for junior golfers throughout the county.  Seasoned golfers searching for something more competitive can take advantage of numerous leagues and tournaments.  Also, be on the lookout for golf outings and special events during the year.
 
If you have an interest in learning more about the game of golf, visit www.usga.org.  You’ll also want to visit The United States Golf Association (USGA) Museum and Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History is home to the world’s premier collection of golf artifacts and memorabilia.  It’s located adjacent to the USGA headquarters’ in Far Hills, New Jersey.  The USGA Museum is an educational institution dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the game of golf and serves as a caretaker and steward for the game’s history.  By collecting, preserving, and interpreting the historical developments of the game in the United States, the museum promotes a greater understanding of golf’s cultural significance for a worldwide audience.  
 
Now when you think of golf... the Morris County Park Commission’s public golf courses should be the first thing that leaps to mind.  For additional ideas and  information on other things to do, outdoors and indoors in Morris County, visit www.morristourism.org to plan your visit and Discover the Character of Morris County!
 

Contact Information

Deidre Schunk

Information Manager

Morris County Tourism Bureau

(1) 973-631-5151

dschunk@morristourism.org