Hendricks Field Golf Course

I've been wanting to play Hendricks ever since I moved into the neighborhood, but its by far the most difficult to book amongst the Essex Public courses (Weequahic being the easiest and Byrne in the middle). After getting my county card, I was able to snag a great Friday tee time at 7:42am. Got paired up with 3 gentlemen who were gracious enough to provide me with insight into every hole, and the weather was perfect. It didn't get blazing hot until after noon.

Pace of play was decent: did exactly 4 hours -- perhaps could have gone faster but we were a foursome and that will always keep pace of play at around that rate. 3 of used pull carts -- there were some hills but nothing to induce cramps or cardiac concerns.

Conditions are top notch. Whoever the groundskeeping team are, they know what they're doing. Greens were just right -- slow enough to attack, but with some very tricky undulations. Bunkers were in great shape, and although I only hit one bunker, they looked to be fair. The toughest part of the course was the rough -- the fescue and tall grass will eat your ball alive so keep it on the fairway!

And that segues into the layout of there course. I LOVE this track and layout. It's on the short side really, but it requires clever course management. It does not force you to shot shape, but it does reward the thinking golfer. There are a couple of picturesque par 3s and par 4s which lull you into complacency. But unless you know your sloping (or have a dependable guide or rangefinder), its a beguiling charm and I found myself questioning my eyes in terms of yardage estimation.

All in all, a perfect way to spend a Friday morning in the company of easy people and a very engaging golf course.

Hendricks is just blocks away from my residence but I choose to drive to as much as an hour away to play elsewhere. A Belleville resident, I grew up around this course and have witnessed the many changes; structures and course makeover but the one thing that has never changed is SLOW PLAY and hackers who ignore replacing divots, raking bunkers and repairing ball marks. A hackers paradise and a golfers nightmare! Solution - Rangers to enforce the rules.

3rd time playing it this summer. Been in great condition while other courses are not due to heat. Pace is a little slow but overall a great course for all skill levels.

Hendricks Field has turned into a gem of a course since the 2021 renovation. The course layout is printine and challenging, and is in overall good shape.

The course was great. It would be nice to have refreshments and basic food to purchase.

It’s been a few years since I played Hendricks, but I love what they’ve done with the place. They’ve updated the carts, add hitting bays to warm up, and the practice green is in good shape too. The course felt a little more open than it did 3-4 years ago as they removed some trees on a few holes. The greens and fairways were in good shape for the middle of summer. The only negative might’ve been the rough. It looked like something you’d see at a links course and the length made it difficult to find some balls. But other than that I was very pleased. They’ve done a great job updating the course and I’ll probably be here regularly now.

Beautiful remodeling job done on course. Staff is always friendly and tries their best to accommodate everyone. Hendricks is our favorite course.

This course is amazing. I love what they did with all the upgrades.

The course was in good shape and the greens were hard but in good shape.

What a wonderful renovation and course rerouting. Good tee boxes, greens and well maintained sand in the bunkers. However, somebody went overboard with the high, wild grasses. Looks pretty but it really slows down play and is way too punitive. A course needs to protect itself and reward keeping the ball on the fairway, but it's just a bit much in places. Might as well be red staked.
I was also surprised that for all the great upgrades they didn't bother with a halfway house. A couple of vending machines in the clubhouse is all you get.

Beautiful Course and kept up very well for the money….Easy walking course to and a lot of long par 5’s