Disclaimer: CountryClubMag.com is an independent resource and is not associated with any of the clubs on this website. Club initiation and membership cost information are estimates only and should not be relied upon for making club membership decisions.

Welcome to Essex County Country Club, nestled in the picturesque landscape of West Orange, New Jersey. As a premier destination for golf enthusiasts and those seeking refined leisure experiences, our club boasts a rich history dating back to 1887, coupled with modern amenities and impeccable service. Set amidst lush greenery and rolling fairways, our championship golf course offers an unparalleled playing experience for players of all skill levels.

Beyond golf, members indulge in exquisite dining options, upscale social events, and exclusive recreational facilities, creating an atmosphere of luxury and camaraderie. Discover the epitome of elegance and relaxation at Essex County Country Club, where every moment is tailored to elevate your lifestyle.

Essex County Country Club History and Founding

Essex County Country Club established in 1887, holds a distinguished place in the annals of American golfing history. Founded by a group of passionate sportsmen and visionaries, including prominent figures from the local community, the club quickly became a beacon of leisure and excellence in West Orange, New Jersey.

The renowned golf course architect A.W. Tillinghast celebrated for his innovative designs and strategic layouts, lent his expertise to the creation of Essex County Country Club’s iconic golf course. Tillinghast’s visionary approach to course design, blending natural landscapes with strategic challenges, has ensured the enduring appeal and championship caliber of the course for generations of golfers.

Since its inception, Essex County Country Club has remained a bastion of tradition and camaraderie, welcoming members and guests to enjoy the timeless pursuit of golf in a setting of unparalleled beauty and elegance. Today, as in the past, the club continues to uphold its legacy of excellence, offering members an exceptional array of amenities, including dining, social events, and recreational facilities, all within the historic embrace of one of New Jersey’s most esteemed country clubs.

Famous Golf Tournament held at Essex County Country Club

One of the most notable golf tournaments held at Essex County Country Club was the 1903 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. This prestigious event marked a significant milestone in the history of women’s golf, as it was one of the earliest national championships exclusively for female golfers. Essex County Country Club provided the perfect backdrop for this groundbreaking tournament, with its challenging course and scenic surroundings.

The 1903 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship showcased the talents of elite female golfers from across the country, highlighting their skill and dedication to the sport at a time when women’s golf was still in its formative years. The tournament garnered widespread attention and played a crucial role in popularizing women’s golf in the United States.

Essex County Country Club’s hosting of the 1903 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship remains a testament to the club’s historic significance in the world of golf and its commitment to fostering excellence in the sport for players of all genders.

Essex County Country Club Membership Costs and Dues

Due to the private nature of most country clubs, including Essex County Country Club, specific details regarding membership costs and dues are not publicly available. However, based on information gathered from various sources, here are some estimated and rumored figures:

Full Membership:

This typically has the highest cost, potentially involving an initiation fee ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 and monthly dues between $1,500 and $2,000. This grants access to all club amenities, including golf, tennis, dining, and social events.

Social Membership:

This might be a more affordable option, with an initiation fee potentially ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 and monthly dues between $500 and $1,000. This typically focuses on social aspects and amenities like dining and events, with limited or no access to sports facilities.

Family Membership:

This is designed for families and often has a higher cost than individual memberships but is lower than the sum of individual memberships for each family member. Initiation fees could range from $20,000 to $50,000, with monthly dues between $1,000 and $1,500. Specific costs depend on the number of family members included.

Corporate Membership:

This typically involves the highest fees, as companies sponsor the club and designate employees for membership. Initiation fees could potentially range from $75,000 to $150,000, and monthly dues might be between $2,000 and $4,000. These often include advertising and sponsorship benefits for the corporation.

Junior Membership:

This caters to younger individuals, offering access to certain amenities at a reduced cost compared to adult memberships. Initiation fees could potentially range from $2,500 to $5,000, with monthly dues between $50 and $100. Age limitations and specific benefits may vary.

Senior Membership:

This caters to seniors, offering access to amenities at potentially lower costs than full memberships. Initiation fees could range from $15,000 to $30,000, with monthly dues between $750 and $1,200. Age limitations and specific benefits may vary, and some restrictions on access during peak hours might exist.

Individual Membership:

This might be similar to full membership but designed for single individuals, offering access to all amenities. Initiation fees could range from $30,000 to $50,000, with monthly dues between $1,000 and $1,500.

Additional Costs:

Food and beverage minimums: Most private clubs require members to spend a certain amount per month on food and beverages.
Cart fees: Golf cart rentals often incur additional fees.
Locker fees: Optional locker rentals can add to the monthly cost.
Guest fees: Bringing guests to the club usually comes with additional charges.

Remember, these are just estimates based on various sources and should not be considered exact figures. The actual costs may vary significantly depending on several factors.

Here are some factors that can affect the cost of membership:

Age: Some clubs offer discounts on initiation fees and monthly dues for younger members.

Residency: Some country clubs offer discounts on initiation fees and monthly dues for residents of certain areas.

Essex County Country Club Amenities

Essex County Country Club offers a comprehensive range of amenities designed to cater to the diverse interests and preferences of its members. While specific amenities may vary, typical offerings at country clubs like Essex County may include:

Championship Golf Course: A meticulously maintained golf course designed to challenge players of all skill levels, featuring lush fairways, manicured greens, and scenic views.
Practice Facilities: Dedicated areas for honing golf skills, including driving ranges, putting greens, and short game practice areas.
Clubhouse: A stately clubhouse serving as the social hub of the club, providing spaces for dining, socializing, and hosting events.
Dining Options: Fine dining restaurants, casual eateries, and bars offer a variety of culinary experiences, from gourmet cuisine to relaxed pub fare.
Tennis Courts: Well-maintained tennis courts for recreational play and organized tournaments, often with professional instruction available.
Swimming Pool: Resort-style swimming pool facilities, complete with lounging areas, cabanas, and aquatic activities for all ages.
Fitness Center: State-of-the-art fitness facilities equipped with cardio machines, strength training equipment, and group fitness classes.
Spa and Wellness Services: Relaxing spa treatments, massages, and wellness programs aimed at promoting physical and mental well-being.
Social Events: A calendar of social events and activities, including themed parties, holiday celebrations, and cultural outings, fostering a sense of community among members.
Junior Programs: Specialized programs and activities for children and teenagers, such as golf clinics, tennis lessons, and summer camps.

Essex County Country Club Event Information and Dining Options

Essex County Country Club offers a diverse range of events and celebrations throughout the year to enrich the experiences of its members and create memorable moments. Some of the events that members can celebrate at Essex County Country Club may include:

Holiday Celebrations: Festive gatherings to commemorate holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, and more. These events often feature special menus, live entertainment, and themed decorations.
Golf Tournaments: Various golf tournaments and competitions held throughout the year, including member tournaments, charity events, and invitationals. These tournaments provide opportunities for friendly competition and camaraderie among golf enthusiasts.
Social Mixers: Casual social gatherings designed to bring members together in a relaxed atmosphere. These mixers may include cocktail parties, wine tastings, networking events, and happy hours.
Family Fun Days: Events tailored for families and children, offering activities such as picnics, outdoor games, scavenger hunts, and children’s entertainment to foster a sense of community among members of all ages.
Themed Dinners: Special dining events featuring themed menus inspired by cuisines from around the world, culinary trends, seasonal ingredients, or cultural celebrations. These dinners provide members with opportunities to explore new flavors and culinary experiences.
Live Entertainment Nights: Occasional evenings featuring live music performances, DJs, comedians, or other forms of entertainment to enhance the club’s ambiance and provide enjoyable experiences for members and their guests.
Wellness Workshops: Workshops, seminars, and classes focused on health, wellness, and personal development topics such as nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, stress management, and more.
Member Milestone Celebrations: Recognizing and celebrating significant milestones in members’ lives, such as birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, and achievements, with special events or personalized experiences.
Educational Seminars: Informative seminars, lectures, and presentations on topics of interest to members, including finance, arts and culture, history, travel, and current events.
Charity Events: Fundraising events and philanthropic initiatives supporting local charities, nonprofit organizations, and community causes, reflecting the club’s commitment to social responsibility and giving back to the community.

Essex County Country Club offers a variety of dining options to cater to the culinary preferences of its members and guests. These dining options may include:

Fine Dining Restaurant: An upscale dining venue with an elegant ambiance, offering a refined menu featuring gourmet cuisine prepared by skilled chefs. The fine dining restaurant may specialize in seasonal dishes, local ingredients, and creative culinary presentations, providing an exceptional dining experience for members and their guests.
Casual Dining: Relaxed and welcoming dining areas where members can enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere and a diverse menu of classic favorites, comfort foods, and casual fare. Casual dining options may include sandwiches, salads, burgers, pasta dishes, and more, suitable for lunch or dinner.
Outdoor Dining: Scenic outdoor patios, terraces, or verandas overlooking the golf course, gardens, or picturesque landscapes, providing al fresco dining options during the warmer months. Outdoor dining areas may offer a refreshing setting for enjoying meals, cocktails, or afternoon snacks in the open air.
Bar and Lounge: A cozy bar area serving a selection of craft cocktails, fine wines, premium spirits, and draft beers, along with a menu of light bites, appetizers, and bar snacks. The bar and lounge may serve as a gathering spot for pre-dinner drinks, post-round refreshments, or casual socializing with fellow members.
Private Dining Rooms: Intimate and customizable private dining spaces available for special occasions, celebrations, business meetings, or gatherings with family and friends. Private dining rooms may offer personalized menus, attentive service, and exclusive amenities to accommodate members’ specific needs and preferences.
Special Dining Events: Themed dinners, culinary events, wine tastings, chef’s table experiences, and other special dining events are held periodically throughout the year. These events may showcase unique cuisines, culinary trends, guest chefs, or seasonal ingredients, providing members with opportunities to explore new flavors and culinary experiences.

Essex County Country Club Dress Code and Guest Policy

Essex County Country Club typically maintains a dress code to ensure a certain level of decorum and uphold the club’s standards of excellence. While specific dress code policies may vary slightly depending on the club’s rules and the occasion, a general guideline for the dress code at Essex County Country Club might include:

Golf Course and Practice Facilities:
- Proper golf attire is required at all times.
- Collared shirts or mock neck shirts for men, and appropriate golf tops for women.
- Tailored pants, golf shorts, or golf skirts.
- Golf shoes with soft spikes or spikeless shoes.
- Hats or visors worn with the bill facing forward.
Clubhouse and Dining Areas:
- Smart casual attire is typically acceptable.
- Collared shirts, polo shirts, or dress shirts for men.
- Slacks, khakis, dress shorts, or skirts for women.
- Closed-toe shoes or dress sandals for both men and women.
- Denim may be permitted in certain areas, but it’s often restricted or discouraged.
Formal Events or Fine Dining:
- Formal attire such as suits, sports coats, or cocktail dresses may be required for certain events or dining experiences.
- Ties or formal accessories may be requested for men.
- Elegant attire suitable for the occasion is encouraged.

Guest Policy: Essex County Country Club typically has a guest policy in place to regulate the visitation of non-members. While guest policies can vary, the following guidelines may apply:

Members are usually allowed to bring guests to the club, but there may be limitations on the number of guests per visit or the frequency of guest visits.
Guests are expected to adhere to the club’s dress code and conduct policies while on the premises.
Members are typically responsible for the conduct and actions of their guests during their visit to the club.
Some facilities or amenities may be restricted to members only or may require an additional fee for guest access.
Members are encouraged to notify the club in advance when bringing guests and to make reservations for dining or other activities to ensure availability and accommodate guests accordingly.

Essex County Country Club stands as a beacon of elegance, camaraderie, and excellence in West Orange, New Jersey. With its rich history, meticulously maintained golf course designed by the renowned architect A.W. Tillinghast and comprehensive range of amenities, the club offers members a distinguished lifestyle experience.

From championship golf and upscale dining to social events and wellness offerings, Essex County Country Club provides a sanctuary where members can forge lasting friendships, create cherished memories, and indulge in the finer aspects of leisure and recreation. With a commitment to upholding tradition while embracing modernity, the club continues to set the standard for luxury and hospitality, inviting members to experience the epitome of country club living at its finest.