The opening hole is the birthplace of the “Mulligan”.  After a 2018 renovation, this tree lined hole is now a par 5.  A blind bunker  is a strategic new addition.  The Canoe Brook Creek stretches across the fairway defining Essex Fells - West Orange border.  The large green has a false front and bunkers left and right.  This hole is perhaps a birdie-hole for the very long hitters.  Note the town landmark in the left rough.


 

This short Par 4 requires two strategically placed shots. The tee shot must avoid a fairway bunker approximately 100 yards short of the green. The approach is to a small, undulating green which slopes back to front. A spine extends the length of the green which requires a well-placed approach to avoid a difficult birdie putt.

This downhill Par 3 plays to an oblique shaped green with a spine extending the length of the green which slopes back to front.  A well-placed tee shot is needed to avoid a difficult birdie putt. The green is guarded left and right by deep bunkers.  The tee boxes were part of a 2018 renovation. The new driving range is in the distance.

This uphill Par 4 of approximately 400 yards plays longer and is framed by trees on both sides of the fairway. The fir trees right afford only a chip back to the fairway. A left tee shot leaves an approach shot blocked by tall fir trees beginning 100 yards from the green on top of the hill. The second shot is to a blind green which slopes back to front. A bird house behind the green provides the target for the middle of the green.  A left greenside bunker and thick rough to the right of the green demand an accurate approach shot which if successfully played can lead to a reasonable chance at birdie.

The longest and arguably prettiest hole at Essex Fells is a 400-yard, Par 4. The downhill tee shot must avoid a row of fir trees right and trees bordered by out-of-bounds left.  A stream runs across the fairway 300 yards from the tee. The second shot must avoid a series of bunkers on the left side of the fairway and a long fairway bunker on the right.  The third shot is typically a short iron to a severely sloped green from back to front, which includes a false front to repel short approach shots. Approach shots should be short and right of the hole to allow an aggressive putt at birdie.  Any approach shot ending left or beyond the hole makes a three putt a distinct possibility.

This downhill Par 3 measures between 160 to 180 yards and is protected by two bunkers in front of the green. A well-struck shot to this flat green provides an excellent chance at birdie.

This short, 350 yard, dogleg right Par 4 requires a well-placed tee shot directed to the blind, left side of the fairway.  Out-of-bounds extends along the entire left side of the hole and behind the green.  A huge oak tree guards approach shots from the right side of the fairway and right rough. A short iron approach to a relatively flat green must avoid bunkers on both sides of the green. This hole provides a good birdie opportunity.

The longest Par 4 on the course measures 470 yards from the back tee and is the #1 stroke hole.  The tee shot is uphill to a slight dogleg left which places a premium on length and accuracy.  The hole is framed by trees on both sides of the fairway.  The long second shot is protected by a large bunker to the front and left side of the green and a bunker to the right of the green. The green has mild undulations, and a Par 4 is an excellent score.
This 350 yard, Par 4 puts a premium on an accurate tee shot due to fir trees bordering both sides of the fairway. A strategically placed fairway bunker must be avoided on the left side of the fairway which extends 90 to 120 yards from the green.  The approach shot is severely uphill and plays a half club longer than its distance. The green is well-bunkered in front, right and left and the green slopes significantly from back to front, making downhill putts challenging.

This 350 yard, Par 4 puts a premium on an accurate tee shot due to fir trees bordering both sides of the fairway. A strategically placed fairway bunker must be avoided on the left side of the fairway which extends 90 to 120 yards from the green.  The approach shot is severely uphill and plays a half club longer than its distance. The green is well-bunkered in front, right and left and the green slopes significantly from back to front, making downhill putts challenging.