Frequently Asked Questions  

 
Q.

How do I ensure that my reserved time is available when I am ready to play? Top of Page

A. Report to the starter a full 30 minutes prior to tee time to ensure start time.
Q.

I'm new , how do I make a Same Day Reservation? Top of Page

A. Just dial the Golf Shop that you want to play and ask if the time you wish to play is available. If so, you can book a start time using your MasterCard or Visa credit card, get a GUARANTEED tee time, and spend the rest of the day on the links!
Berkshire Valley Golf Shop - (973) 208-0018
Flanders Valley Golf Shop - (973) 584-5382
Pinch Brook Golf Shop - (973) 377-2039
Sunset Valley Golf Shop - (973) 835-1515
Q.

Why do I have a new registration number? Top of Page

A. To safeguard all New Jersey residents against identity theft, legislation has been approved that prohibits the use of Social Security numbers for "membership cards that allow the holder to gain access to a product or service". We have assigned all golfers, who are currently registered in our system, a new randomly-assigned 9-digit golf identification number.

All currently registered golfers received a letter with their newly assigned number. Please bring that letter when you register to expedite the registration process. You are still required to bring proof of residency or property ownership when you re-register.
Q.

What are Flagstick Indicators? Top of Page

A. All of the county golf courses will provide golfers with information regarding hole placements. At Berkshire Valley, the flagstick colors are red and white checkered (front), green and white checkered (middle), and black and white checkered (back). At Pinch Brook, and Sunset Valley, red, white, and blue flags will represent front, middle, or back placements, respectively. Upon arrival at Flanders Valley, golf course personnel will advise players what numeric "day" hole placements will be used.
Q.

What are single-rider golf carts? Top of Page

A. The Morris County Park Commission's single-rider golf carts are available at all county golf courses. Designed to accommodate the physically challenged, the "Golf Xpress Single-Rider" golf carts are only one-third of the weight of a conventional golf cart and leave less of an impression on the course than a human footprint. Safety precautions prohibit use of these carts in bunkers, in wet conditions, and on slopes.
Q.

What is a “Rain Day”? Top of Page

A.

A "Rain Day" is declared when a steady rain has fallen at the golf course for a duration of 20 minutes and has been forecasted to continue throughout the day. We recommend that you call the golf shop (where you have tee time reservation) an hour before your tee time to see if a rain day has been declared. If so, you may cancel your reservation, or simply stay home without penalty.

In the event that a patron believes weather or forecasted weather will make playing conditions unreasonably difficult or unsafe, the patron may choose not to play upon arrival at the course before purchasing a greens fee ticket.

Please be advised that the applicable reservation fee(s) must be paid if the players "opt out". We would like to remind you that this "Players Option" is intended for golfers who are present in the golf shop and who have made an earnest commitment to honor their tee times. We ask that you come to the golf course to make your decision because the weather conditions at the courses often differ from the conditions in other parts of the county.

Once a player has "opted out" from his/her reserved tee time, that option applies for the entire day. If you choose to play at some other time during that day, all fees will apply. Please understand that the golf shop staff cannot accept a cancellation by phone.


Q.

What is golf etiquette? Top of Page

A. In golf practicing basic etiquette isn't just polite, it's absolutely vital, not only in maintaining pace of play on the course, but also in keeping everyone safe in what could otherwise be a very dangerous sport indeed.
Play is safe
-Do not aim practice swings toward anyone in the immediate vicinity. It's considered both rude and dangerous. Stray pebbles, grass, or twigs could easily injure a bystander.
-Never swing your clubs around anyone walking nearby.
-No player should play until all golfers in front are completely out of range.

Silence is golden
-Speak if you must, but only in low tones that will not disturb others. Sound carries, so respect groups around you, as well as your own.
-Tread lightly. Walking quietly while on the green not only protects players' concentration, it also prevents damage to the course itself.

Keep up the pace
-Keep pace with the group in front of you; otherwise, it can slow up play for the entire day.
-Golfers who are kept waiting can lose both their momentum and their patience. Keep the game civil by keeping the game moving.
Q.

What dates are MCPC Golf Holidays? Top of Page

A. MCPC County Golf Holidays are:

     Memorial Day
     Independence Day
     Labor Day
     Columbus Day (the Monday 'as observed')

Holiday rates apply on these dates.
Q.

What is the 'No Show' Policy? When do I have to cancel to avoid 'No Show' penalties?Top of Page

A.

Golfers who have reserved time through the Tee Time Reservation System must honor the time or must cancel by 8:59 pm the evening before. Failure to do so will result in a 'No Show' classification.

Golfers should take into consideration weather forecasts on the day prior to play since inclement weather does not release the golfers from their obligations to honor their tee times reservations unless park policy permits.

Reservations can be cancelled on the website by calling the Tee Time Reservation System. In addition, a dedicated cancellation line is available to eliminate potential busy signals. The cancellation phone number is 973-644-0890.

A "No-Show" is defined as:
- Anyone who fails to cancel a reserved tee time;
- Anyone who fails to modify a reservation (including the number of players in a group)
- Anyone who makes a reservation and fails to appear at tee time.

The first "No Show" will result in a suspension from the Reservation System commencing from the date of the documented "No Show", until all fees are paid. Reinstatements will be processed within 3 business days (Monday - Friday).


The cardholder must pay the greens fee and automated reservation fees in order to be reinstated into the system. A "No Show" may be paid at any golf course, "No Show" fees are carried from year to year until paid. (Reservation fees are applied for the number of tee times reserved.)

"No Show" golfers affect the ability of other golfers to gain access to the golf courses. The Morris County Park Commission has achieved a low "No Show" figure by implementing the above policy. As always, your cooperation is appreciated.

Questions regarding your "No Show" status can be directed to the Reservations Office at (973) 326-7602. Note: Always note your cancellation number. Keep it in a safe place as proof of confirmation of your cancellation.
Q.

When are the courses maintained? Top of Page

A. On Tuesdays, routine maintenance is performed on the courses to ensure our golfers the best playing conditions possible throughout the year. Therefore, 9 holes are available at both Pinch Brook and Sunset Valley, and 18 holes are available at Flanders Valley. All 18 holes of Berkshire Valley will be closed on Monday.

Superintendents determine which 9 or 18 holes will be available for play during maintenance based upon the work that needs to be done. At Flanders Valley, while 18 holes are open, it can be any combination of nines (Example: White-Blue, Red-Gold, Red-White, Blue-Gold).

When using the Tee Time Reservation System for Tuesday reservations at Flanders Valley, we have designated the White-Blue course for booking purposes only. However, any combination of nines is possible on the day of play.