coakley-russo memorial golf course

Opening Day is Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Membership is available to Bernards Township residents, non-residents and VA Medical Center Affiliates (current or retired employees, outpatients and volunteers). Senior and student discounted memberships are available to Bernards Township residents and VA Medical Center Affiliates only.

By purchasing a membership, you agree to abide by the Rules & Regulations printed in the Membership Handbook and agree to the Township's Membership Handbook and agree to the Township's Hold Harmless Statement (below).

On Memorial Day, 1947, the Coakley-Russo Memorial Golf Course was presented to the VA Medical Center by New Jersey golfers, both men and women, amateurs and professionals. The gift was the product of many hours of work by the New Jersey Rehabilitation Committee over several months. The committee was composed of two members each from the New Jersey Section of the PGA of America, the New Jersey Golf Association, the Women’s New Jersey Golf Association, the State Public Links Association and the State Greenskeeper Association.

The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. as a par 35, nine-hole course which plays from 2,700—3,300 yards. The official pace of play rating from the NJSGA is 2 hours and 13 minutes.

The course was dedicated to the memory of all New Jersey golfers who gave their lives in World War II and is named in honor of two New Jersey Professional Golfers, Lt. Francis X. Coakley and Sgt. Nick Russo, both killed while serving their country.

In July of 1996, Bernards Township assumed the operation of the course in a unique partnership between the Township and the VA Medical Center. Managed and maintained by the Department of Parks & Recreation, membership categories are available for VA affiliates, Bernards Township residents and non-residents. Membership includes unlimited play with no additional greens fees!

PLAY 9! Busy Schedule? No worries. You can always find time for the game we all love and a nine-hole round can be just the ticket! Visit http://www.usga.org/play9.html for more information on the benefits of playing nine holes. Another reason to become a member of the Coakley-Russo Memorial Golf Course!

By accepting membership, I hereby accept membership privileges for myself and family members listed on the membership and agree that this is a voluntary choice. I acknowledge that there are certain risks inherent with being a member, and I agree to accept all of the consequences and assume the risks involved with membership. I give permission to the Township to provide emergency care as necessary for the well being of myself and my family until such time as a designated emergency contact may be reached. I understand and acknowledge that Bernards Township is not responsible for any loss, damages or injury to any person or property for any reason associated with my and/or my child’s/dependent’s participation in the activities associated with this membership. In light of the above, I hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless and release Bernards Township from any and all liability for any and all injuries that I and/or my child/dependent may sustain as a result of participation in this activity. This includes, but is not limited to, responsibility for the payment of any and all doctor, medical or hospital bills resulting from any and all injuries to me and/or my child/dependent. I grant Bernards Township the right to use any and all photographs of myself or my child participating in a Department sponsored activity for future media promotion. I confirm that I have read and understand the rules outlined in the Membership Handbook and the Recreation Department's registration policies and procedures.