Westfield Sports

Whether you enjoy sports competitively or recreationally, Westfield New Jersey offers breadth and depth with the many sports that are offered, and the chance to be a part of a team is something that all residents in this picturesque town can experience. Young and old, skilled or amateur, all are welcome as long as you've got the will to get your body moving!

Before we enumerate the many rec opportunities in town, we should mention that Westfield HS enjoys a long history of sporting excellence, having won more championships than any other high school in New Jersey history, and having sent athletes to collegiate, Olympian, NFL and MLB careers.

Golf

Echo Lake Country Club
Westfield
(908) 232-4288
Distance from Downtown Westfield: 2.3 miles
Since 1899 Echo Lake Country Club has offered members and guests a wonderful setting in which to tee off. Echo Lake Country Club has a long and proud dedication to the game of golf and a rich history of hosting both local and national championships, most recently the USGA "Junior Girls Championship" in 2002. The golf course, designed by Donald Ross was opened in 1913 and was the site of the Metropolitan Open in 1934 in which Paul Runyon defeated Walter Hagen with a score of 287. Since then the club has hosted two New Jersey Amateurs and Three New Jersey State Opens. Echo Lake Country Club has come to be known as the "Hidden Gem" of New Jersey Golf. The private course is a 6,709-yard par 72. The club also offers extensive dining and entertaining facilities, swimming, tennis and a day camp.

Shackamaxon Golf & Country Club
Scotch Plains
(908) 233-3989
Distance from Downtown Westfield: 1.7 miles
Founded in 1916, this Private Club was once host to the Cavalcade of Golf. Due to its close proximity to Westfield, it is home course to many residents. The 18 holes of the "Shack" wrap around the Shackamaxon Lake, which dutifully enhances both the scenic and challenging elements of the course. The clubhouse, which boasts a ballroom, has undergone a recent $6 million dollar renovation and sits overlooking the lake and the beautiful Watchung Mountains. The course measures an impressive 6,615 yards, so make sure you hire one of the available caddies if you plan on walking. The Shackamaxon hosts numerous outings throughout the year, and they encourage you to hold your next corporate or social event with them. For the kids, Camp Shackamaxon sits on the property, and with teacher certified counselors you can rest assured that your children will not only be kept safe, but will have a great time too.

Hyatt Hills Golf Complex
Clark
(732) 669-9100
Distance from Downtown Westfield: 2.8 miles
Given the recent surge in the importance of environmental conservatorship, it has become increasingly important to support those that have taken the green mentality to heart. The Hyatt Hills Golf Complex has been recognized for its extended measures towards environmental excellence by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System (ACSS). It has been deemed a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" thanks in part to the efforts made by those in charge to maintain and preserve the area for the diverse wildlife, which share their home with visiting golfers.

Recognized by the Newark Star Ledger as the, "Best conditioned 9-hole course in New Jersey", this public facility has a full-service clubhouse where you can relax with friends and family over a meal after a short round of golf. If you want to get an edge over your golf buddies, head over to the driving range or putting green to work out any kinks you may have with your driver or putter, respectively before you set out to play. Keep the kids busy with the eighteen-hole miniature golf course. Don't forget to put your name in the drawing to win a free round of golf before you leave.
 

Baltusrol Golf Club Upper/Lower
Springfield
(973) 376-5160
Distance from Downtown Westfield: 2.8 miles
When a course has housed fifteen USGA championships and a PGA championship, you can be sure that such a course will offer everything you ever wanted by way of golfing and more. A private club with two 72 par courses, Baltusrol has seen the likes of Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer walk its grounds, to name just a few. Baltusrol has been recognized by Golf Magazine as one of "The First 100 Clubs in America" and appropriately, some great moments in golf history have taken place here, including Nicklaus's record-setting victory over Isao Aoki in the 1980 U.S. Open. The 18-hole lower course is both challenging and beautiful, with sand traps at every turn and a perfectly manicured green. The upper course is currently under renovation but will most likely exceed all expectations upon its completion. In 2016, the PGA Championship will return to Baltusrol for the second time in history.

Plainfield Country Club/West Nine
Edison
(908) 757-1800
Distance from Downtown Westfield: 5.7 miles
Future home of the Barclays in 2011, the Plainfield Country Club is a private, eighteen-hole country club which boasts an additional semi-private 9 hole "west nine". Originally founded in 1890 as a tennis club, this course is consistently ranked amongst the top fifty golf courses in the United States and is currently 28th on Golfweek's "America's Greatest Classic" courses. This can most likely be attributed to the fact that Donald Ross himself (famed founder and first president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects) designed the course's layout. The "Green Monster" as it has come to be known, has served as host to the 1978 U.S. Amateur as well as the 1987 U.S. Women's Open, and has truly stood the test of time. The club hosts numerous tournaments for men and women of all ages. True to its roots, golfing isn't the only thing the Plainfield Country Club has to offer. There is a pool for those hot summer days, and courts for racquet sports. Swim laps, soak up the sun, or enjoy a tennis match with friends. Afterwards, don't hesitate to grab a meal in the dining hall and be sure to check out the banquet hall for your next special occasion.

Suburban Golf Club
Union
(908) 686-0444
Distance from Downtown Westfield: 6.6 miles
Perched 80 feet above sea level, the Suburban Golf Club is a non-profit, 18-hole club, in close proximity to many of the major New Jersey state highways. Founded in 1896, its course was designed in 1922 making it one of the oldest courses in New Jersey, and it hasn't lost an ounce of its charm since. Suburban has one of the richest recorded histories of any golf course and stories are told of golfers being struck by lightning, chickens running amuck across the course, and even a rumored Native American burial site behind the sixth green. Many great golfing memories have been made at this club, and Suburban still proves that its tree-lined green is still as relevant as it once was. With a PGA professional in charge of the pro shop, you can be sure to receive expert advice on anything from your swing to your newest set of clubs. The official course record score stands at 64, proving that Suburban will offer a hefty challenge for those looking to get their name in the books.

Swimming

Westfield High School Swim Teams

When it comes to competitive swimming, Westfield High is regarded as a traditional powerhouse in boys and girls swimming. The girls' team has won a combined 10 state championships as well as 17 Union County titles, while the boys have won an impressive 22 State Championships and a whopping 52 Union County Titles. In 2008, for the first time in school history, both teams won the NJSIAA Public A State Championships in the same year, proving Westfield High swimmers are truly a force to be reckoned with. Most recently, in 2009, the boys swim team won the 2009 Public A State Championship and was ranked the number one high school team in the state by the Star Ledger. Competition is clearly not something that these teams shy away from. The High School teams practice and host competitions at the Westfield Area YMCA.
Westfield High School
(908) 789-4500

Westfield "Y"

Westfield
(908) 233-2700
Distance from Downtown Westfield: In Town

Recreational Swimming:
For those looking for year-round swimming opportunities, the Westfield YMCA is the place to be. There are numerous aquatic programs offered at the "Y", and every age group is welcome to participate. From instructional swim programs for those just learning (beginning as early as 6 months), to the "Active Older Adults" program, the YMCA provides the benefits of swimming to all those who wish to truly involve themselves. Come swim laps at your leisure, or get your heart rate pumping with one of the many Water Fitness classes. You can also train to become a lifeguard or even get your SCUBA certification right at the Westfield "Y". All staff members are trained in CPR/AED, so you may rest assured that you will have a safe experience here. The Water Fitness programs offered here are eclectic and approachable, with such innovative classes as "Yo Pi Chi"; a Yoga, Pilates, and Ai Chi fusion class which takes place in shallow warm water. You can also find all of the usual aquatic classes here such as "Aqua Cardio Blast" and "Aqua Sculpt" designed to sculpt and tone your body while blasting calories- all performed inside the pool. Of course, general swimming lessons are available for all ages. There are parent and child classes, where instructors work with parents in the water to teach their children how to have fun, but most importantly keep safe while swimming. There are even preschool classes, which take place in the Rooke Pool without the parent present in the water. This serves to aid the child in developing confidence in the water.

Competitive Swimming:
For youth and teens, the Westfield "Y" provides unparalleled opportunities for competitive swimming. There are two teams to choose from: the Aquaducks Synchronized Swim Team and the Devilfish Swim Team. Don't worry if you don't know anything about synchronized swimming but are still interested in joining the team. For those age 7-12, there is an Aquaducks class that will teach you the basics provided you have prior knowledge of the freestyle and backstroke. Similarly, the Synchro Clinic runs for six weeks and allows you to experience synchronized swimming before you make the decision to try out for the Aquaducks team. The team itself competes regionally and nationally, including at the U.S. Age Group Nationals and the US Juniors. There is a senior and junior team, each with its own set of criteria for joining. Some members have even gone on to compete in the US Open as well as the National Junior Olympics.
The Westfield YMCA's swim team, the Devilfish, are also extremely talented and competitive members of the swimming community. The swimmers practice year-round, and compete in both invitational and championship style meets. They also participate in dual meets, when the team is divided into four separate parts: Girls A and B and Boys A and B teams. Each team is given the chance to compete in six dual meets, plus intramural meets and invitationals ensuring that the Devilfish have ample opportunity to grow in the sport. It is the philosophy of the Westfield "Y" competitive swimming program that each swimmer be encouraged to working towards and achieving their individual goals, while all the while functioning as a team.

Westfield Aquaducks
Devilfish Competitive Swimming

Westfield Memorial Pool Complex
Westfield
(908) 789-4086
Distance from Downtown Westfield: 1 mile
The Westfield Memorial Pool Complex is a public swim club open to both Westfield and non-Westfield residents. The Pool Complex boasts a 50 meter, 165' x 75' pool as well as a 40' x 60' diving pool. In addition, there are also training and kiddie pools for those still learning the basics. There is limited pool enrollment each year, and priority membership is offered first to returning members by mail, then opened up to Westfield and area residents in person only. Be prepared to come early and bring your lawn chairs; it's a weekday 8am signup for available spots, and getting yours can be like scoring tickets to a Beatles concert! Summertime activities include the Marlins Swim Teams, lessons, movie nights, and teen swim nights. With an available concession stand and picnic area, it's easy to spend an entire day at a time at Westfield Memorial Pool. In the summer of 2008, Coach Judy Lee guided the Westfield Memorial Pool Blue Marlins "A" swim team to an astounding 25th consecutive undefeated season in the North Jersey Summer Swim League. Fees to join range in price from $180 for the single resident, to $940 for a non-resident family and nanny (au pairs and nannies are integral enough to Westfield life to have codified membership provisions at the pool as well as the "Y" and Union County Community College).

Nomahegan Swim Club
Cranford
(908) 709-0225
Distance from Downtown Westfield: 3 miles
Over the course of the past 47 years, thousands of families have enjoyed both the spirit and tradition of Nomahegan Swim Club. The pool itself was once considered the largest poured concrete pool in the world, has been the recipient of architectural design awards, and was once even featured in Life Magazine. With such credits to its name, it is no wonder that Nomahegan has only seen continued success as a place of respite for those looking to beat the summer heat. While many come to relax, still more come to involve themselves in the many activities available at Nomahegan. This Swim Club offers children ages 5-18 the chance to join the Dive Team, which holds regular practices and participates in numerous meets. Depending on the age of the child, he or she will have to compete in anywhere from 3 to 5 dives per season. Additionally, the Nomahegan Swim Team welcomes all and participates in League Championships. In addition to competitive swimming, Nomahegan provides all of the amenities a good swim club should. There's a water slide and jungle gym for the kids, cabanas and ample seating for the adults, and the Five Star Pool Café for when everyone gets hungry. Swimming lessons are provided free of charge to all and are catered to all skill levels. Every weekday, members from 3 to 12 years of age can create different arts and crafts while adults enjoy social events such as Casino Night. With water aerobics and six tennis courts, Nomahegan is truly the one-stop family entertainment spot. Be advised that there is a current waiting list of 3-4 years, so if Nomahegan sounds like the place for you, best to let them know as soon as possible.

Highland Swim Club
Scotch Plains
(908) 889-4804
Distance from Downtown Westfield: 2.0 miles
The Highland Swim Club has served the community since 1952, and with all of the recent renovations that have recently shaped the property, it shows no signs of stopping. This private club is situated on approximately five acres of land in Scotch Plains, and surrounds itself around a refinished L-shaped pool, perfect for separating its adult lap lanes from the diving area. As a private club, it offers numerous perks such as an onsite playground, volleyball and basketball courts, a game area complete with ping pong and knock hockey tables, and a concession stand. Children can enjoy swim lessons in their very own fenced in kiddie pool, while the adults can participate in a masters swim class, all free of charge. An onsite gym and the nearby Kramer Park ensure that members of the club can come cool off in the pool after a workout or long walk (after a shower of course!). There are numerous social events held at Highland throughout the season for both children and adults enabling members to interact, make new friends, and enjoy the days of summer together. For those looking to swim competitively, you will be happy to know that the Highland Swim Club Sharks Team has the impressive history of remaining undefeated from 1979 to 2007!

Willow Grove Swim Club
Scotch Plains
(908) 232-2101
Distance from Downtown Westfield: 2 miles
Right around the corner from Highland is Willow Grove. A popular spot with 275 families, members enjoy beating the heat with friends and neighbors at this charming club. The younger crowd loves to cool down by diving in, and splashing around with all their new friends made at the club. Willow Grove features an L-shaped, 25-meter main pool. With six lap lanes for the serious swimmers and two diving boards, there is plenty of room (and fun) for everyone. This swim club also has two shuffle boards, basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoes, and a large sand box for the little ones. Like many swim clubs, Willow Grove has its own swim team, the "Barracudas" who have gone undefeated in both the 2007 and 2008 seasons. For those "Barracudas" in training, there is also a kiddie pool for the much younger set. Membership fees include a non-refundable application fee of $50 and, upon approval for membership, the purchase of a $480 non-transferable, interest-free bond along with annual membership costs.

Whether you enjoy sports competitively or recreationally, Westfield New Jersey offers breadth and depth with the many sports that are offered, and the chance to be a part of a team is something that all residents in this picturesque town can experience. Young and old, skilled or amateur, all are welcome as long as you've got the will to get your body moving!

Before we enumerate the many rec opportunities in town, we should mention that Westfield HS enjoys a long history of sporting excellence, having won more championships than any other high school in New Jersey history, and having sent athletes to collegiate, Olympian, NFL and MLB careers.

Soccer

One of the more popular sports played in Westfield, as well as the most inviting. With numerous leagues to choose from, you can be sure to find a group that's right for you. For the younger crowd, there are specialized programs that are open only to those girls and boys in grades pre-K through 6th. The Intercounty Youth Soccer League (ICYSL) is a recreational program, which enables girls and boys from Westfield to enjoy the spirit of competition, and the many thrills that come with it, as they compete with other teams all over central New Jersey. The U12, U14, and U17 divisions are all represented under this league. Westfield also offers travel programs for the more serious soccer players, and both the travel and Intercounty Youth Soccer League hold matches in the spring and fall.

In addition, the Westfield Soccer Association (WSA) is one of the largest soccer clubs in New Jersey. The WSA provides several programs for children to engage in, no matter their skill level. Whether you're looking to become a better goalie, or simply trying to learn the rules of the game, there is a place for you on one of many teams. For parents looking to get more involved, the Westfield Soccer Association also provides classes for those that wish to learn how to referee. One of the greatest new additions to the WSA has been the installation of FC Premier, an exclusive program that provides talent players with many opportunities to further expand their skills. For more info on Westfield NJ Soccer: Click for Soccer Info

No need for a little grey around the ears to stop your enjoyment either. Garden State Soccer League hosts over-30 and over-40 leagues all over NJ, including in and around Westfield. Explore opportunities here

Lacrosse

is continuously increasing in popularity across the United States, and Westfield residents have taken notice. The Westfield Lacrosse Club (WLC) caters to all lacrosse needs by organizing boys and girls' teams. The WLC's boys program allows players as young as the first grade to enjoy the sport by teaching them the very basics in the Soft Toss Program. Grades 1 through 3 are represented in this program, and the boys work on such skills as cradling and scooping tennis balls so as to get them more familiar with the feel of the game. Students in the 2nd through 4th grades have the opportunity to play on an in-town league, gaining practice playing multiple positions on larger fields. Finally, 5th through 8th graders can try out to play Travel Lacrosse, competing against their fellow central New Jersey residents.

Female lacrosse players are represented by the New Jersey Junior Girls Lacrosse League and can begin learning the basics of the game as early as the third grade. League play begins in the 5th grade and ends in the 8th with the option to pursue the sport once in high school. The Westfield Lacrosse Club offers summer camp for those wishing to improve their skill level, meet fellow lax lovers, and have a great time playing a very unique sport. Click for Lacrosse Info

Tennis

For all of you Tennis enthusiasts looking to hone in on your inner Federer or Williams, Westfield is the perfect stop on your way to Wimbledon. Whether you enjoy playing leisurely or for sport, Westfield offers indoor and outdoor courts for you to play on till your heart's content. The Westfield Tennis Association (WTA) provides opportunities for competitive singles, doubles, and masters (over 50) play in a unisex environment. Through the WTA, people of any age can engage themselves in matches and tournaments. Additionally, the WTA also offers lessons in private and group settings. Visit the Westfield Tennis Association

The Westfield Tennis Club is just one of the many tennis clubs in this beautiful town that provides a quiet place for members to relax and enjoy a game of tennis with friends while taking in the scenery. The Westfield Tennis Club participates in inter-club team matches, which allows for the members of the New Jersey Woman's League and the North Jersey Tennis League to show others what they've got out on the court. The four hard courts are open year round, perfect for those warmer off-season days when you would prefer to play outdoors.

Weather not on your side but still want to volley? The Westfield Indoor Tennis Club is right up your alley. A privately owned club, you need not be a member to spend some time out on the court. Besides being a welcoming place to play, the Westfield Indoor Tennis Club offers up other services such as private instruction, racquet sales and stringing, and video analysis of your playing. Additionally, this club holds USTA tournaments and houses women's and men's clinics. Westfield Indoor Tennis also prides itself on helping people become better tennis players with the aid of ACES Hoops, a sports technology that promises to improve your senses of balance and mobility, which are so essential to a good match.

Westfield Indoor Tennis Club
225 E Grove St
Westfield, NJ 07090-1656
(908) 233-9480

Baseball

You don't have to go far to catch a great game of Baseball in Westfield, thanks to the Westfield Baseball League. With nine separate divisions, all children are welcome to find the team that best suits their skill level and dedication to the sport. Grades K through 4 have their own divisions consisting of numerous teams as do the "International", "Majors", "Mustang" and "Pony" divisions. Baseball is a fun sport and a great way to get children to understand and appreciate the effectiveness of working with one another to build a team. More About Westfield NJ Baseball

For the girls, Softball is a welcome way to meet new people and stay in shape. The Girls Softball League of Westfield provides the ladies with all this and more with in-town and travel leagues. Girls can begin learning how to play and competing in games from the time they are in Kindergarten until the time they reach the 8th grade. Should they decide to play for the travel league, they will join the Parkway Invitational Softball League (PISL), playing teams from Essex, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, and Union counties. Softball League Info

Westfield High School provides wonderful opportunities in sports for those who have moved past the eighth grade and are looking to play their favorite sports competitively in an atmosphere that fosters the encouragement of their closest friends and colleagues. Westfield High School has 27 different varsity athletic teams including boys and girls' baseball, basketball, cross-country, soccer, tennis, and lacrosse; among others. Westfield High School participates in the Watchung Conference, which consists of eleven public high schools from Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. The boys' tennis team has won the North II, Group IV state sectional championship as well as the 2007 NJSIAA Group IV State Championship. They have gone on to receive their fifth Tournament of Champions victory as one of New Jersey's most skilled public tennis teams. These are just a few of the many accolades collected by the students of Westfield High School, as they excel in the numerous other sports their school offers including, but not limited to, boys and girls' swimming and softball. Westfield High School Sports Opportunities

Westfield YMCA

Finally, if you're looking for the best of both worlds, and desire to workout alone or in a group, then perhaps the Westfield YMCA is for you. The Westfield YMCA has activities for all ages. Whether you want to build muscle with a personal trainer, or you always wanted to try out for a volleyball team, the YMCA has it all. Members of the Westfield Area Y get to enjoy a full gymnasium with any kind of cardio or strength training equipment one might need. There is also a pool where children can learn how to stay afloat while others enjoy the health benefits that accompany swimming laps. Adult members of the Y can enjoy open time for recreational sports such as badminton, basketball, volleyball and roller hockey with the option of joining one of the basketball or volleyball leagues. The Y also offers instructional courses for those who want to pick up a new activity. Tae Kwon Do is one of the more popular offerings, teaching everything from the most basic to the most advanced of movements. One of the greatest offerings of the Westfield YMCA remains their Parent Child classes, in which parents and children join together to learn a new skill. Anything from fencing to t-ball is taught with both parent and child experiencing the classes together.

Of course, the activity doesn't stop just because you've reached old age. The Westfield YMCA offers classes for the active older adult. Water Fitness class offers a wonderful cardio workout while easing pressure on joints. Enrichment Programs enable elderly residents to feel a sense of community with local trips and Senior Exercise classes help keep muscles strong while improving balance and coordination. For those who feel like they can't get a quick workout in because they have smaller children, you'll be thrilled to know that the Westfield YMCA offers both full and half day child care programs for children ages 2 ½ to 5 years old. Your yoga class can be a lot more peaceful with the knowledge that your child is in good hands and engaged in fun activities. Our Wonderful YMCA

Overall, Westfield offers unique opportunities to all those who seek to get in better shape, or simply have fun playing on a team. Every major sport is represented in this town, allowing all children the chance to try the sport of their choosing in an atmosphere that supports competition as much as it does camaraderie. Adults will also enjoy all that Westfield has to offer them in terms of physical fitness, whether it be by joining the local tennis team, taking pilates at the Y, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk through a beautiful town.