Princeton’s Longest Tenured Private Club Improving Historically Significant Golf Course, Embrace Designer William Flynn’s Intent, While Preserving Course For Future Generations
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY – Springdale Golf Club in Princeton, New Jersey is proudly underway with a course renovation project of its historic William Flynn-designed golf course. Renowned golf course architect and restoration specialist, Ian Andrew, is leading the project. Crews recently began work on the course’s bunkers and the surrounding areas, with work continuing on the course’s irrigation system throughout the fall. Work is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
The project marks Springdale’s most ambitious golf course renovation project to date and is expected to deliver a more fun and challenging course, while embracing the design philosophy of legendary architect William Flynn. The 6,380 yard, par-71 course dates back to 1895 and is located adjacent to the Princeton University campus.
Wayne S. Morrison, co-author of The Nature Faker – William S. Flynn, Golf Course Architect, the most comprehensive study of Flynn and his work in golf, recently remarked, “the collection of 17 superb and original Flynn putting greens makes Springdale a unique, significant destination for the study of classic golf course architecture. It’s great to see that Springdale Golf Club is taking the necessary steps to ensure the preservation of this walkable and enjoyably challenging masterpiece for future generations.”
Springdale commissioned the course renovation during a historic boom in golf participation. According to the National Golf Foundation, rounds played in 2021 were up 19 percent over pre-pandemic levels, with growth continuing through 2022 and 2023. The club and its leadership see this surge in new players as an opportunity to grow the game of golf and welcome new members with a best-in-area course and club experience.
“New players are discovering the game at a rate we haven’t seen since 1997’s Tiger-mania,” said Club President Erin Hamrick. “What strikes me is the diversity of new golfers. We’re seeing more women and young people come into the game than ever before. We have a responsibility to provide a welcoming club with a great atmosphere, lots of opportunities to play in a variety of formats, with helpful instructors, so we can grow with the game and have a lot of fun in the process.”
About William Flynn
William S. Flynn (December 25, 1890 – January 24, 1944) is a celebrated American golf course designer and architect. Over 75 Flynn designs and redesigns from the early 20th century dot the east coast, including Cherry Hills, the Country Club (Brookline, MA), Lancaster Country Club, Merion Golf Club, Philadelphia Country Club, Pine Valley, and his crowning achievement, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. Flynn’s portfolio of course designs has hosted 100 USGA championships with another 11 scheduled.
About Springdale Golf Club
Springdale Golf Club was built in 1895 adjacent to the campus of Princeton University. Along with residents of the area, the club’s roster includes administrators, faculty, and students of the university, which has had a collaborative relationship with the club for more than 120 years. This “Golden Age” golf course has been the site of numerous Championship tournaments for the New Jersey State Golf Association (NJSGA), the Metropolitan Golf Association (MGA) and the United States Golf Association (USGA). Most recently were the NJ State Women’s Amateur Championship and last year, one of the final qualifying sites for the US Mid-Amateur.
With a focus on enjoying the simple pleasures of a great round of golf and connecting with family and friends, members have exclusive access to an 18-hole golf course that is available for both walking and cart play. Known for its superior conditions and playability, the course was designed in 1915 by Gerard Lambert and revised by William Flynn in 1926. The par 71 layout has a course rating of 70.5 and slope of 131. Experienced PGA professionals deliver comprehensive instructional programs for men, women, and kids of all ages and skill levels to provide every member an opportunity to connect with the game. The members of Springdale Golf Club are proud to provide the home course for the Princeton University men’s and women’s golf teams.
About Troon
Springdale Golf Club is managed by Troon Privé, by the private club division of Troon. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company providing services at 825-plus locations, including 825-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses around the globe. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages 600-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. With properties located in 45-plus states and 30-plus countries, Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, ClubUp, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, Peter Burwash International, True Club Solutions, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design, Casa Verde Golf and ICON Management. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.
Media Contact:
Rob Myers
Troon
480.477.0506
rmyers@troon.com
