Higher Ed
COURSE RENOVATION AT SPRINGDALE GC
Princeton’s Longest Tenured Private Club Improving Historically Significant Golf Course, While Preserving Course for Future Generations
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY – Springdale Golf Club in Princeton, New Jersey, is 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 on the course’s irrigation system continuing throughout the fall. Completion is expected 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 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. More than 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 recent were the NJ State Women’s Amateur Championship and last year, it was one of the final qualifying sites for the US Mid-Amateur.
The members of Springdale Golf Club are proud to be the home course for the Princeton University men’s and women’s golf teams.
