Princeton, New Jersey (September 23, 2020) – Nestled on 100 acres in Princeton, New Jersey, Springdale Golf Club proudly celebrates its 125th anniversary in September 2020. Founded in 1895 as a 9-hole course a mile from its current location, the Princeton Golf Club was one of the first one hundred golf courses in America. In 1901, the club (renamed Springdale Golf Club in 1922) moved to a new location on the historic Stockton Farm, a site that played a part in the Battle of Princeton during the Revolutionary War.
Springdale’s story involves two of America’s prominent golf architects from the early 20th century, Willie Dunn, Jr. and William S. Flynn (both connected with the design of U.S. Open venue, Shinnecock Hills). Flynn's design, which opened in 1928, created a compact, challenging layout that continues to challenge golfers of all skill levels to this day. Springdale includes design similarities gained from Flynn’s association with Merion, Pine Valley and some of his most notable architectural works.
Proud to be one of the first private golf clubs in the country to establish an active women’s golf program, Springdale’s 21 inaugural women members in 1898 included First Lady Frances Folsom Cleveland, wife of President Grover Cleveland. It seems appropriate, since the majestic 173-foot Cleveland Tower provides a reference point that can be seen from almost every hole. And perhaps uniquely for any golf course in the world, the tower’s carillon serenades golfers with a musical concert on summer Sunday afternoons.
As special as Springdale’s history is, the focus of the club is forward-looking. As a response to changing demographics in the golf community, Springdale has embraced a new management model – a collaboration with Troon, the world’s largest golf management company. Troon provides management, marketing, and technology under the direction of the Springdale Board of Governors. Troon’s agronomy expertise has resulted in the best course conditions Springdale has known. The results have been dramatic, with an increase in golf membership of 25 percent over the past four years. The club’s award-winning junior golf program helps assure interest in the game remains high for upcoming generations.
Throughout its history, Springdale has maintained a close and beneficial relationship with Princeton University. The University’s men’s and women’s golf teams proudly call Springdale their home course. Recently, the University’s Athletic Department constructed a state-of-of-the-art indoor practice center on the grounds of Springdale, providing a resource available to both team and Springdale members to improve their skills. The club and University are now planning the construction of new practice facilities for the members’ and college athletes’ enjoyment.
While golf is its focus, Springdale and its members support broader community interests including Folds of Honor, Christine’s Hope for Kids, and other important initiatives. The Club seeks to provide an open, welcoming environment for all its members – as it has for the past 125 years – by bringing to life the often-heard words at Springdale: Enjoying golf and making friends since 1895!
For more information on Springdale Golf Club, visit www.springdalegc.org.
About Troon
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf management company providing services at 435-plus locations around the globe, including managing 470-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses. 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 more than 485-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. With properties located in 40-plus states and 30-plus countries, Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Honours Golf, OB Sports, Green Golf Partners, CADDIEMASTER, True Club Solutions, Cliff Drysdale Tennis and RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design. There are currently 67 Troon-affiliated properties featuring 87 golf courses on national and international “Top 100” rankings. Troon-affiliated properties include Gamble Sands in Brewster, Washington; The Virginian and Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards in Bristol, Virginia; Kapalua Golf in Maui, Hawaii; Lofoten Links in Gimsoysand, Norway; and The Els Club Dubai in United Arab Emirates. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.
Media contacts:
Rob Myers
Troon
480.477.0506
rmyers@troon.com
Anthony Pagliari, PGA
Springdale Golf Club
GM@springdalegc.org