New Jersey Flynn design undergoing renovation

Springdale Golf Club in Princeton, New Jersey, is underway with a 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 and is expected to deliver a more fun and challenging course, while embracing Flynn’s design philosophy. The 6,380-yard, par-71 course dates 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 that, “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,” club President Erin Hamrick said. “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.”

Springdale has been the site of numerous championship tournaments for the New Jersey State Golf Association, the Metropolitan Golf Association and the United States Golf Association. Most recently were the NJ State Women's Amateur Championship and, last year, one of the final qualifying sites for the US Mid-Amateur.

Known for its superior conditions and playability, the course was designed in 1915 by Gerard Lambert and revised by Flynn in 1926. It is the home course for the Princeton University men's and women's golf teams. Donovan Maguigan has been the golf course superintendent there since 2018.