GREAT GOLFING: This overview shows Springdale Golf Club’s 18-hole, 6,380 yard, par-71 course. Recently renovated, the course is located adjacent to Princeton University’s Graduate College, and is surrounded by a natural setting of exceptional beauty. In the foreground is the famous Cleveland Tower, named for President Grover Cleveland, who was also a Princeton University trustee and later a Princeton resident.

By Jean Stratton

Princeton is unique in many ways.

A famous Revolutionary War battle was fought here, which many believe turned the tide of the war, and ultimately, of history. Princeton served as the capital of the fledgling independent country when the Continental Congress met here for several months in 1783.

One of the most prestigious universities in the U.S. is located in Princeton, and furthermore, the life of the mind is celebrated every day at the Institute for Advanced Study, once the site of Albert Einstein’s endeavors.

But that is not all!

Princeton is also home to one of the oldest golf clubs in the U.S., and one of the most highly regarded in New Jersey. Fittingly, the club is filled with its own history, in keeping with that of its surroundings.

Springdale Golf Club, originally known as Princeton Golf Club, was founded in 1895 by a group of townspeople and alumni, faculty, and undergraduates of Princeton University. Enthusiastic golfers all, with their early initiative, they set the “course” for what was to follow.

Momentous Day

A small group of investors formed the Springdale Association, and purchased 240 acres of the original Stockton farm, which was once owned by Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. It later became the site of the Princeton University Graduate College and the current golf course.

It is also here that skirmishes of the Battle of Princeton took place on January 3, 1777. Golfers who are history buffs can reflect on that momentous day, particularly as they traverse the course between the fifth and sixth holes, where it is said that Gen. George Washington’s Continental Army forced British regiments to retreat.

Work began on a nine-hole course that opened for play in 1902. The property was then turned over to Princeton University in 1909. The original design of the course was created by Willie Dunn Jr., and then completed by Gerard B. Lambert.

A Princeton University alumnus, Lambert later joined his father’s Lambert Pharmaceutical Company, marketing the senior Lambert’s innovative new product, Listerine mouthwash.

The clubhouse was originally a tenant farmhouse, and Princeton University alumni, Class of 1886, purchased it, initially to be used for their class reunions and with the guarantee that they would be lifelong members of the club. It was then deeded to the University in 1903. The clubhouse was later moved to make way for construction of the Graduate College, and in 1922, the club’s name was changed to Springdale Golf Club.

Women Members

The club is set apart in many ways, but one in particular has been its accessibility to women. When many clubs were not receptive to ladies in the early days of golfing, Springdale opened its doors to them in 1898, as Todd Owen, the club’s current board of governors president, points out.

“Princeton was one of the first golf clubs in the country to establish an active women’s golf program, says Owen. “Its 21 inaugural women members in 1898 included former first lady Frances Folsom Cleveland, wife of President Grover Cleveland.”

The Clevelands settled in Princeton after the president’s second term in office ended, and both are buried in the Princeton Cemetery.

Springdale’s history continued to evolve when famous golf architect William Flynn was engaged to create an important redesign of the course in 1927.

“Golf was in the midst of a surge of popularity in the 1920s, with famous golfer Bobby Jones in the forefront,” reports Owen. “Flynn created a compact, challenging layout that continues to challenge golfers of all skill levels to this day.”

The club’s membership has continued to increase over the years, and now includes more than 400 members of all ages — men and women, from young adults to seniors.

“We have gotten a lot more younger people in the last 10 to 12 years,” says Owen. “We also have a flourishing children’s and junior program, with participants ranging in age from as young as 3 years old to teenagers.”

New Clubhouse

In 2007, as more members joined, and needs changed, Springdale built a new clubhouse, less than mile away from the original. Now located at 1895 Clubhouse Drive, just off Alexander Road, it is an impressive, spacious facility, offering top quality amenities.

Handsome dining rooms, a bar, a paneled hall of champions, and an inviting patio overlooking the golf course and the famous Cleveland Tower are among the advantages for members. Built in 1913, the gothic bell tower features a magnificent carillon, which offers a bell concert on most Sunday afternoons.

Springdale has also now collaborated with Troon Privé, which provides management, marketing, and technology services under the guidance of the Springdale Board of Governors.

“Troon brings us the expertise of professional management,” explains Owen.

Footprints and Legacy

The Board of Governors, elected for three-year terms, oversees the club’s operation, Owen continues. “Our board members set the vision and objectives for the operation of the club. General Manager Anthony Pagliari implements the vision and objectives.”

With the club for six years, Pagliari is a firm believer in Springdale’s special place in the golfing world.

“We are always aware of the footprints of our club and its legacy. We provide the best service we can for our members, and we always enjoy spending time with them. There are generational members here, including some well into their 90s. We all love this place!

“We also host Princeton University events, and are involved in community outreach. We want to grow the game, and introduce it to new golfers. Many of our members also have a variety of charitable engagement.”

A number of events are held for members, including special holiday celebrations, a Kentucky Derby party on the patio, Mother’s Day brunches, an upcoming Easter brunch, and more, points out Annie Walker, director of membership and communications.

“We also plan to have activities to mark our 130th anniversary during the year, including special events and membership appreciation,” Says Walker. “And we always have a variety of themed dinners, Memorial Day and Fourth of July celebrations and tournaments, and many other events.”

In addition to residents of the Princeton community and area, the club’s roster includes administration, faculty, and students of Princeton University, which has had a collaborative relationship with the club for more than a century.

Social Reasons

“Springdale is a very happy and welcoming place,” emphasizes Owen. “It’s not only the remarkable golf course, but it’s the people you play with, and being able to share their affection and passion for the game.

“Along with a strong core of locals, we have a number of non-resident members, who have moved but want to retain their membership. We also have members who join specifically for social reasons — special events, dining opportunities, joining friends, etc. We have something for everyone!”

Of course, at its heart, Springdale is about golf. What it is, what it means, and why it matters to so many.

The challenge, the camaraderie, the scenic beauty of the course, the opportunity to be the best you can be — all are mentioned by a myriad of golfers.

Great Shots

Herewith, a sampling of why that front nine or back nine beckons over and over again:

“A couple of great shots in a round of golf can make your whole day, and keep you wanting to play more often. On the other hand, golf is a very humbling game. You can have a really wonderful round one day and a terrible round the next, but you want to keep going!”

And points out another regular, “I enjoy the personal challenge of golf as it is you against the course. it is a wonderful sport because you also play with people of any ability, and how they play doesn’t directly affect how you play. This is different from tennis or many other sports. Golf can also be a very social sport, as you can converse along the way, especially if you walk. And of course, there are a variety of different aspects you need to learn, such as driving, chipping, putting, and so on.”

Another viewpoint: “You can play the sport for a lifetime. You can compete against others or by yourself … in teams or individually. Topography, wind, temperature, and ground conditions create ever-changing challenges. Hitting the perfect shot is exhilarating, and the mental effort to keep a good round going through 18 holes is extraordinary.”

Superb Shape

So, what is it that makes Springdale so special?

According to Owen, it is twofold. “We are set apart by two important things. One, we have a remarkable and historically important course design. It underwent substantial restoration recently, and the course is kept in superb shape. Also, we have a longtime perspective.

“Two, the course is not only a strategic challenge. It is both challenging and accessible. As you become a better player, it presents more challenges. And there is the aesthetic experience to savor: the history, the beautiful scenery, and the exercise. Ours is basically a walking course, but carts are available, if needed.

“On a personal note, I feel that golf is part athletic endeavor and part comedy. It is always entertaining. You never really know what will happen. There is always something new.

“Another thing that is so interesting about it is that every golf course is different. The puzzle we are being asked to solve will change from course to course.”

In addition to its outstanding 18-hole course, Springdale offers a state-of-the-art practice area, including a full-length driving range, short game practice tee, and putting green. Springdale also serves as the home course for Princeton University’s men’s and women’s golf teams, who have their own private clubhouse and practice facilities.

The club holds 26 tournaments during the year, and as Owen points out, “There are many forms of competition, tournaments, match play, etc. This is a big element of golf. There are so many ways of structuring competition.”

Expert Staff

Springdale has been the site of championship tournaments for the New Jersey State Golf Association (NJSGA), the Metropolitan Golf Association (MGA), and the United States Golf Association (USGA), among others.

“We are further set apart by our expert staff,” observes Owen. “Andrew Gordon, PGA, is our head golf professional, and Jason Barry is our director of instruction. They are an outstanding part of Springdale’s success.”

As new members join, and the club’s history continues to evolve, there is an aura surrounding Springdale that is indeed special: The challenging course, the history, the natural beauty of the surroundings, and the opportunity to be the best you can be on any given day, as you hit that first drive.

Course hours are Tuesday through Sunday 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. To learn more, call (609) 921-8790. Visit the website at springdalegolfclub.org.