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Baltusrol Country Club (Lower)
Architect: A.W. Tillinghast Year: 1895 201 Shunpike Rd, Springfield Township, NJ 07081 Phone: (973) 376-1900 Course Access: Private www.baltusrol.org |
Baltusrol Country Club (Lower)
Foundation and Design:
Baltusrol Golf Club, located in Springfield, New Jersey, was founded in 1895 by Louis Keller. The club's name derives from Baltus Roll, a farmer who once owned the land where the club now stands. The Lower Course, along with the Upper Course, was designed by A.W. Tillinghast, one of the most influential golf course architects in the United States. Tillinghast began his work on Baltusrol in 1918, early in his career, which would later become seminal in his portfolio.
Major Championships:
The Lower Course has been a frequent host to major golf championships:
U.S. Opens: It has hosted the U.S. Open seven times, more than any other course except Oakmont. Notable victories include Jack Nicklaus in 1967 and 1980, where his 1967 performance is often cited for one of the greatest shots in U.S. Open history on the 18th hole.
PGA Championships:
The course has also seen PGA Championships, with significant moments like Phil Mickelson's victory in 2005, where he tapped the Nicklaus Plaque for good luck before winning with a birdie on the last hole.
Women's Championships:
It has hosted the U.S. Women's Open twice, with Mickey Wright winning in 1961.
Course Evolution:
Over the years, the Lower Course has seen several redesigns and restorations:
Robert Trent Jones Sr.: In preparation for the 1954 U.S. Open, Jones significantly altered the course, most notably at the par-3 4th hole, making it one of the most challenging holes during the tournament.
Gil Hanse Restoration: In 2021, after an 18-month closure, the Lower Course underwent a restoration by Gil Hanse to return it to its Tillinghast roots. This project involved reclaiming original green sizes, rebuilding bunkers, and restoring features like "The Great Hazard" to recapture Tillinghast's original vision.
Historical Significance:
Baltusrol holds the distinction of being the only club to host both the U.S. Men's and Women's Open Championships on both of its courses. The Lower Course, in particular, has been ranked among America's top 100 courses, reflecting its prestige and challenge.
Cultural Impact:
Beyond golf, the club's history intertwines with local lore, like the story of Baltus Roll's murder, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the club's identity. The course's design and its role in hosting major championships have made it a landmark in golf, showcasing how golf courses can evolve while preserving their original architectural intent.
This history underscores Baltusrol Golf Club's Lower Course as not just a venue for golf but as a living testament to the sport's evolution, with its design, challenges, and the moments of greatness it has witnessed making it a revered name in golfing circles.
Baltusrol Golf Club, located in Springfield, New Jersey, was founded in 1895 by Louis Keller. The club's name derives from Baltus Roll, a farmer who once owned the land where the club now stands. The Lower Course, along with the Upper Course, was designed by A.W. Tillinghast, one of the most influential golf course architects in the United States. Tillinghast began his work on Baltusrol in 1918, early in his career, which would later become seminal in his portfolio.
Major Championships:
The Lower Course has been a frequent host to major golf championships:
U.S. Opens: It has hosted the U.S. Open seven times, more than any other course except Oakmont. Notable victories include Jack Nicklaus in 1967 and 1980, where his 1967 performance is often cited for one of the greatest shots in U.S. Open history on the 18th hole.
PGA Championships:
The course has also seen PGA Championships, with significant moments like Phil Mickelson's victory in 2005, where he tapped the Nicklaus Plaque for good luck before winning with a birdie on the last hole.
Women's Championships:
It has hosted the U.S. Women's Open twice, with Mickey Wright winning in 1961.
Course Evolution:
Over the years, the Lower Course has seen several redesigns and restorations:
Robert Trent Jones Sr.: In preparation for the 1954 U.S. Open, Jones significantly altered the course, most notably at the par-3 4th hole, making it one of the most challenging holes during the tournament.
Gil Hanse Restoration: In 2021, after an 18-month closure, the Lower Course underwent a restoration by Gil Hanse to return it to its Tillinghast roots. This project involved reclaiming original green sizes, rebuilding bunkers, and restoring features like "The Great Hazard" to recapture Tillinghast's original vision.
Historical Significance:
Baltusrol holds the distinction of being the only club to host both the U.S. Men's and Women's Open Championships on both of its courses. The Lower Course, in particular, has been ranked among America's top 100 courses, reflecting its prestige and challenge.
Cultural Impact:
Beyond golf, the club's history intertwines with local lore, like the story of Baltus Roll's murder, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the club's identity. The course's design and its role in hosting major championships have made it a landmark in golf, showcasing how golf courses can evolve while preserving their original architectural intent.
This history underscores Baltusrol Golf Club's Lower Course as not just a venue for golf but as a living testament to the sport's evolution, with its design, challenges, and the moments of greatness it has witnessed making it a revered name in golfing circles.