|
Baltusrol Country Club (Upper)
Architect: A.W. Tillinghast Year: 1895 201 Shunpike Rd, Springfield Township, NJ 07081 Phone: (973) 376-1900 Course Access: Private www.baltusrol.org |
Baltusrol Golf club
Baltusrol Golf Club, located in Springfield, New Jersey, has a storied history, particularly with its Upper Course, which has been a significant venue in American golf:
Foundation and Early Years:
Baltusrol Golf Club was founded in 1895 by Louis Keller, a wealthy New York businessman, and his friends. The club was named after the nearby Baltusrol estate, which was owned by the Van Boskerck family. The original course was designed by A.W. Tillinghast, one of the most influential golf course architects in the United States.
The Upper Course:
The Upper Course, along with the Lower Course, was part of the original layout. However, the Upper Course, as we know it today, was significantly redesigned by Tillinghast in 1922. This redesign aimed to make the course more challenging and strategic, aligning with the evolving standards of golf course design at the time. Tillinghast's work on Baltusrol is often cited as some of his best, with the Upper Course becoming known for its strategic design, particularly its use of natural terrain and water hazards.
Major Championships:
Baltusrol's Upper Course has hosted numerous prestigious golf tournaments, including:
PGA Championships: The course has seen the PGA Championship multiple times, with notable victories by players like Ray Floyd in 1989, Nick Price in 1993, and Tiger Woods in 2005. The 2005 PGA Championship was particularly memorable, as Woods won by two strokes over Steve Elkington, marking one of his major victories.
U.S. Opens:
The Upper Course has hosted the U.S. Open six times, with the first in 1903 and the most recent in 2016. Key moments include Jack Nicklaus's victory in 1967, where he famously said, "I played the best golf of my life," after shooting a final round 72 to win by four strokes. In 2016, Dustin Johnson won his first major here, overcoming a controversial ruling involving a dropped ball.
Course Features: The Upper Course is known for its length and strategic design, with several holes that challenge players in unique ways. The 17th hole, a par-3, is particularly famous for its island green, requiring precise shots over water. The 18th, a par-4, often decides championships with its demanding approach shot to a green guarded by bunkers.
Historical Significance:
Baltusrol has been pivotal in the development of golf in America. It was one of the first clubs to introduce the concept of the "second nine," leading to the standard 18-hole course. The club's commitment to hosting major tournaments has helped define the sport's evolution, showcasing how golf courses could be both challenging and fair.
Modern Era:
The club continues to maintain its courses to the highest standards, ensuring they remain relevant in the modern golfing landscape. The Upper Course, with its rich history of hosting major championships, remains a testament to Tillinghast's vision and the club's dedication to the sport.
Baltusrol Golf Club's Upper Course, with its blend of historical significance, challenging layout, and hosting of major golf events, stands as a landmark in American golf, embodying the spirit of competition and the evolution of golf course design.
Foundation and Early Years:
Baltusrol Golf Club was founded in 1895 by Louis Keller, a wealthy New York businessman, and his friends. The club was named after the nearby Baltusrol estate, which was owned by the Van Boskerck family. The original course was designed by A.W. Tillinghast, one of the most influential golf course architects in the United States.
The Upper Course:
The Upper Course, along with the Lower Course, was part of the original layout. However, the Upper Course, as we know it today, was significantly redesigned by Tillinghast in 1922. This redesign aimed to make the course more challenging and strategic, aligning with the evolving standards of golf course design at the time. Tillinghast's work on Baltusrol is often cited as some of his best, with the Upper Course becoming known for its strategic design, particularly its use of natural terrain and water hazards.
Major Championships:
Baltusrol's Upper Course has hosted numerous prestigious golf tournaments, including:
PGA Championships: The course has seen the PGA Championship multiple times, with notable victories by players like Ray Floyd in 1989, Nick Price in 1993, and Tiger Woods in 2005. The 2005 PGA Championship was particularly memorable, as Woods won by two strokes over Steve Elkington, marking one of his major victories.
U.S. Opens:
The Upper Course has hosted the U.S. Open six times, with the first in 1903 and the most recent in 2016. Key moments include Jack Nicklaus's victory in 1967, where he famously said, "I played the best golf of my life," after shooting a final round 72 to win by four strokes. In 2016, Dustin Johnson won his first major here, overcoming a controversial ruling involving a dropped ball.
Course Features: The Upper Course is known for its length and strategic design, with several holes that challenge players in unique ways. The 17th hole, a par-3, is particularly famous for its island green, requiring precise shots over water. The 18th, a par-4, often decides championships with its demanding approach shot to a green guarded by bunkers.
Historical Significance:
Baltusrol has been pivotal in the development of golf in America. It was one of the first clubs to introduce the concept of the "second nine," leading to the standard 18-hole course. The club's commitment to hosting major tournaments has helped define the sport's evolution, showcasing how golf courses could be both challenging and fair.
Modern Era:
The club continues to maintain its courses to the highest standards, ensuring they remain relevant in the modern golfing landscape. The Upper Course, with its rich history of hosting major championships, remains a testament to Tillinghast's vision and the club's dedication to the sport.
Baltusrol Golf Club's Upper Course, with its blend of historical significance, challenging layout, and hosting of major golf events, stands as a landmark in American golf, embodying the spirit of competition and the evolution of golf course design.