Tripp Davis completes phase two restoration of Spring Lake GC in New Jersey

Norman golf course architecture firm Tripp Davis and Associates has now completed the second phase of its renovation and restoration work at the Jersey shore’s historic Spring Lake Golf Club.  Spring Lake originally was designed by George Thomas in 1910, with A.W. Tillinghast coming in to restyle the greens and bunkers in 1918. 

"We are very proud of what we’ve accomplished to date at Spring Lake," said Davis.  "The intent of the work during the past two years was to restore the classic look of the golf course after a previous bunker renovation went to more of a modern cookie cutter look that had no character.  We paid homage to both George Thomas, the original golf course architect in 1910, and Tillinghast, who did a redesign in 1918.

"The bunkers have mostly grass faces that Tillinghast did here, but as a nod to Thomas we created more movement in the sand lines, similar to the style he used at Los Angeles CC and Riviera in California.  Key to the work was moving a few bunkers and a few tees to make the course relevant for the modern game.  We still have some tee work and a little bit of work around and on a few greens in the next few years, but about 90% of our Master Plan is done."  

According to Spring Lake Golf Club’s Greens Chairman, James Hickey: "The entire membership is extremely pleased with the outcome of Tripp’s renovation of our course.  As a member of the committee who oversaw the project, I was very happy with the outcome and the process.  Tripp, Doug Mottin and their teams were incredibly professional and easy to work with.  The outcome was nothing short of amazing!"