HERSHEY, Pa. -- Always intended as a place for boys and girls to play, the remodeled Spring Creek Golf Course has reopened after a renovation.
Three completely redesigned holes, new turf and a modern irrigation system throughout the nine-hole layout have reinforced Spring Creek as the family-friendly layout that Milton Hershey had in mind when he originally built it in 1934.
"We're delighted to have the golf course open for junior golfers and their families to enjoy this season," said Robert Vowler, CEO of Hershey Trust Company, which owns the historic course. "Spring Creek was the first of its kind in the United States and we are honored to uphold this history and tradition."
The par-33 course, located on a 40-acre parcel off Chocolate Avenue, gained an additional 200 playing yards overall in the renovation, which started last fall. The course, which was 2,316 yards but is now 2,125 yards, is managed by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company for Hershey Trust Company.
The new routing and design by renowned golf course architect Tom Clark of Ault, Clark & Associates of Kensington, Md., enhances player safety and is expected to improve pace of play.
The most significant changes in the course include the five new holes:
Hole No. 3: A par-3 hole that plays from 87 yards to 138 yards and is slightly downhill. There are no bunkers around the green and the background is a beautiful stone farmhouse originally built in the early 1900s.
Hole No. 4: A par-4 hole that plays from 228 yards to 264 yards. The elevated tee creates a dramatic view of four holes and the tee shot requires a lay up short of a tributary of Spring Creek, with the second being played to a generous but undulating green.
Hole No. 5: A par-3 hole that uses an original green site and plays from 115 yards to 142 yards. The tee shot is over Spring Creek to a green that is nestled in a small meadow.
Hole No. 6: A par-4 hole that is new from start to finish, playing from 205 yards to 315 yards. From the elevated tee, players must once again cross Spring Creek and play to a slightly elevated green with water on both sides. Although the water creates a dramatic view, ample space is available to play into this new green.
Hole No. 7: A par-4 hole that utilizes an existing green. The hole is short, playing from 230 yards to 235 yards, but is tricky due to its shape, playing from an elevated tee adjacent to the fourth tee, the green's slope is dramatic and par is a very good score.
Hole Nos. 1, 2, 8, and 9 remain as originally designed by Scottish golf course architect Maurice McCarthy. New tees have been added to each hole and the original tees have been resurfaced. The additional tees offer players of all skill levels the opportunity to add variety to their round of golf. The bunkers have also been restored to their original shapes and new sand was installed.
The log cabin clubhouse has also been fully renovated and will greet guests with a warm and friendly atmosphere, and a new practice putting green will help both children and adults get ready to play.
Originally called the "Juvenile Golf Club," Spring Creek was the first course in the United States open to boys and girls under age 18. McCarthy helped Hershey design the original nine-hole course on the side, while working on the famed West Course at Hershey Country Club.
Golf was offered to youngsters for a green fee of 35 cents for nine holes. In 1969, the name was changed to highlight Spring Creek, which is the water hazard that still runs through the golf course and repeatedly confronts players.
Spring Creek is only part of the Hershey golf experience, which is highlighted by 36 holes of distinctive golf on the East and West courses of Hershey Country Club. Nearby, The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge offer 900 guest rooms, more than 120,000 square feet of meeting space and The Spa At The Hotel Hershey.
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