Spring Lake Golf Club in New Jersey Midway through Tripp Davis Remodel


Tripp Davis and Associates has embarked on the second phase of its renovation and restoration of the Jersey Shore's historic Spring Lake Golf Club. The course in Spring Lake Heights originally was designed by George Thomas in 1910, with A.W. Tillinghast restyling the greens and bunkers in 1918.

Davis, along with shaper Jason Gold and golf course builder Mottin Golf, completed work on the back nine earlier in 2014 and are now focusing on the front-nine tees and a renovation of the bunkers. Additionally, the greens on the fifth and 14th holes will be rebuilt in the second phase.

"The greens on hole Nos. 5 and 14 had been changed over the years and both holes really needed enhancement, strategically and visually," said Davis, who is based in Norman, Okla. "What were two of the weaker holes on the course may end up being two of the better holes once we have finished our work."

Building two new greens gave Davis the chance to practice a favorite part of his craft - personally finishing the shaping of the surfaces. "Finishing greens is one of the more artistic and detailed things we do and I love getting on a machine and having to spend a couple of days on each green just focused on the minute, strategic side of the subtle contours. It's also very therapeutic," he said.

According to Spring Lake's greens chairman, James Hickey, "I think I can speak for the entire membership when I say that we are extremely happy with the results from Tripp's work to date on the renovation project. We appreciate the efforts of the entire talented crew, from Josh Reiger, Jason Gold and everyone at Mottin Golf. The club anxiously awaits the completion of this important project in the club's history."

Davis and his team expect to return in the near future to redo the rest of the tees, two more greens, along with expanding some of the greens back to their original sizes and shapes.

For more information about the firm, visit www.tdagolf.net.