Courses at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg, New Jersey Are Oases for Outdoor Enthusiasts

By, JOHN TORSIELLO

Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg, New Jersey, considered the premier golf destination in the Northeast, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in golf during its post COVID-19 reopening phase.

Offering six championship-caliber courses within a five-mile radius, this golfing Mecca is witnessing record-breaking rounds at its unparalleled collection of upscale public courses. The Resort’s setting nestled in the Kittatinny mountain range of picturesque northwestern New Jersey has attracted many who have grown weary of sheltering in place during the pandemic.

Crystal Springs is seeing many first-tim ers, youngsters, lapsed golfers and families playing more often. This represents a real positive aspect for a sport that witnessed several years of slow growth in participation and memberships. There has also been an increased demand for lessons and clinics at the renowned David Leadbetter Golf Academy, offering an elite staff of certified instructors.

All Crystal Springs courses across the board are reporting increased demand. “Our rounds are through the roof,” said Art Walton, Vice President of Golf Operations at Crystal Springs. “We’re up 20 per cent over the prior year. Both our members and

public players are using the club more than ever before. We could not be more pleased to see the widespread interest from families playing together as well as new golfers who are trying their hand at the game”.

Overall data shows a big leap in demand for public golf courses. Between April 23 and May 5, 2020, the number of rounds sold online at courses that remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic were up 60 per cent over the previous year, according to GolfNow, an online tee time reservations platform used at nearly 7,000 U.S. courses. Based on current activity and future bookings, Crystal Springs is antici pating that the heightened demand will continue to increase.

According to Walton, “With our courses opened for about six weeks now, tee time bookings remain very strong. It seems that people are now placing a higher priority on healthy activities. Golf not only allows for social distancing, but it’s a great way to get exercise, fresh air and sunshine.”

Given its outdoor and wide-open nature is conducive to social distancing practices To add to the positive outlook of the game, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced the lifting of key golf restrictions, which allows for a return to 10-minute intervals, two-player cart riding and use of caddies.

The Northeast’s largest four season golf, spa and culinary resort, Crystal Springs is only 43 miles from New York City. The two hotel resort (Grand Cascades Lodge and Minerals Hotel) is known for its culinary program, hosting the internationally recognized New Jersey Wine & Food Festival and boasting 10 seasonally inspired dining venues that feature over 130 locally-sourced menu items, highlighted by 4-star Restaurant Latour and its world famous Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine cellar. Other amenities include two full-service luxury day spas; state-of-the-art Minerals Sports Club; multiple indoor and outdoor pools, including the tropical Biosphere Pool Complex with lush foliage and freeform nature pools, and six championship caliber golf courses including New Jersey’s number one public course, Ballyowen (Golf Week, Golf Advisor, NJ Monthly). In addition to serving thousands of hotel guests, Crystal Springs Resort annually hosts hundreds of weddings, special events and corporate meetings.

To learn more or book a round at one the Resort’s six courses, call 866-717-9310, or visit www.CSResort.com.