Hershey, Pa. – Hershey Trust Company unveiled a $750,000 investment in junior golf in central Pennsylvania with plans to renovate Spring Creek Golf Course, which was the nation’s first public golf course opened to boys and girls under 18 years old.
“Seventy-five years ago, this course was opened to boys and girls and, with this investment, we’re going to make sure young golfers and their families will be able to enjoy a much improved course for the next 75 years,” says Rob Vowler, c.e.o. of Hershey Trust Company.
“It was the first of its kind in the United States and we are honored to uphold this history and tradition,” Vowler adds.
The nine-hole layout is managed by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company and owned by Hershey Trust Company.
The renovations are extensive and include three new hole designs, restoration of six existing holes; a tee-through-green irrigation system, turf grass replacement throughout the course; and the addition of 220 playing yards.
Work is set to begin this fall and is expected to be complete by July 2006. The par-33 course, located on a 40-acre parcel off Chocolate Avenue, will play to a new total of 2,200 yards.
Spring Creek officials chose Tom Clark, golf course architect with Ault, Clark & Associates of Kensington, Md., to redesign the course. Clark says the renovations will result in enhanced player safety, routing and pace of play.
In addition to the three newly designed holes from tee to green, other holes are being modified and the course will receive extensive turf grass replacement, Clark adds.
Originally called the “Juvenile Golf Club”, Spring Creek was the first course in the United States open to boys and girls under age 18. Golf was offered to youngsters for a green fee of 35 cents for 9 holes. In 1969, the name was changed to highlight Spring Creek, which is the water hazard that runs through the golf course and repeatedly confronts players.
Hershey is located in central Pennsylvania, three hours from New York City, two hours from Philadelphia, and 90 minutes from the Washington/Baltimore metro area.
For more information call 1-800-437-7439 or visit www.HersheyPA.com.
