By Dan Murphy
Any of us who have played golf for more than a generation can recall our special and memorable rounds. It may be one that included a hole-in-one, or the first time breaking 90. Or that special round might be the chance to play a golf course that is distinctive and unforgettable.
May I suggest to golfers in Westchester who read this column to play a round at Ballyowen, a links-style course at the Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg, NJ. My recent round at Ballyowen was a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Most Westchester golfers have heard about Ballyowen. It is always in the top 3 rankings of public courses that any of us can play in the area. Designed in 1998 by Robert Trent Jones Sr. associate Roger Rulewich, Ballyowen was designed in the spirit of the world’s first golf courses, with a spectacular links-style layout that channels the heathland style landscapes of Ireland and Scotland.
Set on 250 acres of former farmland, Ballyowen is set amidst a tranquil atmosphere, with nothing but scenic vistas of the mountain ranges and open meadows. Not a home or roadway in your sight for your entire 18-hole round, giving you a peaceful opportunity to enjoy your round.
My round in early May found Ballyowen in immaculate condition. The bent grass greens were rolling true and the preparation of every fairway and tee box was superb. There are few if any trees that are in play on the course, giving it a true links style feel, with wide fairways that extend up to penalty areas that include natural fescue, which requires a chip out if you land there.
Many different tee options—Black, Gold, Blue, White, and Red, give golfers like me, (18 handicap) a chance at a respectable score. There are 71 bunkers and four holes with water to add to your challenge.
The front nine at Ballyowen was the truer links style experience for my round. A mild wind gave me alternating shot requirements, especially on Holes 5,6,7, which wrap around a small lake. #5 was a par 5 into the wind, with the lake running along the right side of most of the hole.
The sixth hole was a par 3 that required a strong shot over the lake and into the wind. Hole #7 was a par 4 with the wind to your back.
The back nine started with a downhill par 5 at #10, and a par 3 over water on 11. The rest of the back nine takes you up and around the hillier parts of the course, with another par 3 on #15 over water, and two challenging long par 4’s on 17 and 18 to finish.
Owen’s pub gives you a chance to enjoy a pint or a fine glass of Scotch to review your scorecard. Caddies are available if you want the true feel of walking Ballyowen, but on the front nine, there is a distance between some of the holes.
The greens are large and inviting but beware of a three-putt. Bumb and run chip shots are also preferred on several holes. The staff were friendly and inviting. The greens fees were reasonable, and the pro shop has whatever you wish to remember your round.
As I walked away after shooting my usual 94, I found Ballyowen to be tough but fair. I was not frustrated with my round, as may be the case with some special courses that are difficult or impossible to score on.
Crystal Springs resort offers several other courses, which I have played and enjoyed. The resort features two hotels, which most golfers stay at. I saw many old friends getting together for a golf round and an overnight stay. I also saw many families enjoying the resort and all the amenities offered.
My wife and I stayed at the Grand Cascade Lodge and loved it. More on the resort and all that it offers, in our next story.
As I drove off the course, I placed Ballyowen at the top of my golf course memories. It is truly one of the best courses that you can play in our tri-state region, and only 90 minutes from most of Westchester. It is a destination golf course that doesn’t require a six-figure initiation fee to join and play.
Treat yourself to a round at Ballyowen sometime soon. You will not be disappointed. Visit Crystalgolfresort.com for more information.
