Garden State Golf Getaway at Crystal Springs Resort

The ongoing development and expansion of the Crystal Springs Resort -- located in the far reaches of Sussex County -- about 75 minutes via car from Midtown Manhattan -- is a story that keeps on evolving.

When Crystal Springs Golf Club first opened in 1992 -- it was the only 18-hole course available on property -- and the overall area of Sussex County was still more backwater than front line happening location. In the ensuing years since that inauspicious opening the Crystal Springs Resort has morphed into a colossus -- branching out today with 7 golf facilities and a range of accommodations and amenities -- the most comprehensive and complete resort in the immediate greater New York metropolitan area.

The resort is always providing a slew of activities -- there's hardly ever a dull moment and given the somewhat remote location it's needed to keep the buzz strong.

The enchanting downhill par-3 11th at Crystal Springs Golf Course requires a deft touch and solid execution.

Crystal Springs is anchored by the Grand Cascades Lodge -- an impressive Adirondack-designed structure that provides total style and elegance. Various rates are available depending upon length of stay and packages sought. For those seeking a more modest yet still comfortable lodging alternative you can head over to Minerals Resort & Spa -- located a short distance from the Lodge area. There is also Mountain Creek Resort which provides a solid getaway option as well.

A few years ago the David Leadbetter Golf Academy began operations at the Resort and the teaching connection provides a welcomed element -- helping avid golfers take their games to a higher level and those looking to get started. While golf is a main item for those coming to Crystal Springs (see course reviews below) -- there are other diversions. Elements and Reflection Spas are both rated among the top 30 in America and at the top of the pecking order in the Garden State. You can also enjoy Minerals Sports Club which provides a slew of indoor sports and activities along with 3 indoor / outdoor heated nature pools and hot tubs.

And, just when you thought your dance card could not be any more tempted -- there is the unique Biosphere. In simple terms the Biosphere is a completely encased indoor heated pool complex with an aquarium in concert with lush tropical foliage, and 140-foot water slide.

With 16,000+ bottles on hand there's never shortage of filled glasses to hoist

Of course, all the activities build a healthy appetite and Crystal Springs makes sure you are more than sufficiently satiated. Be sure to book reservations at Restaurant Latour -- the award winning formal dining hot spot that also includes a wine cellar with 106,000+ bottles. Fun times in this stunning enclave will only add to your lasting memories. There are also 11 other restaurants available from casual to gourmet food choices at the resort.

One of the fascinating recent inclusions is Foot Golf which seems to be gaining a toehold as a popular offering. For those not up to speed -- Foot Golf is a combination of soccer and golf -- both using an existing golf course -- in this case the 9-hole Cascades. Players kick a ball on the actual routing of the course -- although with considerably less yardage involved. The ultimate goal is to conclude by holing out a soccer ball in a rather large circular hole - similar to a golf hole but much larger. Traditionalists for both sports may wince -- but the activity has clearly added another involvement for younger participants and families to engage with one another. Will those who play add traditional golf to their recreational pursuits. That remains to be seen.

Foot golf is gaining a place in the leisure market at Crystal Springs and elsewhere. Mixing the passions of golf and soccer together.

The only downside with Crystal Springs is the isolation of the entire complex. There's no quick and easy exit off an adjoining Interstate roadway but once there the full offerings are worth the minor inconvenience.

GOLF COURSES ...

Crystal Springs - 18-holes / 1992

When Crystal Springs opened in 1992 it broke substantial ground. Not only in being a new course opening in Sussex County and the resort's first layout, but for a design completely beyond any other public course in the state. Designed by the late Robert von Hagge - Crystal Springs borders on wetlands and features narrow playing corridors on any number of holes. Hitting it archer straight is de rigueur on many holes. Start playing military golf -- left/right/left and you'll be calling the clubhouse for more golf balls. Crystal Springs accentuates penal outcomes with the slightest miscue -- awkward stances routinely occur for those who stray. Further softening of the adjoining moguls and slopes would add a bit more elasticity and fun.

The original routing has been changed -- the old 1st has been switched to the 2nd position and the former 17th is now the closing hole. There are still edge-of-your-seat moments with the scenic and lethal par-3 11th -- think of landing one's approach when the pin is placed on the far left hand "tongue" corner. The par-4 16th is hugged by a pond that mandates a pinpoint aerial approach. Too bad the former 18th is now the opening hole -- its placement now is not what von Hagge smartly included originally as the home hole.

Turf quality has improved a good bit but Crystal Springs still remains a layout where utter precision is central to any success. The key when playing Crystal Springs is following the maxim Clint Eastwood uttered in Magnum Force, "A man's got to know his limitations." Be sure to know yours when playing -- or else.

The par-4 18th at Ballyowen requires proper club selection to the 4-club deep target. © J. Krajicek

Ballyowen- 18-holes / 1998

The flagship course for the resort. Designed by Roger Rulewich -- a long-time former number two man when he worked for the legendary Robert Trent Jones, Sr. before opening his own practice -- Ballyowen has the most varied terrain and the most consistent challenge of all the available courses at the facility.

The par-72 7,094 layout is located on 250-acres on a high plateau affording some of the best views of any course in all of NJ. Keep in mind, winds can whip through the grounds on certain days with high velocities. The first few holes allow you to get your golf muscles stretched out for the more demanding challenges ahead. The four par-3 holes work well together and need to be carefully played and executed -- be absolutely certain before pulling the trigger on all of them.

Initially, when Ballyowen first opened the tall fescue rough grasses were quite high and not too far from the fairways -- they have been pulled back so playability is now certainly enhanced. Ballyowen has also always been in top tier condition -- comparable to all but the very elite private clubs in the metro NY area.

The layout finishes strongly on each nine. On the outward half the intensity meter really ramps up with the water-protected par-3 6th. Three consecutive par-4 holes follow -- the 7th is especially demanding when played from the championship tee. The inner half has three solid holes bringing you home. The uphill 16th can be especially difficult when played into the prevailing headwind. The 18th is a solid closing hole -- doglegging right and ending with a putting surface that is very deep and can require as much as four club differences. For serious caliber players the existing par-5 10th and 17th holes would play more appropriately as long par-4's.

As sunset falls on Ballyowen the sounds of bagpipes fill the air

The lone issue for Ballyowen is similar to the other courses at the resort -- a few added back tees and bunker restoration / placement can account for the increases in ball and club technology over the last few years. Although for 95% of those playing the existing challenge is more than sufficient. The added elasticity would propel Ballyowen into the discussion for national prominence among top tier daily fee courses beyond the immediate area. For those fortunate to play Ballyowen in the afternoon you will hear the ritual of bagpipes playing in the distance. A solid final touch indeed as sunset approaches on one of NJ's top three public courses.

Great Gorge - 27-holes / 1970

The original course was designed by the late George Fazio -- uncle to the noted contemporary architect Tom Fazio who has established himself as one of the leading modern golf designers in the industry. Great Gorge had a much different name and role when it first opened in 1970 - it was a 27-hole golf complex under the umbrella of Hugh Hefner's Playboy Empire. Not only was golf a major element but an adjoining hotel was seen as a magnet to get vast numbers from New York City to the hinterlands. Such dreams never materialized. A road project contemplated in expediting the travel time simply stalled out and after a few years -- so did Playboy's attempt.

The golf course, however, soldiered on thankfully and provides three 9-hole courses -- Lake, Quarry and Railside. Lake & Quarry make-up the two strongest combinations. Fazio smartly allowed the land to dictate the flow of the holes and there are rock outcroppings as well as several ponds, streams and elevation changes that work very well.

The main issue is that Great Gorge has not been updated given ball and club technology gains -- along with architectural elements that are sorely in need of a makeover such as bunker placement and renovation. For a number of years there were various attempts to sell the property -- along with the aging hotel that now looks like a brooding dark hulk and symbolizes the stoppage of time from the early busy years when Playboy was present. The former hotel will need to go -- although asbestos is said to be within the framework and will require a major commitment -- financially and manpower wise.

Quality holes still abound. The downhill par-5 2nd on Quarry is a gem as is the par-3 3rd and par-4 4th which use their respective settings to maximum advantage. The closing 9th is also tough task with its uphill approach and double-tier green. Lake also offers a solid finale with a delicious green site that requires careful execution.

Great Gorge is sufficiently maintained and the green sites are well crafted. The issue is a simple one -- where does Great Gorge factor into the future plans? With a solid makeover the 27-holes could easily be the shining star George Fazio originally intended and add to the overall cache of the Crystal Springs Resort golf portfolio.

One of the most demanding of approaches for all the courses at Crystal Springs Resort comes at the devilish par-3 7th -- it's sink or swim time for sure!

Wild Turkey - 18-holes / 2001

Roger Rulewich was called upon a second time with the creation of Wild Turkey. While the course does have its moments - the overall quality of the holes is a clear step or two behind the likes of Ballyowen. Wild Turkey does start with a solid opener -- downhill and framed by the vastness of the Sussex County countryside. The par-72 layout stretches to 7,202 yards but not all of the championship tees were operational when I was present. The course is really a tale of the upper and lower areas of the site. The starting two holes and those from the 4th through the 11th play on higher terrain and Rulewich did a fine job in routing the course through a dead-end part with the sensational par-3 7th located in a far corner and then working his way back to the eventual completion of the course.

The lower lying holes are straightforward but lack architectural heft. The doubling back after playing the par-4 13th to reach the par-3 14th is also bit of disappointment. The concluding hole is one of the more interesting -- uphill to an elevated putting surface -- although listed as just under 400 yards from the tips -- the effective length is influenced to a large degree by the upslope.

Wild Turkey also possesses fairly predictable putting surfaces -- with few exceptions, they lack sophisticated movement and overall variety. In sum, Wild Turkey is by no means an easy course -- but it lacks a clear enriched identity that makes it more than just an added 18-holes to play. It's been said the devil is in the details -- Wild Turkey would gain immeasurably – transforming from its dry side in adding a bit more dressing.

The par-5 9th hole at Cascades provides one last opportunity to finish strongly

Cascades - 9-holes / 2005

Cascades marked the 3rd layout bearing the fingerprints of architect Roger Rulewich. The layout starts and finishes immediately near the Grand Cascades Lodge. The course accentuates playability with very wide fairways. That doesn't mean to say the course is pedestrian in character. The 9-hole layout starts out with a straightforward mid-length par-4 but the intensity meter picks up considerably with the long par-4 2nd. The equally long par-4 7th generally plays back into the prevailing headwind and requires a marriage between sufficient length and solid execution from tee to green.

Cascades is consistent in what it provides but the Rulewich involvement is not sufficiently differentiated from what he has already provided at Ballyowen and Wild Turkey respectively.

Minerals - 9-holes / 1987

Short sporty course allowing beginners and those at the higher handicap level a user-friendly golf alternative. The design is fairly ordinary and with a bit of an upgrade can expand the "fun" side through a more contemporary design.

Black Bear - 18-holes / 1996

Black Bear was the second course to open at the resort. The layout gets plenty of play in hosting various outings and special event groups. Designed by developer Jack Kurlander and 1998 PGA Teacher of the Year recipient David Glenz who also served as Resort Director of Golf for a number of years -- Black Bear plays just short of 6,700 yards from the tip tees and is a par-72. The layout is routed for a number of holes through a cluster of tree-lined fairways -- some of which get especially narrow on both the outward and inward nines.

The par-3 7th is one of the best holes at the entire complex. The green features a reverse "C" putting surface with a pond that lurks ever nearby for the slightest miscalculated shot. Grand stuff indeed.

The issue with Black Bear is a number of holes are fairly cramped to one another and the routing concludes awkwardly with the 18th hole finishing a good bit away from the clubhouse area.

But, the course does provide a fun adventure for the most part with a good mixture of hole variety. Black Bear was meant to be a crowd pleaser without being a back breaker. It clearly understands it role and serves well in that function.

Black Bear's par-3 7th is a mixture of beauty and terror -- how you play it will dictate which word you apply!

OVERALL GOLF ASSESSMENT

As a multi-course facility Crystal Springs is not at the same level as notable national locations such as Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, Bandon Dunes, Whistling Straits, and French Lick, to name five of the finest in America. However, Crystal Springs is the leader in the immediate New York metropolitan area and even the broader Northeast market for the rich diversity of various activities, amenities and range of services provided. The only multi-course complex in the NY metro area that can boast a better overall course within its total offerings is Bethpage State Park's iconic Black Course on Long Island.

The golf side at Crystal Springs is good but needs to consider certain key upgrades that would elevate the golf brand even further – moving beyond a regional powerhouse into a national prominent one. Ballyowen clearly has that possibility – Great Gorge can do similarly. If anything has proven true for Crystal Springs -- it is the belief in never being satisfied -- never resting -- always striving for the next way to increase customer satisfaction and building brand loyalty. Can such future gains be made? One need only look at where things started in 1992 and where they are today. The signals sent -- then and now -- indicate a "crystal clear" desire to keep on striving ahead. For many resorts the focus is too often looking back – rather than ahead. Crystal Springs changed the conversation when it entered the picture – the key is being able to stay ahead and hit even higher notes of excellence. We shall see.

WHAT'S COMING UP?

October 25, Minerals Hotel stages a children's Halloween costume party complete with games, arts & crafts, and snacks.

November 15, Minerals Hotel hosts a four-course Murder Mystery “The Holiday Hit List” Dinner featuring The Killing Kompany.

For more info go to www.crystalgolfresort.com.