The Springhaven Club

Late in 1903, the present property of The Springhaven Club in Wallingford was purchased. Here, on essentially level terrain, an 18-hole course was laid out and opened in 1904. This course replaced Springhaven’s former location at Providence Road and Jackson Street in nearby Media that was originally founded in 1896.

According to The Architects of Golf, by Geoffrey S. Cornish and Ronald E. Whitten, it was Ida Dixon who was responsible for the design of the course, making her the first female golf architect in America, probably in the world. Mrs. Dixon also served as president of the Women’s Golf Association of Philadelphia from 1911 through 1916. Others who have made design changes include Horace Rawlins, Herbert H. Baker (1910), and William Flynn (ca. 1920s). Three holes were rebuilt in 2005, #5, #6 and #18.
hough relatively flat from a topography stand point and very visible to the golfer from the 1st tee to 18th green, the course boasts subtle nuances that take years to discover and even longer to master. Unlike many other area courses, Springhaven’s narrow fairways and tight tree lines require accuracy off the tee, long hitters are advised to leave drivers in their bag on the back side, and greens conceal near invisible breaks and challenges regardless of pin placement.

When playing at The Springhaven Club it is important to remember that length is not the key. Accuracy and course management rule the day for a golfer to play their best round. With 80+ bunkers, five holes with water hazards and a number of holes that require a demanding approach, Springhaven is sure to test the most experienced golfer, while a well-placed tee shot allows the beginner a par opportunity!