Changes at former Sand Barrens course following Union League’s purchase

Below are excerpts from an article that originally appeared in Golf Course Architecture.

The Union League of Philadelphia has acquired the former Sand Barrens Golf Club in Swainton, New Jersey, and hired Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design to create a masterplan for the club.

The firm has been tasked with beginning the process of moving from a public and resort facility to an upscale private club, which will be known as Union League National Golf Club moving forwards.

GCA spoke to Jason Straka of Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design to find out more about his firm’s plans.

“Union League CEO Jeff McFadden is one of the most respected general managers associated with the golf business,” said Straka. “He is credited with vastly expanding the Union League’s social and business opportunities. Knowing that many of their members own a vacation home down on the Jersey Shore, and/or vacation there quite a lot, Jeff saw an opportunity for a second golf facility to service those members and also expand their membership.”

The Union League owns a number of golf properties, including the Union League Golf Club in the Torresdale area of Philadelphia, the course at which was recently restored by Stephen Kay. The organisation looked into purchasing a number of different courses before deciding on Sand Barrens.

“This is a course our old company designed back in the 90s,” said Straka. “Dana and I maintained a close relationship with the original owners all these years, who are also members at Calusa Pines. They recommended us to the Union League to remodel the course.”

The Union League is at present intending to maintain a 27-hole facility at the club, as this was a major factor in their decision to purchase Sand Barrens in the first place.

“People like to golf in the morning and be at the beach by the afternoon,” explained Straka. “Having 27-holes gives them more flexibility in that regard. With that said, we will be looking at variations of 27-holes as part of an overall masterplan. Various options include maintaining the 27-hole course, changing one nine into a shorter family or executive course, and adding or changing one of the nines into a par three course. These options would all coincide with a greatly expanded and/or relocated practice range, short game facilities and a new golf academy.”

Click here to read the full article on golfcoursearchitecture.net.