Baltusrol Golf Club
Challenge
Accepted.
Home to 17 major and amateur championships, the story of American championship golf has run through Baltusrol Golf Club since 1901. Club management engaged ZEBRADOG to bring this rich history to life, and it was critical the delivery be timeless and on-brand.
ZEBRADOG experiential designers honored the championship heritage of the club by creating a comprehensive approach to placemaking. Two standout experiences include the transformed caddy master room into the must-visit Scoring Room and a one-of-a-kind interactive media installation in the new Media Lounge featuring Baltusrol’s founders, champions, history, and in-depth course exploration. No detail was overlooked to set the stage for an unforgettable day at this special place.
The vision and character that ZEBRADOG brings to us are extraordinary.
Once [ZEBRADOG] started working with us and showing us what we could be we couldn’t wait for the final product. And the final product was just spectacular.
Kevin Vitale
General Manager, Baltusrol Golf Club
THE DETAILS
EXPERTISE
Exhibit Design
Wayfinding / Signage
Facilities/Campus Branding
Content Strategy / Development
Interactive Media Design / Development
MARKET
Athletics
Baltusrol Golf Club is one of only four golf course properties in the country to be named a National Historic Landmark so when its lower course was restored by renowned American architect Gil Hanse, the 100-year-old clubhouse evolved its use program and storytelling by working with ZEBRADOG.
A game-changing immersive interactive media experience introduced to the men’s locker room is irresistible to members and guests who dive into the club’s history, championships, legendary players, or a preview of the infamous dual courses. It’s yet another way Baltusrol is leading American championship golf clubs by innovating to educate and entertain members young and old.
Placemaking is more than a trophy case display, and the new Scoring Room was an area the club struggled to develop. The experiential design team utilized a variety of textures, typography, and photographic designs to weave engaging stories. A gold-leaf hand-painted ledger of every club championship rims the top of the room’s millwork. Illustrated player exhibits ensconced in rich wood celebrate each champion and showcase a player-signed scorecard detailing their historic achievement. The showstopper is a framed one-of-a-kind illustrated map of A.W. Tillinghast’s magnificent 36-hole dual courses flanked by gleaming P.G.A. and U.S. OPEN trophies.
No visit to Baltusrol is complete without selecting a scorecard to tally and commemorate the day’s round of golf. ZEBRADOG redesigned the presentation and club scorecard to reflect the restored course that’s sure to challenge and delight.
Everything from the 1920s-inspired typography to newly-fabricated wayfinding elements incorporating bronze, stone, and stained glass accents was considered to deliver a more intuitive, brand experience throughout the club and grounds.
Club managers remark that the environments and experiences feel like they have been around since the clubhouse was built and immediately make visitors understand why this place is special.
HUZZAH!
