GolfStyles, February 2007

Gene Mulvihill is the kind of gentle king of an empire. Crystal Springs Golf Resort & Spa, the golf destination resort he has created in the northwest corner of New Jersey, only an hour’s drive from midtown manhattan, has no equal in New Jersey and perhaps in the entire Northeast. 

Perhaps a reason why Mulvihill has given so much to golf stems from his childhood years. His solace was spending time after school playing at his local golf course. It certainly was an incentive for the contribution he had to Lehigh University, where he graduated in 1956, for the construction of a practice facility, including a driving range, practice bunkers, putting green, and clubhouse. He enlisted Roger Rulewich to do the design and the Roger Rulewich group to oversee construction. The facility will be available to students, faculty, alumni, and the public.

“I wanted to provide a place where kids could go and spend time in a safe, healthy and positive activity on a regular basis like I did when I was young.” shared Mulvihill. His opportunity to do so, place to do it, and time spent doing so are part of his makeup which may be a good reason why he has created the Crystal Springs Resort. 

Crystal Springs Resort includes a variety of courses, restaurants and residence options. There are six golf courses – Ballyowen, Wild Turkey, Black Bear, Minerals, Crystal Springs and Great Gorge. Ground was recently broken for the seventh, a new nine-hole course.

There are restaurants available at the resort that appeal to a variety of palates. Restaurant Latour takes home the top-end selection. It has been recognized by the national press for its ambiance, food and wine.

Although there are many who contribute to the development, make up, maintenance, management and operations of the Crystal Springs Resort and Spa, Mulvihill was and remains today a driving force. There are many good men and women who contribute to the success of this golf resort, one of only a few golf destination resorts in the region where you can stay, fine, golf, spa and even reside. Gene Mulvihill continues to give back to the game of golf that he loves.