Fire Damages Historic Baltusrol Golf Club In Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, NJ — Tragedy struck at the famous historic landmark, Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, on Tuesday when a fire broke out. The golf club is known for hosting U.S. Opens and PGA Championships.

Springfield Fire Department was called out to the scene at 11:16 a.m. and arrived at 11:20 a.m. to find people inside evacuating, Springfield Fire Capt. Michael Mastroeni said.

The fire started in the rear of the building on the roof and attic area, Mastroeni said.

With temperatures on Tuesday rising into the 90s, Mastroeni said the fire was upgraded to a "third alarm due to the extreme heat wave."

Neighboring fire departments including Millburn responded to help extinguish the fire. The fire was deemed under control in about an hour, Mastroeni said.

There was only one minor injury to a firefighter on scene.

The portion of the building that sustained damaged was closed off, the remaining parts of the building were reopened for operation.

Shunpike Road was closed to traffic between Eton Place and Baltusrol Way while firefighters extinguished the fire. The roadway has since been reopened.

The fire was deemed accidental but the cause is still under investigation. However, Mastroeni noted there was no foul play at this time.

The private 36-hole golf club was founded 124 years ago and in 1985 became the first club to have hosted both the U.S. Open and Women's U.S. Open on two different courses.

The club has hosted seven U.S. Opens and two PGA Championships in 2005 and 2016. The club was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

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