PENN TWP — Conley Resort & Golf Club and Suncrest Golf & Grille joining forces has created more than 36 holes of golf.

It's created an entertainment complex.

St. Barnabas Health System is in its third year of ownership of both facilities. Residents of the St. Barnabas retirement community have free, unlimited golf play on the courses.

“But that's only 10 percent of our play, roughly,” said Douglas Day, president of both courses. “Ninety percent of our usage is by the public at large.

“We are in the hospitality business. That's what sets us apart.”

Visit play36holes.com or call either Conley Resort or Suncrest and a package will be designed to fit the patron's wishes.

“There are so many possibilities here, so many ways to go,” Day said.

The 56 hotel rooms at the Conley Resort have been remodeled and upgraded. So has the on-site Knickers Tavern, a dining facility that offers big-screen TVs for sporting events, a versatile menu and karaoke, DJ trivia and live music nights.

The indoor Pirate's Cove waterpark for kids also has a sauna and whirlpool area for adults.

Conley Resort also offers sizable meeting and banquet rooms.

The Suncrest Grille has an upscale menu and that facility has an outdoor pavilion suitable for parties, leagues and gatherings.

All of that is on top of the two 18-hole golf courses overseen by superintendent Neil Finn.

“Neil is a Penn State graduate in course management. He does a fantastic job with both of these courses,” Day said. “The greens are in fantastic shape.”

Money has been invested in maintaining the golf courses as well. St. Barnabas has bought state-of-the-art fairway and greens mowers, sand-trap grooming equipment and chemicals to treat the course.

Day said the facility “has become 36 holes that work for the casual golfer and the event golfer.”

Conley and Suncrest play host to a combined 31 leagues. They also get plenty of business from out of town.

“Golfers love the stay and play concept,” Day said. “Canadian golfers love to travel south to play golf. They're out here in early April when the snow is still blowing around. It doesn't bother them.

“We might get 100, 200 golfers coming down as an organized trip. We also get golfers in from Buffalo, Erie, Cleveland, Kentucky, Cincinnati ... They come from all over.”

Conley Resort offers 56 hotel rooms along with two cabins that can sleep 16 each. Because of the indoor waterpark and restaurant, Conley does business all around the calendar.

“This really is a vacation destination,” Day said. “Visitors love the hospitality they receive and our friendly staff.

“We have a presence at golf shows in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Columbus ... We get the word out.”

Golf packages between the two courses for overnight guests range anywhere from an 18 to 36-hole round to unlimited golf.

Day said the golf courses themselves have different personalities.

“Conley plays its way around the resort. It is a plush course with unique holes utilizing the water, including an island green on No. 18,” he said. “Suncrest is more of a links course with no sand.”

The No. 7 hole at Suncrest and No. 14 at Conley are separated only by a tree line.

“Hook a shot and you can wind up in a fairway on the other course,” Day said, smiling. “I've done it.”

Day acknowledged that golfers in Butler County “have ample options when it comes to where to play.

He added that owning adjoining 18-hole courses with accompanying restaurants, outside pavilions and banquet rooms “help to give us a competitive advantage.”

St. Barnabas Health System has been around for 118 years.

“People come here to improve their lives,.” Day said. “Every part of our operation — including the golf — benefits our Free Care Fund.

“That fund provides $6-to-$8 million in free care. That's an important message to get across. Through our hospitality business, we help people.”