Honeybrook is a semi-private golf club nestled among the Amish farms of Chester County, Pennsylvania. Open to the public every day, Honeybrook offers 18 challenging yet playable holes that are fun for all skill levels. It's a mixture of wide-open links, tree-lined fairways and subtle elevation changes that combine natural beauty and great golf. 

Protected wetlands weave throughout to form breathtaking vistas and memorable target greens. Once you cross the Brandywine Creek, you'll escape from the outside world and hear nothing but the clip-clop of horse-drawn buggies and the chirping of the birds.

Course conditions were great this week... See for yourself below.

Pickering Valley Golf Club (450 South Whitehorse Road - Phoenixville, PA  19460-2571) is a a family-owned, public golf facility located 45 minutes north-west of Philadelphia in scenic Chester County. The course, established in 1985, is in the rolling hills of an Ice Age glacier that cut through Phoenixville, now named The Great Valley. In addition to 18 holes of championship-caliber golf, Pickering Valley offers some of the most beautiful vistas in the area, along with a natural turf driving range, putting green, and "19th Hole." 

PVGC is a Par 72 6572-yard course with a slope of 127, and a rating of 71. The layout is challenging and the conditions at the time of this review are perfect. One of the best parts of the course are the elevation changes. It's an amazing feeling to tee off from the peak of a mountain and watch the ball soar through the air endlessly. This is just one of the many splendors the course has to offer. It also has a very friendly staff and is relatively not crowded.

PVGC also offers golf lessons, club fitting, and repair services. To reserve a tee time, or inquire about your next outing, call the pro shop at (610) 933-2223.

Green Hills Golf Course features a pleasant country setting combined with a challenging layout (Green Hills Golf Course Details: PAR 72, Course Rating 68.9, Slope 128). The course has a unique history as well. It was designed by in the 1930s by Sir Robert White, a world-class Scottish architect from St. Andrews, who was commissioned by the legendary bootlegger Max Hassle (aka the "Beer Baron of Berks County" for fans of HBO's Boardwalk Empire) to create an upscale, private club that would require sound strategy and precise shot-making, yet be fair enough for a novice. Being that White was from St. Andrews, Scotland, he incorporated many themes that are typical from that region of the world: rolling hills, natural roughs, deep bunkers, and the utilization of pure contours. At the right time of day, one can be awed by the long, sleepy shadows that gently whisper around the serene landscape.

One of the most notable features are the intricate green complexes. Each green is guarded by deep bunkers and areas that demand a flawless short-game. Luckily, they also contain bailout areas that smart golfers can play for in the event of a poor approach shot. Throughout the course there are “green zones” that consist of natural, British Isles-style grasses that are tactically positioned.

The Green Hills Golf Course story begins when Max Hassel was denied membership to the Berkeley Country Club in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, due to his involvement in illegal activities with the mob. As a result, Max set out to create his own golf course using the area surrounding his Robeson Township estate as his location. His goal was to design a strictly private club that only he and his guests would enjoy. Because of his massive wealth and popularity, his estate was already being used as a notorious party place, where many prominent figures and movie stars would go to hang.

In 1929, Max Hassel commissioned Sir Robert White of St. Andrews, Scotland, to be his course architect. White was already well known at the time, being the first president of the PGA of America. His accomplishments include Pine Lakes, the first golf course in Myrtle Beach, the Berkeley Country Club, where Max was barred as a member, and even Merion Country Club in Philadelphia, where White served as one of the consulting architects. Although Green Hills Golf Course was completed in 1933, Max Hassel’s time here was shortened due to his untimely death that same year in a cross-fire with other mobsters at a hotel in New Jersey. For more information on Max Hassel, read the book by Ed Taggert, entitled Bootlegger- Max Hassel, the Millionaire Newsboy (2003).

Since its construction, both the concept and operation of Green Hills has changed significantly. Originally the golf course consisted of only seven holes, with the first tee located adjacent to the Hassel family’s estate. However, shortly after 1933, two new holes were added and a new clubhouse was built in its current location. In 1940, Jack Shapiro, local golf champion, stepped out and became the first person ever to open the course to the public. Eventually Jack Shapiro was called to service in WWII, at which Byron Nelson’s assistant pro became proprietor in 1942. The golf course would have multiple operators until 1997 when Andrew Shapiro, Jack’s son, would once again take over. After Andy’s passing in 2002, his wife and two sons have carried on his vision.

Since 1997, the golf course and clubhouse facilities have undergone a revitalization. In 1999, a state-of-the-art irrigation system was installed, allowing for controlled application of water on all fairways, greens, and tees. As a result, conditions have improved significantly allowing for a higher quality turf. Furthermore, the clubhouse has been restored. A new deck was added in 2005, as well as a bar and grill in the years following. The current family continues to fulfill Andy’s dream “of making the place nicer.”

The Country Club of the Poconos,  located about 90 minutes from New York and Philadelphia is a "must play" golf course for any golfer in Eastern PA. It was well worth the drive from the King of Prussia area. Outstanding conditions and unorthodox layout are just a few of the pleasantries you'll encounter.

Owned by Middle Smithfield Township; The Country Club of the Poconos Golf Course is a par-70 course that measures 5,900 yards from the back (blue) tees. Designed by Jim Fazio and opened for play in 1965 as a 18-hole course. The manageable length of the golf course, along with affordable rates makes The Country Club of the Poconos one of the best choices for golf in Pennsylvania.

One of the first things you'll notice is the endless miles of cart path. Traveling from one hole to the next can often take as much as 5 minutes, but it's not a bother because the scenery is delightful. The club utilizes nearby roads through the housing developments as cart paths, but rarely are said homes visible while on the course.  It's a private affair and you'll feel like you have the place to yourself.

The Country Club of the Poconos is not an easy track by any means. The many doglegs, gaps, and hazards force players to lay up in some cases, or go for it with a heavy risk/reward quotient. There are also several holes with severe elevation changes, making club selection more tricky than normal.

Overall; The Country Club of the Poconos is not to be missed. The facilities are immaculate, the course condition is pristine, and the rates are reasonable. You should not balk at the two-hour drive if given a chance to play here...You’ll be glad you did!

Olde Homestead Golf Club (6598 Route 309, New Tripoli, PA)  is an award winning 4-star daily fee course nestled in the foothills of the Blue Mountains in the Lehigh Valley. We recently had the privilege of playing this course on a beautiful afternoon in August.

Upon arrival, you immediately notice the turn-of-the-century farmhouse which has been converted into their beautiful clubhouse. There are many signs of antiquity throughout the property (a one room school house, a summer kitchen, etc.), but the course itself is anything but dated. In fact, Olde Homestead was one of the first courses in the Lehigh Valley to offer state-of-the-art GPS in all of their golf carts, and trust me, it comes in handy.
 
From the tips, or their "Trailblazer" tees, the course plays at 6,800 yards, has a rating of 73.2, and a slope of 134. With continuous cart paths that literally go over the river and through the woods, along with some that follow the rolling hills of Pennsylvania's countryside, Olde Homestead is truly one to be seen. Each hole features five tee boxes making the course fair and enjoyable for scratch golfers and high handicappers alike. Their rye-grass fairways are fairly wide, and trees are typically not a factor in play. Greens are medium speed with a fair (but not excessive) number of green-side bunkers. Challenges include water hazards, which come into play on 10 of the 18 holes, and undulating bent-grass greens, many with three tiers. The course features an above-average number of fairway bunkers and a defined cut of deep rough.

Olde Homestead's award-winning Practice Facility includes a driving range with four target greens and three hazards, a USGA spec putting green, as well as chipping and sand bunker practice areas.The course has over fifteen years of experience hosting some of the most successful outings and tournaments in the tri-state area.

The staff is incredibly courteous and helpful. With two pro shops on location, and a full-service cafe with outdoor deck, Olde Homestead is fully equipped to serve all golfers. In fact, their hospitality is unmatched when it comes to public courses in the area... Truly something to experience.

Every so often we get to play courses outside the SEPA area. This time we'll focus on Neshanic Valley Golf Course in north central New Jersey, just west of Edison.

Neshanic Valley Golf Course is the flagship facility of the five-course Somerset County Park Commission system. The 27-hole Championship Course, the 9-hole Academy Course, the Learning Center, and the Callaway Golf Performance Center were designed to accommodate the needs of golfers of all abilities.

Neshanic Valley has been carved out of 420 acres of rolling Branchburg, New Jersey farmland. Designed by Hurdzan / Fry Golf Course Design, the course covers 350 acres with 70 acres designated for future park usage. Course construction preserves existing land features and takes full advantage of the existing topography. Each of the championship (par 36) nine-hole courses, The Lake, The Ridge, and The Meadow, features five tees with the 18-hole layouts ranging from 5,050 yards to 7,108 yards. Rolling fairways, tees, and greens are creeping bentgrass, and the putting surfaces are well-guarded by large bunkers. An ample amount of fescue is found off the fairways and greens, and environmentally sensitive wetland areas come into play throughout the course. The greens have been designed with subtle undulations to increase the challenge of play, although we found them to be rather true and somewhat easy (many 1 putts).

In any case, if you somehow find yourself in this area, Neshanic Valley is not to be missed!

Galen Hall Golf Club, located in Wernersville PA, is a Par 72 layout for men and Par 73 for women. Built in 1912, it's one of the oldest courses around. If playing courses with houses and traffic nearby are becoming old hat, than this course is for you. It's an hour drive from the King of Prussia turnpike entrance, but worth it due to the reasonable greens fees and unparalleled peace and quiet.

Elevation changes, side hill lies, and undulating greens are among some of the features that make playing Galen Hall Golf Club a unique golfing experience. Golfers will also encounter difficult Par 3s, including the famous Moat Hole, and reachable Par 5s. The Moat Hole is a true island green and according to some historians, the first island green ever created. 

Other holes feature back country roads that are in play. On the Par 5 Hole #2 this especially in effect where a long and well-placed tee shot can land one over the road and on the green in two. This is a unique characteristic that's seldom seen in Philadelphia-area golf courses.

The fifteenth hole at Galen Hall was designed and built in 1917 by famed golf course architect A.W. Tillinghast when he added nine holes to the existing golf course. Tillinghast was one of the most prolific architects in the history of golf; he worked on no fewer than 265 different courses.

Galen Hall is an old school course with many challenges and unique twists and turns that will satisfy the most skilled golfers. Highly recommended.

Iron Valley Golf Club (Lebanon, PA) opened in the spring of 2000 and lies on a 352 acre track of land that has historical significance dating back to the late 1700's. The course was designed by the world renowned architect, P.B. Dye, and offers natural terrain, expansive vistas, extreme elevations changes and a challenging layout to ensure a "Breathtaking Challenge". 

From the tips, the course rating is 74.9, and the slope is 138. Five tee options makes Iron Valley a course that suits every level of player. Each landscape is distinct with a challenging links style front "Tailings Nine", and a more traditional style back "Mine Nine". In addition to providing an unparrelleled golf experience as well as a host of upscale amenities, Iron Valley Golf Club truly is "A Course Like No Other". With the addition of a brand new clubhouse, locker and shower facilities, full service restaurant and bar, Iron Valley Golf Club is truly worth the trip.

Honeybrook Golf Club sits along the historic West Branch of the Brandywine Creek, among the Amish farms of Chester County, Pennsylvania. On the day we played, the winds were ripping across this wide-open links course, but the grounds conditions were anything but harsh.

Honeybrook is a mixture of tree-lined fairways and subtle elevation changes amidst beautiful PA farm country. The layout is superb and the atmosphere is friendly and laid back. Upon arriving, we were met by Ben Ingles, the assistant to the golf professional, who graciously gave us the low down on the course, the conditions, and just about everything else. We couldn't have asked for a better intro!

Protected wetlands weave throughout the course to form breathtaking vistas and memorable target greens. I was also surprised to hear the clip-clop of horse-drawn buggies as I tee'd up on one of the first holes. I didn't realize we were that close to Amish country. In any case, there's an old world calmness to that.

At 6341 yards from the tips, Honeybrook is not an absurdly long track, but you'll get your money's worth. With water coming into play on several holes, some tough bunkers, and additional challenging rough placement, even the most accomplished golfer will be challenged.

The early spring conditions couldn't have been better. The greens showed minor signs of aeration, but nothing that would affect play. The fairways were lush, yet finely cut, and the surrounding vegetation was starting to fill in. 

This attention to quality golf, along with the simple beauty of the environment, breeds a loyal following who call Honeybrook their home.

Recommended!