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.”
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.”
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