Best Golf Courses in Philadelphia

When I think of Philadelphia, I think of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Liberty Bell, brotherly love, the Eagles, Flyers, and 76ers. 

One thing that doesn’t immediately come to mind is golf.  Sure, I’m familiar with some of the iconic private clubs Philadelphia Country Club and Bala Golf Club.  What I didn’t know until recently is that the city is also home to some fine public tracks.

At the insistence of our readers, I’ve come up with a list of the best courses anyone can play in this great city. 

Lester George gets all the credit for making Rock Manor what it is today.  He was the architect in charge of the expansive renovation that turned this course into a premier public track. 

A large part of the renovation was the installment of a state-of-the-art irrigation system that has the course looking green throughout the entire season.

Today, golfers say this is one of the best kept courses in the metro area.

A fun layout and a great value, Rock Manor isn’t to be missed.

 

Golden Pheasant is a parkland style layout that’s always in tiptop shape.  The greens are said to be some of the truest in all of the Philadelphia area. 

This parkland layout is a shot makers dream.  The variety of holes ask you to work the ball each way both off the tees and into the greens. 

Dating back to 1963, you’ll appreciate the subtle quirks, humps, and bumps that dot the fairways out here.  Don’t be surprised if you get the occasional odd bounce.  That’s just the rub of the green.

 

 

Northampton Country Club dates all the way back to 1899.  If you’re a fan of classic American designs, this is a course you won’t want to miss. 

Another parkland design, the layout is straightforward.  By no means is it a pushover, however.  The fairways are narrow and the rough can be punishing.  Once you get to the greens, you’d best be paying attention.  They’re undulating and notoriously fast. 

For a private club experience at the price of a public course, Northampton should be at the top of your list.

 

   

Yet another iconic course in the Philly Metro area is Rancocas Golf Club. 

This is one of the narrowest courses you’ll find anywhere.  Not only do you have to hit the fairways, you have to be in the correct part of the fairway to have a clear shot to the green. 

Speaking of the greens, they’re small and well protected by deep bunkers and a number of water hazards. 

Another ball striker’s gem, straight is better than long here.

There are 27 holes of memorable golf at Cross Creek Resort. 

Each nine has its own distinct features, but all three are challenging and fun. 

Like a lot of other courses in the area, keeping the ball in play is important.  If you happen to miss a fairway, chances are you’ll be punching out from under a tall fir tree.  Almost like taking a one-shot penalty.

No matter what combination of nines you choose to play, you won’t be bored at this facility.  The shot values are to die for, and risk and reward chances are around every corner.

Well worth the price you pay.

Broad Run Golfer’s Club is set in the beautiful Amish countryside.  Built on some 372 acres, this Rees Jones layout is as fun to play as it is visually stunning. 

Even though the course is on the shorter side, substantial elevation changes, plenty of hazards, and 54 bunkers keep your attention and demand sound strategy. 

Golfers revere this facility for many reasons.  Perhaps the one that stands out the most though, is its condition.  The greens and fairways are bent grass and immaculately kept. 

Even though it’s a bit of drive to get to Broad Run, it’s more than worth the trip.

 

Unlike a lot of tracks in Philadelphia, Pitman Golf Course is open year around as long as the weather permits. 

Players say this is the place to come to have fun and to make yourself feel good about your game.  The course is short and there are plenty of opportunities for red numbers. 

Don’t overlook the small greens though.  They can be tough to hit.  With that said, they’re relatively flat and you can get it going with the putter.

A great place for a fun round at a fair price, Pitman sounds like a blast to me.

Donald Ross designed Jeffersonville Golf Club.  Another classic design, this course isn’t long at all.  It is narrow though.  Well placed shots off the tee are a must.

Once you get to the greens, the real fun begins.  Even though they’re small in stature, they have plenty of crowns, humps, and bumps that make for some difficult reads. 

Classic eastern seaboard golf and a value that’s hard to beat, be sure to play Jeffersonville Golf Club.

Even though this course is 65 miles from downtown Philadelphia, we couldn’t help but put it on the list.

Known as the “Birthplace of the Birdie,” this seaside links course is rich with history and tradition.  It dates all the way back to 1897. 

Once again, this isn’t a long course but it’s a solid test.  That’s especially true if you play here in the afternoon when the coastal breezes are at their strongest. Named the “#1 Public Golf Course in New Jersey” by Golf Week, it’s definitely worth taking a day to make the trip to Atlantic City Country Club.

 

Built in 1906, Philmont Country Club is a semi-private facility.  The amenities here are first-rate and the golf course is outstanding.

As you might expect with such an old design, the fairways are narrow here and the greens small.  If you short side yourself or get it above the hole, best of luck.

Both the public and members revere this course as one of the most underrated tests in the Philadelphia area.  It’s not hard to see why.

Conclusion

If there’s a town that’s more American than Philadelphia, I haven’t heard of it.  Not only is this great city rich in history, tradition, and culture, the people here represent every creed and color. 

There’s also some great, iconic golf to be played here too.  And it’s more than clear that the people here take the game very seriously.  This is the place to be, especially if you have an appreciation for old school designs and golf history.

Thanks for all those who contributed to this guide.  If you have anything else to add, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below.