Few cities in the United States can boast the history of Philadelphia. From 1800 to 1830, Philly was the nation's largest city, and it played an enormous role in early American life. Visitors should see The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross House, and National Constitution Center.
While most of the Philadelphia courses by legendary designers are private, there are a few examples of their work for all to play. Take a closer look at some of the best public plays in the Philadelphia area.
There's nothing fancy about the George Fazio-designed golf course at Hillsborough Golf & Country Club. It's just a solid, enjoyable test of golf in a wonderfully peaceful setting a little more than an hour from New York City. There are only two sets of tees (the back plays 5,840 yards), but this golf course is far from a pushover. Hillsborough is worth the drive, though you might want to leave the driver in the trunk.
While Inniscrone Golf Club has some tough and unusual holes, one thing it is not is boring. One of the most important keys to enjoyment here is playing the right tees. The overall experience is definitely un-muni like. A good professional staff, friendly atmosphere and terrific course conditions bring an enjoyable golf experience.
Five Ponds Golf Club in Warminster has consistently been voted as the best golf course in Bucks County, Pa. The course is 6,673 yards from the back tees but plays much longer, thanks to the rolling elevations. The hilly terrain provides sloped greens and elevated tees with scenic views. A liberal smattering of bunkers makes the course a challenge.
Raven's Claw Golf Club in Limerick Township is one of southeastern Pennsylvania's premier golf destinations. The course consistently ranks in the top 10 golf courses in Pennsylvania. Carved from rolling hills and mature forests, this Ed Shearon design requires creative shot-making skills.
Broad Run Golfer's Club, located just outside of West Chester, Pa., is a Rees Jones-designed gem that was carefully sculpted from 372 acres of rolling hills. The expansive golf course is not what you would expect to find so close to downtown Philly. The dramatic terrain serves as the centerpiece of the course, providing the holes with plenty of movement and stunning views that stretch across the surrounding countryside.
Brandywine Country Club is a player-friendly public layout that is a favorite among the locals in Wilmington, Delaware. The traditional layout, which was redesigned in 2005, features tight fairways lined with trees and a final hole that you won't soon forget.
Between Philadelphia and Baltimore lies Inniscrone Golf Club, a hilly parkland course in Avondale, Pennsylvania. A private club when it opened in 1998 to rave reviews, the course is now open to the public and is one of the better values in the area. Inniscrone starts out easy enough but gets progressively harder as you get toward the finish.
Inniscrone Golf Club in Avondale, Pa. was private and ranked among the top 100 courses in the country when it opened in the late 1990s. Over the past several years, however, the course's conditions deteriorated. But Inniscrone, located about an hour from Philadelphia, is making a comeback. Bunkers have been reworked. Greens have been improved. And more changes are coming on this Gil Hanse design, which is open for public play and also offers memberships.