Middletown Country Club

Never an even lie

Fairways are like a cow pasture

Looking for a cheap round on my club’s maintenance day I decided to play Middletown because I heard about it’s quirky golden age lay out. I also heard if played before August the course is in decent shape. Here’s the thing, I don’t mind a course that’s a bit scruffy but I hate when a design is completely compromised by conditions. The bones of this golf course are actually really cool. It’s very Alex Findlay, little trouble off the tees, minimal bunkering, fairways and greens using much of the land’s natural contours etc etc. I especially felt like the greens COULD BE the highlight of this short par 68 layout because they are so undulating and use of much of the terrain to dictate break that they’re very demanding from approach through putt. The clear problem with Middletown is money and maintence. The course desperately (and I mean desperately) needs trees removed and brush taken back. I would say at least half of the holes if not more cannot be played with the intended lines because of encroaching vegetation. Next the fairway (and some green) sizes have shrunk so much over time it’s almost comical. Some fairways are less than 20 yards wide simply because a choice has been made to not have fairway grass to maintain. The original fairway lines are clear but they are now rough. 18 is a great example, once an interesting double fairway daring players to take on OB right to set up an approach level with the green the current hole only has the upper FW available while the lower section is completely grown in. There are no longer choices at Middletown simply bang a driver as close to the green as possible on a short par 4 or try to land a long iron on some sliver of FW. Finally (and I know this review is a bit long winded) the greens need to be maintained at a reasonable speed. I love fast greens but when I played the greens were far to fast for their slope and firmness. When short irons aren’t holding and anything above the hole will not hold the green (11 is a good example) that’s a problem. At times I felt like I was playing a smaller, dumpier version of the US Open at Shinnecock with how baked out the greens were. In the end I think this place could be a super fun quirky little course that offers enjoyment for all golfers. It’s got a really awesome collection of par 3s and is demanding enough on and around the greens no matter it’s yardage. With all that said to ever get to that point the township (someone told me they own it) would need to focus resources on important things: vegetation removal, irrigation, FW restoration, and bunkering. Clearly a lot to be done. In the end for 25 bucks go check out the bones of this place just in case it becomes a park or houses one day or if you’re lucky check it out before it gets the help it needs so you can say you saw it during the dark times.

Its was really hot today 100°

Course was in good shape. Greens were fast. Staff was out making sure we had plenty of water. Very friendly staff.

We got a GolfNow deal and it was well worth it. As you all know, you never get a flat lie at Middletown but the course was in phenomenal shape and the greens rolled like those on the tour. I certainly would recommend this course this year to anyone. It’s not real long, but still very, very challenging.

I believe they overbooked the course because of Fathers Day and didn't do anything to keep the pace moving. Almost 6 hours to play 18. Long day!

Sand traps need attention.

After moving to the area a few years ago, we have grown to love this course. We routinely play in 3-1/2 to 4 hrs (midweek) ahead of their 4:15 pace and that can include walking (it's hilly). As others commented, course and GREENS knowledge is very helpful - 1st timers need to relax and give it another shot - you'll have more fun 2nd time around. Enjoy the beautiful, massive trees and fast greens. Nice bar to watch golf, Phillies or Eagles.

Recently took a chance that the heavy rains would hold off and maybe get a quick round in for it's been awhile since i played here. For once things went my way. The course is in great shape No problem with the tees, fairways, greens or bunkers. For those who haven't played here before don't be fooled by the yardage, In my humble opinion there are at least 7 holes you are going to need a solid drive (plus 220-230) to have a decent chance to be on the green in regulation and that 's from the whites.This place is as hilly as it is quirky and I mean that in a good way. I'll be back soon.

I know its been raining...but our two groups lost more balls JUST BARELY OFF OF THE FAIRWAY!

And, please, all 8 of us are fairly decrnt putters; bit when the hole is cut at a 45 degree angle on a severe slope...ridiculous! Read USGS suggestions on hole placements...

A shame...a fun layout

Up & down fairways, onjulating greens , my local course play to the left cause it’s gonna roll down hill,a majority of fairways are downhill lie. The course is maintained well and better with age.

When you get the right spot it’s satisfaction guaranteed !

Course condition fine

Very slow foursome ahead of us

18 holds took 4.5 hours - pace too slow

Played there on Sunday for the first time. Very hilly course and a little odd. A few par 4's under 300 yards and several over 400. And only one par 5. Greens were in really nice shape. Quick and challenging. If you don't like sloping greens skip this course. Course was in pretty decent shape overall, but was a bit shaggy toward the end. I'd generally have given it a 3-4 star rating but the horrifically slow pace of play makes it a "never again" for me, at least on a weekend. There was nobody on the course moving people along. Plus it seems "par for the course" that groups wait on the several short par fours for the group ahead to clear the tees before teeing off. This was true even for the group playing in front of us that had no golfer who hit the ball more than than 175 off the tee. My round was 5 hours and I didn't get to play 17 or 18 because of a commitment I had that I never thought would conflict with this round of golf.

Narrow, very hilly challenging course. We played on a windy, cold day. The grass was just starting to grow in for the season so the fairways and rough were spotty. Greens very challenging!

Course was in bad shape and way over priced for what it was.