Galen Hall Golf Club

I"ve played GH now a total of 4 times. It was a very different round of golf each time, but a few things were consistent:

1. The course was soggy. Very soggy. While the fairways didn't have much of the old casual water, they were definitely spongey and that led to a lot of chunked pitches and chips. You couldn't even really get the ball first because it would sink into the ground.

2. the staff was very friendly. They really have some nice people checking in and in the restaurant. Maddie behind the bar was an absolute peach after the round. Great to talk to and really a fine conversationalist.

Generally, the layout is very challenging. I like the need to put your shot in one part of the playing area because i enjoy challenging grees and lies. What i did NOT enjoy was the lack of grass when i found my ball. I'm not a sprayer of the golf ball by any means. I hit a few bad shots and did not expect much, but there were plenty of times where i was in the fairway or just off and i was sitting in spongey dirt. No grass. A few times chipping next to the green, my ball was just on bare dirt with tufts of grass all around it. It's difficult to enjoy golf when you're trying to pull a lucky lie out of the fairway.

That being said, the tees and greens left a lot to be desired too. While the greens ran good and fast and were PLENTY challenging, they were also very bald as well. Many greens have grass issues and do not run true. The ones that were full of grass were very nice however, but i found that to be the exception rather than the rule. Same with tee-boxes. There were quite a few times when i put my tee into dirt. Most notably #2, #3, #4, #10, #17, #15, #6, #9.

Bunkers are hazards and you shouldn't be in them, but i find most courses at least have sand. The majority of the sand traps here at GH are full of rocks. Not pebbles. Rocks the size of a computer mouse.

I guess i could say, if you're looking for a nice challenging round of golf and you're not going to play the ball down at all, this is a great place to go. If you're like me, who enjoys golf for the subtle nuances and challenging lies - then you're going to find this course very unfair.

I can tell you the day didn't start well when i hit my iron down the center of #1 fairway and found mud all over the ball and have it laying on bare ground. I did, however, only pay $20 through a promotion they were having this time and got a free hot dog. That's about what i'd pay at this course any given time. Id play in it's current condition again for that (sans hot dog), but i wouldn' t spot a penny more otherwise. Well, maybe $25 but that's max. The layout and the challenges are awesome, but the tee boxes and greens leave much to be desired - and because of that, i can't overlook the spotty fairways, rough, and bunkers.

The staff is smiling and the food in the restaurant is very good. I would definitely recommend stopping in for a sandwich or burger - my wife had something off the dinner menu and it was very very tasty.

Course has a bunch of patchy areas on fairways and some tee boxes need a lot of work. If can get a deal on the place I Would go back but definitely not full price or at least over $30

There are a handful of holes you need to play a couple times to learn how to play them. The second hole was very quirky and the 14th you had to know yardage for two creeks that cross the fairway. Overall enjoyed the course. It's not long but the hills, particularly the side hill fairways, make up for that. Two long par 3's played tough. Course seems to have several areas with water damage, some tees were in bad shape but the greens were good. On the slow side and tricky breaks to read, or not read, into some putts.

Love playing here. Old-school design and every hole is a little different. Greens are fast and true. Fairways were in stellar condition. Only downsides - - tee boxes need some serious attention and cart paths are bumpy and filled with potholes. Clubhouse staff was extremely friendly but half-way house after nine was closed.

Great course with fast pace greens that will challenge your putting skills. First Island green in the US - hole # 15. Definitely worth your time.

I walked the course on Friday and it was in great shape.

Great historic course with a unique layout and awesome views the entire round. Greens and fairways were in great shape, if you haven't played here make it happen you won't regret it.

Challenging course. Somewhat narrow fairways, VERY firm and fast greens. Elevation changes. Uneven lies. Thick rough. Blind shots. This course is tough even though it's 5900 whites and 6200 blues

The course and slope rating needs to be changed. They need to re-rated much higher than they currently are. No way a "scratch" golfer is coming here and shooting 5 under par. I'm a 4 handicap and am thrilled with a round in the mid to high 70s

After 8 days of green growth and super winds Sat., Galen is dry and greens are beginning to firm into the rollercoaster ride you've come to expect on this classic.

just came off of my fourth week of physical therapy for my shoulder. my score was not good, forgot my wedge at home. Had a great time with my golf buddies

It was great to be out on a winter day - temp low 40's but no wind. Made good time & great to be playing.

Course in very good shape considering the amount of rain this summer. Some muddy spots but that was expected. Not expecting though to have to hit over a public road twice. Greens very fast. Ball just keeps rolling. Better off going for the front of the green. I did enjoy the views of the valley. Will definitely play again.

The course is challenging as always. There are some very rough patches due to the extremely wet weather this year. Most courses in Berks County have taken a beating. I would like to have seen some more cart restrictions on the fairways. They've lost part of their island green signature hole. I truly hope they repair it. Bridges and cart paths are getting a little rough. Hope they invest a little money to the course. It would be a shame to let it go the way some other local courses have.

If you are a not so great golfer like myself then this course is not for you. A lot of hazards and high rough. The fairways were in terrible shape with mud everywhere. Cart got stuck in the mud on the 6th fairway. On the 2nd hole the car path is so steep that the golf cart almost spun out of control and flipped when I tried to stop, and half the course doesn’t even have a cart path. Drove from Philadelphia to play this 4.2 and was extremely dissatisfied. In my opinion the course is a 3.5 at best. Nats! Nats! Nats! Good luck putting on the greens as the Nats fly into your face.

This is a great course ...from first tee, to 18th green....better be on top of your game for the day....was a little on the soggy side, nevertheless, great management of play required... A must play for any golfer in the area. ...will be a return customer..

All tee boxes & some fairways need a lot of work. #2 needs sign at tee box 4 distance to road. Greens fine. Cart paths need redo. Love the layout.