Philly, The City of Brotherly Love, is full of rich history from the Liberty Bell, The Betsy Ross House and Independence Hall. In between all that sightseeing and grabbing a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, there are plenty of great public and semi-private courses with their own great history to treat yourself with a round of golf.
Sitting on land that was once used for steeplechase horse racing then a riding academy, this course was originally designed by legendary architect Donald Ross. Today it is one of the top 10 public courses in the state and has hosted several prestigious tournaments and championships over the years, including the U.S.G.A United States Amateur Public Links Championships Sectional Qualifier.
2400 W. Main St.
Jeffersonville, PA 19403
(610) 539-0422
Green Fees: $21 - $58
This course's roots started as the Downingtown Motor Inn, a resort featuring two swimming pools, restaurants and ballrooms along with the often heard comment "Micky Rooney Slept here." Today, this George Fazio designed course boasts features of classic Philly golf like subtle greens, open fairways and dramatically shaped bunkers.
93 Country Club Drive
Downingtown, PA 19335
610-873-0800
Green Fees: $35 - $90
Located north of Philly, this once corn and tomato farm now golf course has a storied history including golfing shriners who managed to convince Donald Ross to design his first course in the Keystone State on this very land. Over the years, the course has seen many changes including the planting of trees and removing of land hazards, not to mention a fire that burned down the original clubhouse during a tournament in 2015. Construction on the new clubhouse will begin this year.
1600 Limekiln Pike
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 576-7030
Green Fees: $45 - $78
This Heathlands-style semi-private course is located on some of the highest terrain in Chester County and offers golfers challenges like piercing winds, deep bunkers and wetlands. With four sets of tees, golfers of any ability can challenge their game and is well worth the drive out to Oxford, Pennsylvania.
50 Wyncote Drive
Oxford, PA 19363
(610) 932-8900
Green Fees: $45 - $79
Considered by many as the top public golf course in Eastern Pennsylvania, The Golf Course at Glen Mills breaks all the unofficial rules. With plenty of hard shots and gratuitous length between tee times, you'll get a uniquely fanciful golf experience. The course meanders down uneven hillsides and through a steep quarry that will make you want to play the course more than once.
221 Glen Mills Road
Glen Mills PA 19342
(610) 558-2142
Green Fees: $68 - $98
