Broomsedge Golf Club: A Bold Design featuring a battle to “Survive the First Five”

With many great new golf courses being built, differentiation is key. Broomsedge Golf Club does a great job of that with a bold, challenging layout that is apparent from the first tee shot. By the time you reach your approach shot, you’ll realize that this isn’t a place to ease into a round. Broomsedge demands … Read more

Mainline Magnificence: The 1971 U.S. Open and Merion Today

The 1971 U.S. Open and Merion Today Merion Golf Club hosted the 1971 US Open and my friend Jim Simons of Butler, Pennsylvania, by way of Wake Forest University and then an Amateur, nearly won the tournament with Trevino and Nicklaus ending up in a Monday 18 hole playoff. Jim lead after three rounds and … Read more

Seminole Golf Club: A Donald Ross Masterpiece with an Old World Charm

There’s nothing quite like playing golf at a historic place like Seminole Golf Club. Like many, I had heard amazing things about the club, its famous course and its storied history. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best courses in the world and for good reason. First and foremost it’s one of Donald Ross’ … Read more

Toftrees golf course to get major upgrade from Nagle

Architect aims to create ‘one of the best public courses in Pennsylvania’ STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA, FEBRUARY 20, 2025 – The Toftrees Golf Resort is to undergo a major renovation project at the hands of Jim Nagle of Nagle Design Works – and the architect believes the property has the potential to become one of the best … Read more

Country Club of Charleston: 5 Highlights from the Raynor classic

Introduction The Country Club of Charleston is a championship-caliber golf course designed by the legendary Seth Raynor in 1923. The club has a rich legacy of hosting premier amateur events, including the prestigious Azalea Invitational and the 2019 U.S. Women’s Open. As someone who’s played many rounds at Fox Chapel Golf Club in my hometown … Read more

The Park West Palm: An ideal place for golf nuts

We really enjoyed The Park West Palm experience. It’s a modern concept with the ‘Open Golf’ motto making for a fun, relaxed hang at a top tier golf course. The modern feel is highlighted by an alps style putting green (I assume inspired by St. Andrews), ample short game areas and a large driving range. … Read more

Pepper Pike, Woodmont North, Two Union League Clubs and Beyond—New Course Experiences

First, the chronological list of new golf course experiences ( as in first time played ), to wit; Second, condensed observations on each course, commencing with the wonderfully unique golf experience at Pepper Pike Club. PPC shuns the rankings and other intrusions from the golfpaparazzi. If such attention was sought, PPC would be hailed among … Read more

Country Club of Orlando, Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes and Bay Hill— Three of Central Florida’s Finest

During my Rollins College years of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, the area of Orlando on Orange Blossom Trail between Colonial and Princeton Drives was known for its seedier style offerings.  Unbeknownst to me in those occasional visits to the “Trail” was the fact that a 1911 Donald Ross beauty was mere steps from … Read more

Atlantic City Country Club – Not Just Another Day at the Beach

If by mid-week of your Jersey Shore vacation you need a change of pace, grab an early tee slot at Atlantic City C.C. and enjoy an incredibly pleasant and memorable experience. Despite having played ACCC several times, each visit provides new discoverers and reinforces past marvels. The Club checks all the boxes, namely, history, design … Read more

Sylvania CC, University of Michigan and Wuskowhan Players Club – A Most Pleasant Trio

The natural thing to do once you have decided to drive from Pennsylvania to Grand Rapids, Michigan is to line up a few golf venues. Having previously played the headliners along the route, the thought was to play the gems not experienced in prior treks. Sylvania C.C., University of Michigan (Mackenzie course) and Wuskowhan Players … Read more

Cricket Club, Scotland Run, Hidden Creek and Seaview Bay – Three Days, 72 Holes, Priceless

In order to condense a five day golf trip running for some thirty plus years with as many as 24 guys to a three day trip with eight players, the drive time best be manageable, the venues strong and the amenities first class. For our 2017 and 2018 outings, check, check and check. The four … Read more

Elegance and variety abound at Lancaster Country Club

Lancaster Country Club is the epitome of the strategic Golden Age golf course architecture. The 1900 William Flynn design utilizes the rolling topography to perfection, presenting a wide variety of holes that capture the beauty of the landscape. The use of the land is remarkable, especially the incorporation of the scenic Conestoga River. Flynn used … Read more