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 venues, Philadelphia Cricket Club (Tillie’s Wissahickon), Scotland Run, Hidden Creek and Seaview Bay, are wildly diverse in all sorts of interest. Make no mistake, Philly Cricket is in a class by itself generally, but certainly the clear favorite in our quartet of courses. Seaview Bay a surprise second as its shortness and accompanying quirks were universally well received. Hidden Creek is a wonderful Coore-Crenshaw natural beauty and Scotland Run was a perfect fit both logistically and memorably.
As for Cricket, its magnificent. The transformation of the course’s look and playability as a result of architect Keith Foster’s 2013-2014 restoration work is stunning. Combine this amazing project with absolutely prefect turf conditions (by this I stress firm and fast), and the Cricket is a world class golf course. The experience is also enhanced by Jim Smith and his staff and the warm and low key vibe of the Club.
Seaview Bay course is likewise a wonder in its own unique, confounding way. One many scoff at the one dimensional review of the scorecard and its recitation of 6,100 yards with par 4’s in the 200’s and 5’s in the 400’s yardwise. Certainly, there was some snarky remarks on the first tee along these lines. IN the end, all comments were full of praise for a test of golf largely forgotten in the modern game. It is of little wonder that Hugh Wilson and Donald ross had hands in the design batter. The Seaview logo and the very cool treatment of the 1942 PGA held there bolsters one’s opinion of this throwback experience. Hopefully, the new owners of Seaview preserve this time capsule.
On an unusually hot early May afternoon, we had the pleasure of playing, dining and staying at Hidden Creek. Msgrs. Coore and Crenshaw again created a natural beauty at Hidden Creek. The traditionalist approach is enhanced by the crack caddies and no encroachment by housing or other distracting adjoinders. Play golf, grab a draft beer and a crab cake sammy, retire to the neighboring Dormie style 8 bedroom lodge and you have arrived.
Last, but certainly not least, is Scotland Run. Stay at the Courtyard in Glassboro and commute 5 minutes to the first tee and whip around in three hours, fifteen minutes. A fine round of golf by any standards, but Scotland Run is a solid track with quarry remnants adding to the allure. This could be your everyday course without growing weary of any aspect.
In 2019, it may be a Richmond, Williamsburg, Norfolk visit. The due diligence underway. In 2017, we played Baltimore Country Club Five Farms, Mattaponi Springs, The Foundry and Spring Creek, a rousing quintet of courses.
Ben 