Best Student Courses in Philly?

[Guest]

Hi all. I am a student at Saint Joseph's University in Philly coming back onto campus for my senior year. I have a membership at a semiprivate course in Upstate New York that I play at almost everyday but will not know what to do when I head back to school. I will be looking for some type of membership for August until the end of the golf season. I live on city ave right next to the Bala Golf Club, and obviously do have a car on campus. Not looking to spend a huge amount of money but obviously don't mind spending a little bit, I know many courses offer a student membership but don't know what courses are a good price and what courses are just absolute trash! Thank you!

[ArtMBgolf]

Cobbs Creek is good. I don't know if the renovations are done yet or if they have student rates.

[simsjim215]

@ArtMBgolf, just FYI Cobbs suffered some significant storm damage in August.  3rd green (almost an island) completely wiped out.  major erosion around holes 4 and 5.  The Friends of Cobbs Creek renovations are a 5 year plan, so we've got a ways to go before they are done.

 

@Guest  Walnut Lane, and John F Byrne are managed by the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia.  Although public, they have memberships available.  Economical for sure, but heavy traffic and limited budget has an impact for sure.  First Tee is making heroic strides in restoration and managing these courses.

 

St Joe's being close to the infamous "Main Line", there are myriad of choices.  Many of the private club choices have superb golf courses and facilities but require a deep network and deep pockets. 

 

Many of the clubs in the area offer "young exec/young professional" rates as a way to attract new younger members.  I know Bala offered such a tier several years ago.

 

I'd suggest trying to visit as many places as possible before settling on committing to one.  Also, if you are only interested in golf until say, December, you may do better to just pay daily rates.  There is a Victory Golf Pass coupon book that offers discounts to some local courses.  

 

Check out Golfadelphia dot com.  Chris has been reviewing local (and national) courses for about a decade and his blog gives detailed hole by hole reviews and pics of many of the areas private and public courses. Also the Golf Association of Philadelphia is a well-steeped organization with tons of member clubs and individual members.  If you are interested in tournament play, G.A.P. should definitely be something you check out.  gapgolf dot org

 

Much depends on how far you are willing to travel and when that travelling will occur (after classes at 4 PM during the week vs 10 am on a Saturday etc).  For me, much like a gym, if the course is too far away, or has a monstrously aggravating commute I wont go as often.

 

Hope that helps.  I'd be interested on what you decide.

 

J

Edited September 4, 2020 by simsjim215