Steel Club, Hellertown PA

[Ugly Par]

I played Steel Club a number of years ago when it was Silver Creek. It was always in good condition but I wondered if anyone here is a member or has also played recently. I’m looking to join but wanted to make sure that the new owners were upholding the standards.  
 

It seems there is a lot of “work in progress” going on as part of their plans so I am hoping that the course isn’t taking second place to the off-course projects that bring in non-golfers.  I’m also wondered if the Hill Nine is still playable. It’s obviously never had the love of the main course (despite being part of the original Ross 18 layout) but being able to get a quick 9 holes in is great when the main course has a 9th green at the furthest part of the course.

 

Thanks. 

[JCarl]

I played it almost three years ago and I found it very enjoyable. I didn’t play the Hill 9 but I had heard good things about it then. 

[Bonneville85308]

I played the main 18 hole course last year and it was in just as good of condition as the last few years when it was Silver Creek. The course superintendent is still the same guy that was there in the last 5+ years of it being Silver Creek and he really turned it around for the better during that time. 

 

I believe they've let the Hill 9 go a bit since the ownership change, but to be honest, it was never in great condition even in the Silver Creek days unless you maybe go back to the mid 2000s. A busy day on the Hill 9 used to be like 10 people playing it. Ideally it needs a ton of tree removal work to get some sunlight and air circulation around greens and tees, plus the bunkers would need to be renovated. Some of it will be impacted when they go forward with the construction of new homes surrounding the property (holes 7 & 8?), but I don't know whether the ownership plans on keeping a few holes open or closing it down altogether. I wouldn't join the club with the idea that the Hill 9 is going to be around much longer as a full nine-hole course.

 

I'd have to think if you were seriously interested in joining, they would let you play a round or at least take a cart ride around the property to check out the course.

Edited May 4, 2022 by Bonneville85308

[Ugly Par]

Appreciate the responses.  They only want $300 per month for after 1pm membership (no restrictions Nov to end of Feb.) No joining fee either.  And they never close in the winter except for snow.

[JCarl]

On 5/4/2022 at 6:32 PM, Ugly Par said:

Appreciate the responses.  They only want $300 per month for after 1pm membership (no restrictions Nov to end of Feb.) No joining fee either.  And they never close in the winter except for snow.

If I lived close to there, I would for sure take up that deal. Down around Philly, it’s still madness. I’ve been trying to find a club for 2 years. 

[crazex]

I'm a member.  The Championship course is always in great condition.  There are a number of renovations happening to the club house area/alley bar, but those definitely aren't taking away anything from the course.  The new pro is great and he's brought a number of welcomed changes.  We just got a Trackman range and a tee line turf in addition to the grass for the driving range.  We also replaced the indoor simulator with a full Trackman setup.  Outside of the technology upgrades, they've also removed a number of the old pine trees from the course and it's playing really well.  I'd argue that the greens are the toughest in the area, and the course overall is unique enough to keep it interesting.

 

The Hill 9 is, IMHO, in mediocre condition.  The 1st & the 9th are always decent as they are in plain sight of the clubhouse area, but I rarely find myself playing the Hill.  If you have any other questions, happy to answer.