Private Clubs in Philadelphia area

nickdamm · February 19, 2009

Manufacturers, North Hills, Lulu, Cedarbrook, Blue Bell

I'm looking to make the leap for 2009 to a private golf course. There are some deals to be had for memberships, so I am considering a few courses in the Eastern Montgomery county area. I am from Bucks County (Doylestown) but none of the courses right by me seem to be a good bang for the buck.

I am considering Manufacturers, North Hills, Lulu - all of which are within a few miles of each other. As well as Cedarbrook and Blue Bell. Anyone have any input on these courses? Am I missing any that I should be considering?

jgolfer33 · March 2, 2009

in the same boat and hoping to get some info...

bumping for anyone who might not have seen previously...

arkstorm · March 2, 2009

I'm from Hatfield, so we're all practically neighbors.

I've played most of the courses you mentioned. I think if I joined Lulu I would get bored. The membership seems okay. A colleague of mine is a member there so I get out there a few times a year. I think Manufacturer's is the best of the ones you mentioned but is also probably the priciest.

I know there are some other clubs in the area that are hurting so they're giving out pretty nice deals. Talamore sticks out if you like tight courses. I was a social member there last year but the course didn't impress me so I didn't join for '09.

I just got a letter from Commonwealth inviting me to join on an annual basis so they are probably hurting also.

What I decided to do this season is get a season pass to Lederach. Its definitely not a private club but I love the layout. And the price can't be beat.

jgolfer33 · March 2, 2009

thanks for the input ark. i checked out the lederach website, seems like a good deal for the course. how crowded does it get? is there a short game area where you can work on longer pitch shots?

arkstorm · March 2, 2009

thanks for the input ark. i checked out the lederach website, seems like a good deal for the course. how crowded does it get? is there a short game area where you can work on longer pitch shots?

I'm not sure about a short game area. I would call and ask. They have a nice grass range though with lots of targets and a great practice green. As for crowds, they're not too bad on weekdays which is when I play there (I only purchased the weekday season pass). On weekends they get a bit crowded and the rounds can get long because of logjams at a few particularly sticky holes: 5, 6, 12, 14 and sometimes 15.

againstthegrain · March 2, 2009

Clubs are in deep trouble. I don't know if you can get any straight answers from the clubs but before making a decision I would do some digging if it's more than a 1 year commitment.

arkstorm · March 2, 2009

Clubs are in deep trouble. I don't know if you can get any straight answers from the clubs but before making a decision I would do some digging if it's more than a 1 year commitment.

None of these Philadelphia area clubs that have been mentioned are going anywhere anytime soon.

jeremyf · March 2, 2009

Ark- I am from the Pennsburg area and have been considering the weekday pass at Lederach. Does the fee include the daily greens fee and cart? Do you normally go out as a single or did you join with someone. i am looking to step up my game this year and play more rounds and the membership would be a good chance to do that. - Jeremy

jgolfer33 · March 2, 2009

thanks again ark.

yeah, i hear you on the financial health issue. i am completely ignorant when it comes to the golf business specifically, but based on my opinion of whats ahead for the economy in general, i would imagine that a significant % of clubs are going to struggle to stay solvent...hope i'm wrong. looking exclusively at deals where i am comfortable exiting after one year

arkstorm · March 2, 2009

Ark- I am from the Pennsburg area and have been considering the weekday pass at Lederach. Does the fee include the daily greens fee and cart? Do you normally go out as a single or did you join with someone. i am looking to step up my game this year and play more rounds and the membership would be a good chance to do that. - Jeremy

It includes the cart fee which makes it an amazing deal. I normally go out on very short notice so I either get paired up with someone or if one or two of my golfing mates can meet me we play as a twosome or maybe a threesome.

If you're ever looking for a game there let me know and I'll see if I can make it out.