All Things Philadelphia Area Golf

[TU_Owl]

I recently got a a 2 year membership at Twining Valley Golf in Dresher for $350. I mean, it's not the nicest course in montgomery county, but for $175 a year (after 10am not including cart), it has to be one of the best deals around...

[Random Hack]

[quote name='Chappie' timestamp='1308888123' post='3331689']
Yeah I hear ya, but most of the time I work during twilight hours so I can't really get any cheap deals to do that.

I just want to be able to spend 45 mins at a nice practice green.
[/quote]

Not sure this is what you want to hear, but I've played pretty much all the good local tracks and I'd have to say Philly Cricket's practice area is the nicest in the area by far - double sided range, a few putting greens, 50, 75, and 100 yard stations for wedges (all with separate green areas), and a sick practice chipping/pitching/bunker area.

Was playing with a guy in the shamble who was thinking about joining - IIRC, he said he was getting quoted $10.5K payable over ten years for initiation.

[C-Law]

[quote name='jhy1281' timestamp='1308925544' post='3332301']
I recently got a a 2 year membership at Twining Valley Golf in Dresher for $350. I mean, it's not the nicest course in montgomery county, but for $175 a year (after 10am not including cart), it has to be one of the best deals around...
[/quote]

I saw that deal, if i worked close enough to the course where i could go play weekedays after work i would be all over it.

[luxman]

[quote name='YipMaster' timestamp='1308926491' post='3332347']
[quote name='Chappie' timestamp='1308888123' post='3331689']
Yeah I hear ya, but most of the time I work during twilight hours so I can't really get any cheap deals to do that.

I just want to be able to spend 45 mins at a nice practice green.
[/quote]

Not sure this is what you want to hear, but I've played pretty much all the good local tracks and I'd have to say Philly Cricket's practice area is the nicest in the area by far - double sided range, a few putting greens, 50, 75, and 100 yard stations for wedges (all with separate green areas), and a sick practice chipping/pitching/bunker area.

Was playing with a guy in the shamble who was thinking about joining - IIRC, he said he was getting quoted $10.5K payable over ten years for initiation.
[/quote]

No doubt they have a great practice facility, but a club with that kind of prestige should have such facilities.

For affordable clubs, Talamore has a very nice practice facility (not to mention one of the best pros in the area teaching there) and I'm very happy with the one at Blue Bell (full range, short game area with 4 greens and large putting green).

[C-Law]

[quote name='luxman' timestamp='1308938435' post='3332930']
[quote name='YipMaster' timestamp='1308926491' post='3332347']
[quote name='Chappie' timestamp='1308888123' post='3331689']
Yeah I hear ya, but most of the time I work during twilight hours so I can't really get any cheap deals to do that.

I just want to be able to spend 45 mins at a nice practice green.
[/quote]

Not sure this is what you want to hear, but I've played pretty much all the good local tracks and I'd have to say Philly Cricket's practice area is the nicest in the area by far - double sided range, a few putting greens, 50, 75, and 100 yard stations for wedges (all with separate green areas), and a sick practice chipping/pitching/bunker area.

Was playing with a guy in the shamble who was thinking about joining - IIRC, he said he was getting quoted $10.5K payable over ten years for initiation.
[/quote]

No doubt they have a great practice facility, but a club with that kind of prestige should have such facilities.

For affordable clubs, Talamore has a very nice practice facility (not to mention one of the best pros in the area teaching there) and I'm very happy with the one at Blue Bell (full range, short game area with 4 greens and large putting green).
[/quote]

Luxman,

Considering the 2nd day is at Blue Bell do you play in the Montco amateur?

[luxman]

[quote name='C-Law' timestamp='1308939659' post='3332987']Luxman,

Considering the 2nd day is at Blue Bell do you play in the Montco amateur?
[/quote]

No. I find it hard to justify spending $150 to play Ravens Claw (which I detest) and my own club.

[Chappie]

Didn't they used to use 3 courses?

I'd like to see them switch from Ravens to Plymouth CC. Would make it more logistically doable, and I prefer the course.

[gpt104]

Aside from the golf academy over at Tees in Conshy, anyone have any good local instructor recommendations?

I've heard some good things about Lou Guzzi at Talamore. Dom DiJulia's school is highly talked about but a long ride up to New Hope

[luxman]

[quote name='Chappie' timestamp='1309029028' post='3334954']
Didn't they used to use 3 courses?

I'd like to see them switch from Ravens to Plymouth CC. Would make it more logistically doable, and I prefer the course.
[/quote]

It used to be jeffersonville for the 1st round but always blue bell for the second round of the championship flight.

[luxman]

[quote name='gpt104' timestamp='1309090741' post='3336176']
Aside from the golf academy over at Tees in Conshy, anyone have any good local instructor recommendations?

I've hear some good things about Lou Guzzi at Talamore. Dom DiJulia's school is highly talked about but a long ride up to New Hope
[/quote]

Lou is a golf magazine top 100 instructor and is very good. I really enjoy working with him.

I also would recommend bob Everett at blue bell country club.

[OzzDOA]

In Delco I've heard very good things about Stu Ingraham at MGolf. Also George McNamara at Brandywine in Wilmington is a very good "Coach". I wouldn't call him an instructor or teacher as he really lets you drive the lesson to find what works for you, not just some prescribed method. I had a bad experience with the club itself (the board and president are clueless) but George is a quality pro. He utilizes Fred Shoemaker's "Extraordinary Golf" and is one of Fred's authorized coaches.

[C-Law]

Anyone going to the AT&T National? Ill be there on Friday.

[Chappie]

Was going to go to one of the practice rounds, but just too much to do this week.

[flyersfan25]

[quote name='gpt104' timestamp='1309090741' post='3336176']
Aside from the golf academy over at Tees in Conshy, anyone have any good local instructor recommendations?

I've heard some good things about Lou Guzzi at Talamore. Dom DiJulia's school is highly talked about but a long ride up to New Hope
[/quote]

I like Leigh Taylor at the Devon golf galaxy. I am not sure how good in door lessons would be for a low handicapper though, I am just starting out so I find the lessons to be great.

New here and figured I would post in this thread! I am from the Exton area and play mostly Kimberton Golf Course and Pickering Valley. Can anyone recommend some other nice courses in the area that are not super expensive and not too intimidating to play?

[luxman]

[quote name='flyersfan25' timestamp='1312126510' post='3438710']
[quote name='gpt104' timestamp='1309090741' post='3336176']
Aside from the golf academy over at Tees in Conshy, anyone have any good local instructor recommendations?

I've heard some good things about Lou Guzzi at Talamore. Dom DiJulia's school is highly talked about but a long ride up to New Hope
[/quote]

I like Leigh Taylor at the Devon golf galaxy. I am not sure how good in door lessons would be for a low handicapper though, I am just starting out so I find the lessons to be great.

New here and figured I would post in this thread! I am from the Exton area and play mostly Kimberton Golf Course and Pickering Valley. Can anyone recommend some other nice courses in the area that are not super expensive and not too intimidating to play?
[/quote]

Downingtown would fit this description. It's usually in good shape and allows walking.

[PhilCVG]

On the topic of instructors in the Philly area ... I'll throw Mike Dynda's name out. Teaches at Blue Bell CC. I recently switched to Mike after a few less than exiciting sessions with some other pros in the Philly/Southern NJ area. Mike has been awesome to work with. After my last few experiences with teachers/coaches, the switch to Mike has been refreshing. Phone interview, followed by a very thorough first lesson that includes an assessment of all aspects of your game via video for present and future reference. His short game/putting analysis/teaching is awesome.

[flyersfan25]

[quote name='luxman' timestamp='1312194504' post='3441129']
[quote name='flyersfan25' timestamp='1312126510' post='3438710']
[quote name='gpt104' timestamp='1309090741' post='3336176']
Aside from the golf academy over at Tees in Conshy, anyone have any good local instructor recommendations?

I've heard some good things about Lou Guzzi at Talamore. Dom DiJulia's school is highly talked about but a long ride up to New Hope
[/quote]

I like Leigh Taylor at the Devon golf galaxy. I am not sure how good in door lessons would be for a low handicapper though, I am just starting out so I find the lessons to be great.

New here and figured I would post in this thread! I am from the Exton area and play mostly Kimberton Golf Course and Pickering Valley. Can anyone recommend some other nice courses in the area that are not super expensive and not too intimidating to play?
[/quote]

Downingtown would fit this description. It's usually in good shape and allows walking.
[/quote]

Awesome, I have actually been considering trying Downingtown out for a while now. Hopefully sometime next week! Thanks for the recommendation.

Also can anyone recommend a good place to demo some drivers / get my swing speed clocked around the valley forge/Exton area? I am in the market for a used driver but I want to have some idea about what flex shaft I should get. I don't mind paying to get my swing speed checked but I don't want to be pressured into buying the club there.

[Chappie]

Anyone have any thoughts on Jim Smith Jr. from the Cricket Club? I've been reading up on a lot of the local club pros and he sounds like the kind of guy I'd really like to take a lesson from, but I'm unsure how to get a hold of him and set something like that up. Also would to hear if anyone has anything regarding his teaching, etc.

[Random Hack]

[quote name='Chappie' timestamp='1312614109' post='3456363']
Anyone have any thoughts on Jim Smith Jr. from the Cricket Club? I've been reading up on a lot of the local club pros and he sounds like the kind of guy I'd really like to take a lesson from, but I'm unsure how to get a hold of him and set something like that up. Also would to hear if anyone has anything regarding his teaching, etc.
[/quote]

Jim Smith is a good guy but I'm not even sure if he gives lessons (I assume he does, but he's the head pro and I can't recall ever seeing him give a lesson).

Mike Spina is at PCC and he's a really quality instructor - if you have some specific questions I could try and get them answered for you next time I'm there.

PM me for either (or both) of their email addresses if you're interested.

[Chappie]

Message sent.

[vinny809]

Played at Juanita several days ago. I'm visiting Philly for a month and most of the courses I've been to thus far have been run down and not well maintained. I've found that you can find better value in South Jersey. Played Ron Jaworski's RiverWinds in NJ just 40 mins from Philly and its the best course I've played so far. However, went to The Club at Shannondell and Warminister Five Ponds those courses decent as well. I've heard good things about Jeffersonville but haven't had the chance to go so far.

[Chappie]

Jeffersonville blows Shannondell out of the water.

Paxon Hallow, Jeff, Gilbertsville, Turtle Creek, Cobbs Creek, Lederach, Glenn Mills, Skippack isn't bad, Limekiln and Springfield, and you can get into JC Melrose during the weekdays.

The best local ones are probably Jeffersonville for the Norristown area, Glenn Mills (if you want to spend a bit, this is a great course and benefits a good cause), Lederach in the Harleysville area is awesome but the greens are still pretty fresh, Springfield is nice and Melrose is also really nice.

[OzzDOA]

Played Springfield this weekend and the course was absolutely horrible. Tee boxes and greens looked like a herd of goats had their way with them.

[Chappie]

Wow really? It has been a long time since I've gone, but I do remember it being in nice shape. That's a shame, not a bad track at all (though it does suffer a little bit from the same design issues that Center Square has).

[OzzDOA]

I don't know what happened but it was in very rough shape. Personally I think it is not as well maintained as other area courses anyway, but this was pretty bad.

[Chappie]

Played Westover today, wow. I know it's been a while, but I guess because of the apartments that were put up across the street, it's changed a lot. 12 is weird and promotes you to slice the hell out of the ball to hit a good shot (which I actually was able to do, barely cleared the creek). 14's old tee boxes are completely closed, you're hitting from like 200 out on what used to be the ladies tees, and the course in general just played like a more well watered, slightly longer twining valley. I was really disappointed to see how bad it's gotten, greens were really inconsistent speed wise and bumpy as hell.

Only reason I went to play was because Jeff had a league out until 6. Luckily they had to have the carts in by 8 and we got a discounted 9hole rate, because honestly I don't think it would've been worth the money otherwords.

[jed]

Can anyone give me an up to date condition of Wyncote golf club ? I am playing there this Saturday

[C-Law]

[quote name='jed' timestamp='1313004618' post='3470699']
Can anyone give me an up to date condition of Wyncote golf club ? I am playing there this Saturday
[/quote]


Havent played there is a few months but thats a course i'd bet is always in great shape.

[luxman]

[quote name='C-Law' timestamp='1313034150' post='3472203']
[quote name='jed' timestamp='1313004618' post='3470699']
Can anyone give me an up to date condition of Wyncote golf club ? I am playing there this Saturday
[/quote]


Havent played there is a few months but thats a course i'd bet is always in great shape.
[/quote]

I haven't been out there in a couple of years. It's a course I used to try to get out to once a year as I like the layout, but it's just so darn far.

I also remember when they charged over $100 a round. I see it's down to $50 during the week.

[jed]

[quote name='luxman' timestamp='1313069230' post='3472937']
[quote name='C-Law' timestamp='1313034150' post='3472203']
[quote name='jed' timestamp='1313004618' post='3470699']
Can anyone give me an up to date condition of Wyncote golf club ? I am playing there this Saturday
[/quote]


Havent played there is a few months but thats a course i'd bet is always in great shape.
[/quote]

I haven't been out there in a couple of years. It's a course I used to try to get out to once a year as I like the layout, but it's just so darn far.

I also remember when they charged over $100 a round. I see it's down to $50 during the week.
[/quote]

thanks ,
yes it is far but like others I like to get a round or two in a year, as it is one of my favorite course ,a big plus for me is they allow walking.