Eastern PA Private Options

[magilla97]

Commonwealth, Sunnybrook, Blue Bell, Plymouth, Bellewood...

I am currently looking at joinning a club in the Philadelphia suburbs. Looking for any feedback on some of the following courses as well as suggestions on other options.

Commonwealth National
Sunnybrook
Blue Bell CC
Plymouth
Bellewood
Rivercrest

My criteria or priorites would be the following:

1. Golf - practice facilities, course conditions, pace of play, walking friendly, prefer length and challenge over "fun" - no need for any additional features (e.g. pool, tennis, etc.)
2. Cost - in the event I need to move will I lose my shirt on initiation fees
3. Pace of play

I am leaning toward Commonwealth. Any other courses I should be looking at? No need to suggest the Aronomink, Merion, Stonewall suggestions since these are way out of my league. Thanks.

[PJ0721]

I played in a GAP match at Overbrook last year on the Sunday of the Masters. I really enjoyed he course, the food, and the members were a lot of fun.

I am not sure what their fees are, but it is worth a look.

PJ

[Chappie]

I think Plymouth is pretty out of your criteria. Nice course, but not long. Does have challenging holes in some instances, and the greens are smaller so you have to be accurate, but it also get's a lot of weekend play and the practice area is pretty confined. Definitely a "fun" course more so than a "challenger."

[jumanji]

Bellewood has a yearly fee and currently no initiation or minimums. I think it's a pretty good deal for the money. I also don't believe it has many members as it doesn't often seem very busy.

[TheCityGame]

Rolling Green in Springfield. There's a guy here who I guess is a member. His avatar is their logo. Look for user Kmeloney.

Absolutely great course. IIRC, on the weekends before noon, you can't walk without a caddy, but it's a good walking course.

6917 from the tips (74.5/142).

No pool. No tennis. Grass range, and a short game area.

But, might be out of your league. . .I don't think it's as pricey as Aronimink (that's where I got married) or Merion, but it might be 10 or 20 upfront. Yearly dues in the 4-5 range with a food allowance, but I don't really know that stuff, just know a member there and play it once or twice a year.

[Wardman]

North Hills in Glenside/Oreland. You may not like the length, but the course is always in great shape, the people are fun and friendly, it has some longer holes (600yd par 5 is one) and also the older style small greens. That plus it is reasonable.

Manufacturers also has some deals going on right now if you look them up.

Where is suburbs of Philadelphia is a question though??

[Chappie]

Manufacturers is a pretty great deal if you live near by.

[C-Law]

I think Sunnybrook might be in the little bit too exlusive catagory to just call up and tell them you want a membership. I did a good bit of research last year preparing to get a membership for this year, i had it down to these courses:

Blue Bell - Very affordable, best location for me, really nice practice area, only problem is i hate the course was completely house lined

Rivercrest - Affordable but a little more than Blue Bell, really like the course, also pretty convienient locaiton right off 422

Bellewood - This would definetly be my choice if it was a little closer to me, cheap w/ no minimums, nice course, never seen anyone else playing every time ive been there.

I looked into plymouth too but immediatly ruled them out considering they were more expensive than the others, with a terrible range and i dont think the course is all that great.

[nickdamm]

Have you checked out Huntingdon Valley? I joined 3 years ago and couldn't be happier. The deals to join right now are pretty appetizing. PM me if you'd like more info.

[stevopagolf]

[quote name='nickdamm' timestamp='1334756006' post='4744190']
Have you checked out Huntingdon Valley? I joined 3 years ago and couldn't be happier. The deals to join right now are pretty appetizing. PM me if you'd like more info.
[/quote]

Isn't initiation like 30K? Dues are pretty reasonable I heard 7kish

[OReilly]

+1 for Huntingdon Valley. Not a member myself but "family" gets me on 3-4 times a year. Plus with 3, 9 hole tracts it's always open. Very challenging with the elevation changes and side slopes.

[nickdamm]

Initiation and bond at Huntingdon Valley total about $9,500 now if you are 39 or above and married. There are multiple categories down if you are younger and/or single.

[Irishry82]

Depending on your age Llanerch Country Club in Havertown is a tremendous value. The course is challenging and always in great shape.

[tw422]

[quote name='magilla97' timestamp='1331959354' post='4523499']
I am currently looking at joinning a club in the Philadelphia suburbs. Looking for any feedback on some of the following courses as well as suggestions on other options.

Commonwealth National
Sunnybrook
Blue Bell CC
Plymouth
Bellewood
Rivercrest

My criteria or priorites would be the following:

1. Golf - practice facilities, course conditions, pace of play, walking friendly, prefer length and challenge over "fun" - no need for any additional features (e.g. pool, tennis, etc.)
2. Cost - in the event I need to move will I lose my shirt on initiation fees
3. Pace of play

I am leaning toward Commonwealth. Any other courses I should be looking at? No need to suggest the Aronomink, Merion, Stonewall suggestions since these are way out of my league. Thanks.
[/quote]

Don't bother with Rivercrest-not a great course and they require tee times. Bellewood is ok but holes across Rte 724 are gimmicky. Facilities are kind of beat too. I'm a member at Plymouth and while the lack of a good practice area is a downer I think the course is underrated. Always in great shape and the membership is very down to earth and not pretentious. If you really want a great deal try Phila Cricket - two great courses, great practice facility, amazing clubhouse and locker rooms for a great price (sub $10k initiation). Also, look at Whitemarsh Valley. A very good course with above average facilities including practice area.

[bob86gn]

I am a member at commonwealth and have been there for almost 8 years. Very happy with the total experience, course is always in spectacular shape and the practice facilities are awesome. I don't know the specifics but I hear that pretty much everyplace is running some sort of special deals now. It is definitely a golfers club with a lot of good players. Shoot me a PM if you have any specific questions I can help with or if you want an introduction.

[Chappie]

Just an FYI, a lot of long time members at Plymouth are jumping ship. Not sure the specifics, but within the last month I've heard or met at least 6 different members who have left and 2 who are planning on leaving.

[tw422]

[quote name='Chappie' timestamp='1340219178' post='5136982']
Just an FYI, a lot of long time members at Plymouth are jumping ship. Not sure the specifics, but within the last month I've heard or met at least 6 different members who have left and 2 who are planning on leaving.
[/quote]

What have you heard as to why they are leaving?

[wakeusam]

Applebrook
French Creek
Hartefeld Ntl

All extremely high quality and i dont think ridiculous fees either
But they wont be cheap either

[Evolved]

[quote name='wakeusam' timestamp='1343402628' post='5364376']
Applebrook
French Creek
Hartefeld Ntl

All extremely high quality and i dont think ridiculous fees either
But they wont be cheap either
[/quote]


French Creek gets no play and last I heard was having finacial problems. And unless things have changed Applebrook will be waaaay out of this guys price range.

[flyersfan25]

What are membership costs at bellewood like? Just curious what "cheap" is.

[Sir Larry Wildman]

[quote name='Evolved' timestamp='1343403764' post='5364496']
[quote name='wakeusam' timestamp='1343402628' post='5364376']
Applebrook
French Creek
Hartefeld Ntl

All extremely high quality and i dont think ridiculous fees either
But they wont be cheap either
[/quote]


French Creek gets no play and last I heard was having finacial problems. And unless things have changed Applebrook will be waaaay out of this guys price range.
[/quote]

Ditto to Evolved's sentiments. Besides who wants to play at a Gil Hanse design all the time. (Insert Luke Donald comment here)

[scottaz]

I know this is an older thread but if you're still looking at clubs in the area, check out Indian Valley CC, in Telford. I've played most of the courses mentioned on this thread and have been a member at a few of them. Indian Valley is a hidden gem, best (fastest) greens around and plays longer than the numbers would have you believe. Been a member there for a few years and whenever I go play other courses, it always seems easier than my home course:). No initiation fees currently, I believe. Just need to purchase a bond. If you would like to check it out, just pm me.

Best,
Scott

[Gamble Gamble]

Do any of you guys that said manufacturers was a great deal know what the numbers are?

[tuckerbailey]

[quote name='The Talented Mr Chris' timestamp='1361240220' post='6455315']
Do any of you guys that said manufacturers was a great deal know what the numbers are?
[/quote]

am a member there and think if you join before end of march talking around 6 initiation... around 7-8k in annual fees

[ephmen]

Second Phily Cricket. Amazing practice facilities and 2 great, and very different courses, plus a 9 holer the wife and kids can use stress free anytime.

[golfsteve]

Did the look around for close to a year. Finally decided on Llanerch. Course is top notch all the time, great updates recently (18), and a new green at 9 unveiled in the coming weeks. Family can enjoy the pool that was updated in the last couple years. And second to great golf, the clubhouse is going through an incredible renovation. Done in Sept. Top it all, friendly membership.

Have friends at Aronimich and Philly CC. Both wonderful places, but can't justify the expense next to what you get with Llanerch 5-6x more. Overbrook didn't make the cut in my eyes.

[Philly Golf Guy]

What's the initiation/dues at Llanerch like? Considering a change in clubs at the end of the year.

[golfsteve]

[quote name='Philly Golf Guy' timestamp='1363825786' post='6654243']
What's the initiation/dues at Llanerch like? Considering a change in clubs at the end of the year.
[/quote]

$11,500 initiation (they were running a special, might be still going)
$5000 certificate
$5200 annual

[dpb5031]

Old York at Chesterfield across the river in NJ. Excellent track, currently no initiation = no risk. Great group of guys. Quite a few members from Eastern PA.

[Philly Golf Guy]

[quote name='golfsteve' timestamp='1363861434' post='6656175']
[quote name='Philly Golf Guy' timestamp='1363825786' post='6654243']
What's the initiation/dues at Llanerch like? Considering a change in clubs at the end of the year.
[/quote]

$11,500 initiation (they were running a special, might be still going)
$5000 certificate
$5200 annual
[/quote]

Thanks. I live pretty close, so might have to take a look.