Top Suburban Golf Courses Near Philly

Championship caliber public golf courses cover the western suburbs. Many of them were once the private preserve of the country club set, but have since been taken over by municipalities and private owners. They still retain the splendor of a bygone era, but with reasonable daily rates. There are so many, like the Reading Country Club and its "Castle," that picking a spot for a fall foursome is often more challenging than the course. So in no particular order, here are some of the spots that a group of retirees with ties to KYW Newsradio have picked for recent weekly outings. – Jay Lloyd

(credit: Jay Lloyd)

The front nine at Paxon Hollow, which is operated and maintained by Marple Township, is a comfortable combination of dog-legs and straightaways with fairly open fairways. The challenge really takes hold on the back nine as the colors of fall begin to close ranks and require a bit more accuracy off the tee and on the fairway. The greens were fast on a recent visit, and some held a surprising and challenging slope. The course wants you to pay attention. The club house can fix you up with a snack or a hot dog between holes 9 and 10. Anthony's Restaurant is the place to sip and sup after a round. Non-resident morning rates, Monday through Thursday, are $50 and afternoons are $40, with discounts for seniors and juniors. Check weekend and other rates here.

(credit: Jay Lloyd)

Waltz Golf Farm on Ridge Pike had been a magnet for several generations of young golfers with a sprawling driving range, a par 3 course and even a bit of miniature golf thrown in. But in 1997, the Waltz folks went big time and developed the surrounding farmland into the par 72, 6,700-yard Turtle Creek course that became an immediate hit with local golfers. The gently rolling fairways and wide open spaces on most of the course make it a very walkable 18. But there's challenge out there, and it starts on the first tee as you face an impressive reed filled hazard. The appearance of swans against the fall foliage lets you know there are ponds and streams crossing and lining the fairways. Eighteen is a doozy and ends with a pond that saw our group drown no less than eight balls. Turtle Creek has a bar and eatery to unwind after a round. Weekday riding rates are $50, while weekends clock in at $68 with discounts for seniors and juniors. Find all the rates here.

(credit: Jay Lloyd)

If you're up for just 9 holes on a course designed for 9, the Worcester Golf Club is the ticket. This par 35 course combines open fairways, water hazards and gently rising and dipping terrain to provide both challenge and easy straightaway comfort. I stop here (among other spots) when I'm not with the KYW four. It's an easy walking course, or you can take a cart and relax. If you still want more, backtrack for another 9. Rates vary depending on whether you walk or ride, go for 9 or 18. The tab starts at $15 to walk 9. See all the rates and discounts here.

(credit: Jay Lloyd)

The "Castle" that sits at the head of the long driveway outside Reading is spectacular. It invokes the beginnings of Reading Country Club in a day when railroad barons and titans of industry wanted a place of their own for a round and a fine club house lunch. These were also the days when Reading had titans of industry. The course is impressive, although it is now operated by Exeter Township. The layout is heavily wooded with streams that provide the water hazards. The par 71 course over more than 6,100 yards was designed to test skill over fairways that widen and contract, rise to scenery enhancing elevations and dip into compact valleys. Weekday rates are $45 while weekends are $60 with discounts for seniors, juniors and military personnel. Check all the rates here. At the end of the challenge, the solid mahogany bar and country-club atmosphere of the dining room serves up meals that go well beyond typical golf course fare. It's a local fine dining oasis.

(credit: Jay Lloyd)

There's year-round golf at Linfield National. If the weather turns too cold, rainy or snowy to venture out on the course, the clubhouse holds simulators that mimic some of the most interesting courses in the golfing world. On the real course, a challenging array of bunkers, tree lines and water hazards along with changing terrain keeps you on your toes over most of the 18 holes on this par 71course that spans nearly 6,400 yards. Weekday rates here are $42 and weekends are $52 with discounts for seniors and juniors. Mulligan's Bar and Grille in the clubhouse is the spot for lunch.