I'm fortunate this blog isn't about my golf game because I played awful here. Having said that, it doesn't take away from a good public course close to my office and Philadelphia. I only played 9 holes but thought I should share my thoughts on the course. I'm sure I'll play the back 9 at some point and give my review on that once I have.
Pennsauken Country Club
(Clubhouse view from the 1st tee)
Having driven past this sign course many times, I didn't bother to read on the bottom where it says "Open to the Public". It wasn't until my boss and I were headed to a meeting and passed by (and by that I mean drove right through the middle) when he mentioned it was a good public course to play near our office... after work of course!
(Practice green and sign to entrance on Haddonfield Rd.)
I didn't see a driving range and the website makes no mention of one but they did have a couple of practice greens which looked to be in good shape. I'll get this out of the way now, the one "knock" I'd make on this course is Haddonfield Road, a VERY busy road cuts right through it. If something like this bothers you, it's not the place to play. There is a tunnel which gets you from the 3rd hole to the 4th and 9th back to the clubhouse so you do not have to cross the street. I don't mind playing near a street and it doesn't really come into play unless you have a pretty bad shot... ok, really bad.
The course was in excellent shape especially so early in the season. I started the round alone but was a member caught up to me due to traffic and we walked the rest of the way together. He spoke very highly of the conditions and said they take very good care of it all year long. having been my first time I was impressed with the quality of the greens, fairways and bunkers. I'd like the tee box cut a little shorter but it wouldn't have helped my game this day.
From the blues, which I played, the course plays 6,250 yards and is a par 70. The layout is pretty simple and straight forward. The only time I had uncertainty as a new player was on the 4th hole when you have a blind approach shot into the green. One way to solve this is play your approach into the green side bunker (I'm still upset with how I played). On a serious note, it's the only blind shot I can remember.
(Bunker guarding the green on the 5th hole)
What Else?
The course is very reasonably priced and walkable. I had something called a "Super Twilight Rate" since it was after 4pm. The cost for me to walk was $23 and I could have played 18 if time or daylight permitted. There is a coupon in the Tee Time Golf Pass.
I believe there is a snack bar/restaurant on the premises which I didn't have time to check out. The Proshop was not anything special but the essentials.
Overall
This is a course I would play again. It's in good condition, the people are friendly and it's reasonably priced. I could see the pace being a little bit slow with balls crossing into other fairways and it being one of the better kept public courses in the area. Once I play the back 9, or a full 18 here, I'll add more.
Location: Pennsauken, NJ
Cost: $23 to walk Super Twilight Rate
Slope/Rating: 70.9/129
Proshop: Yes but might not have everything you need.
Range: Not that I saw but I did see practice greens and they do offer lessons.
My Score: 47 (I played the front 9)
Play Again: I'm sure I'll be back
Website: www.pennsaukengolf.com
Notes: Be on the look out for OB. The 2nd hole, 4th hole, 5th hole, and 9th hole all offer the opportunity to re-tee from a bad shot.
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