Golf Destination: The Poconos

by GO GlobeHopper

Just a 90-minute drive from New York City or Philadelphia, the Pocono Mountains is a golfer’s paradise. Numerous golf courses can be found, from small private clubs and practice areas to sprawling resort courses designed by the greats. The varied landscape ensures plenty of challenges, and the scenery never disappoints.

The region’s love for the sport dates back to the Golden Age of Golf Course Architecture when legends Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast left their mark on the land. Since then, greats like Jack Nicklaus and Rocky Roquemore have built their own championship courses in the area.

Golf getaways are greater in the Pocono Mountains, where you can play, stay, and celebrate in the spirit of the sport’s top competitors. Browse the listings below to get to know some of the best courses – you might be shocked at the number of facilities in the region… and this is just a sampling. You can book directly with the tourism board via this link for Golf Packages, or plan a more personalized experience with Customized Golf Packages.  The game of a lifetime is waiting for you in the Pocono Mountains.

 

The Country Club at Woodloch Springs

The Country Club at Woodloch Springs has been recognized nationally by GOLF Magazine as “one of the finest courses in America. Golf Digest has named the course as one of their “Best Places to Play” with a “4.5 Star” rating for the past 26 years.

Experience the outstanding signature 14th hole, which requires a dramatic 220-yard carry-over “Hells Gate Gorge,” carved from the Poconos rugged mountainside by rushing water some 200 feet below. With four sets of tees and alternating pin placements, a variety of challenges await golfers of all skill levels. Utilize the 16-acre practice facility to improve your game or the state-of-the-art indoor performance simulator for lessons.

 

Country Club of the Poconos Municipal Golf Course

Country Club of the Poconos Golf Course, owned by Middle Smithfield Township in Marshalls Creek, Pennsylvania, is definitely one of the best places in golf to enjoy nature at its finest. But it also offers some great golfing adventures that demand attention: wetlands to carry; hills to climb; elevated greens and strategically placed sand traps, to name a few. Set against the Allegheny Plateau and the Pocono Mountain foothills, the Country Club of the Poconos’ picturesque scenery and impeccable conditioning provides a unique golf experience.

Open to the public, Country Club of the Poconos welcomes all golfers to enjoy the experience you would normally find only at a private members-only course.

 

Hideaway Hills Golf Club

Hideaway Hills is a premier 18 hole, par 72, 6933-yard golf course in the heart of the Poconos where you can enjoy a relaxing and scenic golfing experience. Whether you plan to spend a day or a whole weekend, take advantage of everything this golf course has to offer. From four lakes, spectacular elevation changes, over 60 sand traps, and signature Island Green, it will be a golf outing to remember.

If you are looking for a place to unwind from the city chaos and work on your swing at the same time, then Hideaway Hills Golf is the perfect choice in the Pocono Mountains. True golf lovers will find the course in sterling condition, plus there’s always room for a challenge on the putting green, 2-tiered turf driving range, and chipping green.

 

Jack Frost National Golf Club

Claim your piece of the mountain at Jack Frost National Golf Course! Experience the forgiving fairways and undulating greens at this 7,200-yard golf paradise. Jack Frost National follows the natural contours of the mountain offering wooded valleys with lush foliage.

Different than most mountain courses, Jack Frost National also provides wide fairways, easily identified target areas, few uneven lies, and no blind shots.

An impressive, state-of-the-art practice facility is available prior to your round.

 

Mount Airy Golf Club

Shown in the lead photo, Mount Airy Golf Club is like no other course you’ve ever played before. Designed after Sports Illustrated’s “Best 18 holes in Golf,” each hole is modeled after golf’s most legendary holes from Championship courses in America. Golf Course Architect Hal Purdy reinterpreted famous holes from such dynamic courses as Pebble Beach Golf Links, Oakland Hills CC, Merion GC, and Augusta National to name a few. The result is over 6,500 yards of stunning fairways, picturesque views, and outstanding golf course conditions expected at private country clubs. Looks aside, the 72.4/132 rated golf course is a true test of skill for every level golfer that decides to take on the challenge. Numerous ponds, streams, hazards, and elevation changes make for a great test of your game. The on-site pro shop is fully stocked with most of golf’s major brands, and the clubhouse offers impressive amenities. Golf rates start as low as $40 per person; a $10 casino credit is offered with tee time purchase.

 

Pocono Manor Golf Course

Pocono Manor offers 18 holes of championship golf, conveniently located less than two hours from New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. Surrounded by the beauty of the Poconos, the East Course offers players unique challenges, water hazards, and scenic mountain views. Touched by designers Donald Ross and William Flynn, the East Course has tested a number of legendary players since opening in 1912, including Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, and our own local Masters champion, Art Wall Jr.

It has also played host to All-Star golf, including the LPGA, several PGA Senior events, and numerous group outings.

 

The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort – Golf

Completed in 1911, the golf course at the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort is famous architect A.W. Tillinghast’s first-ever design. Rich in the history of golf, Shawnee has been the host of the 1938 PGA Championship, 1967 NCAA Championship, and many memorable events. The course design is primarily flat, and 24 of 27 holes are located on an island in the center of the Delaware River.

Our course has tee-to-green irrigation, ensuring the best Pocono golf conditions possible.

The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort boast a long line of greats who’ve played our championship courses, including Walter Hagen, Sam Snead, and Arnold Palmer.

 

Skytop Lodge Golf Course

Set atop the peak of a high plateau, no other Poconos golfing vacation offers a mountain-style track that plays over rolling terrain and boasts wide, tree-lined fairways and small greens that challenge players of all levels.

Above average in speed, the Skytop Lodge Golf Course incorporates water on two holes and plenty of strategically placed bunkers over its 6,656 yards, enjoyable for the casual player and serious golfer alike.

The tees, greens, and fairways are impeccably maintained.

 

Split Rock Golf Club

One of the best-kept secrets in the Northeast! Split Rock Golf Club is a 27-hole resort course with much to offer. Its majestic 585-yard 11th hole claims one of the most spectacular views in the entire Northeast, let alone one found on a golf course. Hit the links for special events, lessons, and clinics.

Refuel and hydrate at the on-site Sunset Green Restaurant & Bar.

 

 

 

Source: Pocono Mountains Visitor’s Board
Mount Airy Golf Club identifier photo by Go GlobeHopper
All others courtesy of PMVB

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