Iron Valley Golf Club is no wimpy place to play

CORNWALL, Penn. -- The short list of great public golf courses in Pennsylvania would have to include Iron Valley Golf Club in Cornwall, Lebanon County. The front and back nines couldn't be more different, or more enjoyable. The outward nine has a more traditional feel, while the inward holes are links style but played in a unique setting with a moonscape quality.

"It's interesting to hear the comments of first timers," explains Head Pro Bill Neiswender. "They always talk about how different the two nines are, but almost always stress how they enjoyed both and feel they work well together for a very entertaining 18 holes of golf. It's a testament to the strength of the design."

The designer is P.B. Dye, son of the legendary architect Pete Dye. There is evidence throughout the course of the son using some of his father's trademark design features, such as railroad ties and even an island green.

Iron Valley benefits from the interesting and diverse land it occupies. The name is a tribute to the iron ore mining that went on in the area. The course is built around some former mining features to great effect. The front is dubbed the Mine Nine; the back is called the Tailings Nine. Tailing, the rock that is broken up during the mining process, was deposited where the back nine was built.

The front nine plays up, down and around the Rexmont Mountain. The first hole is an indication that Iron Valley will test even the best golfers. It's a long par 4 that drops dramatically toward the hole and is an unusually demanding hole for an opener.

Perhaps the best hole on the front nine is the par-5 4th hole. It also has a significant drop in elevation from tee to green. It's a long hole that doglegs left around a small lake created by a caved in mine shaft. Crush your drive and some might be tempted to cut the corner, fly the lake and try to get home in two. It's a heroic hole and a super par 5.

Once you make the turn, you know you're on a special course as the layout shifts gears and heads in an entirely different direction.

The 10th is an ordinary hole, with an extraordinary view from the green. After you hit your approach, you'll pull your cart up and be greeted by a spectacular view of the Lebanon Valley. On a clear day.well, you've heard the song.

Most of the back nine is links style golf, with the holes placed on an unusual barren landscape. All but two play through a bowl-like depression and around a large lake that is a primary feature on two of the best holes on the back.

The 14th is P.B.'s homage to his father's famous 17th at Sawgrass. It only plays to about a hundred yards, but the green is surrounded by water and even on a hole that short, the pulse quickens. If the wind is blowing, hit and hope.

The 16th hole is a mid-length par 5 that plays around the lake. The landing area isn't too bad, but the second shot needs to be precise because the fairway seems to squeeze down to ribbon width. The approach shot might have to cross over the corner of the lake, so it, too, requires shot control.

Iron Valley Golf Club is a good test of golf. From the tips it plays over 7,000 yards, with a slope of 138 and rating of 74.9. The blue tees are a handful at 6,452 yards. Mid and high handicappers will have plenty of challenge at 5878 from the white tees. The forward tees play to about 4900.

It is also is a true destination golf course. Neiswender explains, "We get players traveling up to 2 hours to play here. They'll come from Philadelphia and Baltimore."

Neiswender, who was recently brought in as part of an ownership change, says plans call for expansion of the modest clubhouse and pro shop.

The course has a three-tiered driving range with primarily natural grass hitting areas. There is also a large putting green.

Orientation

The course is just a few miles from Lebanon. From the Pennsylvania Turnpike, get off at exit 20, take 72 north to 322 east and look for signs to the course.

Where to stay

Iron Valley has stay-and-play deals with two local establishments. The Hampton Inn on Rt. 72 can be contacted by calling (717) 665-6600. The historic Black Horse Lodge in nearby Adamstown offers stay and play at Iron Valley as well as a number of other courses in the area.

Where to dine

If you're staying at the Black Horse Lodge, the restaurant is a local favorite for its Angus beef. On Cumberland Street in Lebanon, the George Washington Tavern (717) 274-5075 is a good bet for hearty fare.

Off course

Hershey Park, the largest amusement park in central Pennsylvania, is within a 30-minute drive of the course. Find out more at www.hersheypa.com. A completely different experience awaits a half-hour away in the other direction toward Lancaster. The Landis Valley Museum provides living history of the Pennsylvania Dutch Culture (www.landisvalleymuseum.org).

The verdict

Iron Valley Golf Club is not a typical golf experience. If you like plain vanilla, don't bother. But if you're looking for solid golf in a great setting, you won't regret time spent here.

Fast Fact

The 14th hole, a short par 3 surrounded by water, is P.B.' s homage to his father's famous 17th at Sawgrass.

If You Go

Iron Valley Golf Club
Rexmont Rd.
Cornwall, Pa. 17016
(717) 279-7409
www.ironvalley.com

June 30, 2004

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management.