Olde Homestead Golf Club in New Tripoli is a premiere facility

NEW TRIPOLI, Penn. -- Back in the mid 1990s, Jim Blaukovitch, one of region's leading architects, took land that had been a potato farm owned by the Snyder family and converted it into what is now one of the premiere golf facilities in the area, Olde Homestead Golf Club. The course is mostly open and follows rolling terrain. But there are a few holes that run severely either up or down providing some of the drama in the design.

"There are two holes in particular that play from elevated tee boxes," Blaukovitch offers. "A lot of discussion went into both of them. Eventually one became a par 3 and the other a par 5. They are probably two of the more talked about holes on the course."

The historic use of the land for farming has been preserved. The old farmhouse, circa 1910, was converted into the clubhouse. The large barn remains a focal point as you pull up to the club drop. There are also two drive-through corn cribs on the cart track. An old one-room school house sits near the 13th tee box.

Olde Homestead is also the site of one of the premiere practice facilities in the region. There are a driving range and putting green near the clubhouse, but up the street, with its own clubhouse and parking area, is a world class practice facility. It boasts 16,000 square feet of turf hitting area, six target greens, and 32 matted stalls (a dozen of those are under roof). There are chipping and sand trap practice areas and an 8,000 square foot putting green. The facility is also lighted.

In 2003, a par-3 course was added. The 9-hole layout features holes that range from 86 to 208 yards and allow you to play all the irons (and maybe a wood) in your bag. For 10 bucks you can work on your short game or take the family out for a quick 9.

The par-3 course was also designed by Blaukovitch. "It's not a throw away," he says. "There is some challenge there and it's an entertaining little nine."

The championship course at Olde Homestead has five sets of tees that provide a range of distances from just under 5,000 yards to 6,800. The course plays to a par 72. From the tips, it is rated at 73.2 and sloped at 137.

The first hole provides a challenge right out of the gate. The mid-length par 5 is reachable in two with a good drive, but few will want to challenge the small creek and waste area that run in front of the green. Lay up and you've still got a testy little wedge shot for your first approach of the day.

The first of the par 3s is the 4th hole. It's medium length, but has a dramatically elevated tee box. You've got to dial in the proper distance to carry a waste area in front of the green.

The 7th hole differs from most of the course in that it is carved out of the woods. The short par 4 requires an approach over a waste area to a difficult green.

The front nine wraps up with another tough par 3. This is a longer single shot with a pond hard on the left side of the green. It's difficult to commit to the shot and not leave it out to the right. If you do you might leave it on a bank that will create a very challenging pitch shot.

Some of Olde Homestead's up and down character is displayed on the 15th and 16th holes. The 15th is a par 4 that plays severely uphill. It's not overly long, but hitting enough club is essential to getting on the green in regulation. The 16th is a par 5 with the other tee box that has dramatic elevation. Standing on that tee you have to fight the temptation to jump on the driver. All you need is an easy swing to produce an impressive tee shot.

Orientation

Olde Homestead Golf Club is located along Route 309 north of Allentown. From the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike take Route 22 East to 309 north. From Interstate 78, exit at Route 100 north to 309 north to the course.

Where to stay

The Hawthorn Suites Ltd. in Fogelsville (800-527-1133) and the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Breinigsville (888-452-5664) are both within a 25-minute drive of the course.

Where to dine

Nearby Foglesville offers both ends of the dining spectrum. Go upscale at the Glasbern Inn (610-285-4723) for contemporary American cuisine. Or drop by the Yocco's Hot Dog Stand to sample its regionally famous dogs.

Off course

Dorney Park and Wild Water Kingdom (dorneypark.com) is one of the state's premiere amusement/water parks. If you're into spelunking, visit Crystal Cave (crystalcavepa.com ) in Kutztown.

The verdict

Olde Homestead Golf Club is a playable, yet demanding test of golf. The Blaukovitch design is from the school of 'tough par, easy bogey.' The low handicapper won't be facing a pushover and the mid or high handicapper won't get beat up or lose a dozen balls. If you're in Allentown, it is one of the two or three best courses in the area.

Fast Fact

Olde Homestead has one of the premiere practice facilities in the region. Next to the course is a driving range and putting green. Up the street, with its own clubhouse and parking area, is the club's world-class practice facility, with 16,000 square feet of turf hitting area, six target greens, and 32 matted stalls (a dozen under roof).

If You Go

Olde Homestead Golf Club
Rt. 309
New Tripoli, Pa. 18066
(610) 298-4653
oldehomesteadgolfclub.com

July 28, 2005

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