Olde king coal: Coal region has plenty to offer area golfers

SCRANTON, Pa. - Pennsylvania Coal fed the American Industrial Revolution. Coal mines dotted the mountainous terrain and created industrial hubs in towns like Reading, Pottsville, Hazleton and Scranton. The men who eked the precious fuel from the earth spent long hours deep underground in the cold and damp darkness. Doing back-breaking work led many to early deaths. If a mining accident didn't get them, years of breathing in coal-dust often caused the deadly 'black lung' disease.

Coal mining is no longer driving the economic engine of the Keystone State, but the beauty of the Coal Region is still in evidence and provides the backdrop for some spectacular golf.

MUST PLAYS

Stone Hedge Country Club

Stone Hedge Country Club is in a remote location about 20 miles northwest of Scranton. The modern layout maximizes the hilly terrain and has some amazing holes. This is regional architect Jim Blaukovitch's first solo project and possibly his best. Some consider the views from the numerous elevated tee boxes worth the price of admission.

Sugarloaf Golf Course

Sugarloaf Golf Course combines some great holes, hilly terrain and awesome scenery to create an outstanding golf experience. Built in the 1960's, the course was designed by noted New England architect Geoffrey Cornish. Given the up and down play, experience on the course is a key to scoring well. The course is located about six north of Hazleton.

Wilkes Barre Municipal Golf Course

Wilkes Barre Municipal Golf Course is another Cornish design from the 60's. It's much better than the typical muni. The thoughtful design is matched by pretty good conditioning. Naturally it's a local favorite, so tee times during non-peak hours and days are easier to come by.

Edgewood in the Pines Golf Course

The lyrical name does Edgewood in the Pines Golf Course justice. The classic design is supported by seven lakes and the Nescopeck Creek. Keep your ball out of the water on in the tree-lined fairways if you're looking to shoot a good score. If you don't, you'll have to console yourself with the beautiful scenery. The course is five miles from Hazleton.

Mill Race Golf Course

Another from the hand of Geoffrey Cornish, Mill Race Golf Course is a short sporty course that will challenge you to keep your ball out of numerous water hazards. It's in the middle of nowhere about 30 miles west of Wilkes Barre, but worth seeking out.

Golden Oaks Country Club

Golden Oaks Country Club is located about 18 miles east of Reading. It was private when it opened in the mid-1990s, but opened for public play shortly thereafter. Architect Jim Blaukovitch designed some memorable holes including the par-3s on the front which both require shots over ponds. The par-5 home hole is a great risk/reward finisher.

Galen Hall Country Club

Galen Hall C.C. is a great old golf course designed in part by A.W. Tillinghast. It boasts one of the oldest "island" holes in the country. The par-3 15th is surrounded by a moat. It's a short layout with devilishly difficult greens. Some might consider it quirky, but the same could be said of many of the great old venues across the pond. The course is 10 miles northwest of Reading.

Iron Valley Golf Club

We're stretching a bit beyond the Coal Region to pick up a gem that has a mining connection. Just a few years old, the P.B. Dye-designed Iron Valley Golf Club offers some exciting golf. The mining connection is evident on the back nine where the remnants of an abandoned mining operation are used to extraordinary effect. Left over silt was dumped at the site which resulted in a "moonscape" that creates a very different and enjoyable golf experience. The course is three miles from Lebanon and a little south of what is traditionally considered Coal Country.

The best of the rest:

Scranton Municipal Golf Course is an above average muni, but just beneath the bar set by neighboring Wilkes Barre. Hidden Valley Golf Course west of Pottsville provides exciting up and down play. Mountain Valley Golf Club west of Hazleton underwent a major facelift and its 27-holes emerged much improved. Eagle Rock Resort near Hazleton is just a few years old and provides a scenic round. The Sand Springs golf course north of Hazleton demands accuracy from the tee in yet another setting that is easy on the eye.

Where to Stay

Historic and upscale is the Radisson at the Lackawanna Train Station Hotel in downtown Scranton. The 1908 Neo-Classical structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Get more info at radisson.com. In the Hazleton area you can stay at the Eagle Rock Golf Resort. Their Web site is eglrock.com.

Where to Dine

The Black Rock Brewing Company on Coal St. in Wilkes Barre is a good place for pub food and live music. More info at blackrockbrewing.com. Looking for Italian in Hazleton? Your best bet might be Angelo's Italian House on Alter St. Call for more information at (570) 454-9364.

Off Course

Since this is the coal region, how about a ride down into a real coal mine? The Lackawanna Coal Mine tour in Scranton provides you with an authentic experience. The Steamtown National Historic Site is also in Scranton and is dedicated to preserving the history of the locomotive. More info on both of these attractions is available at www.visitnepa.org. Looking for a little fun? Knoebel's Amusement Park in Elysburg fits the bill. It was built in 1926 and while it's been upgraded through the years, it retains the flavor of an old fashioned amusement park.

May 5, 2004