Golf in Pennsylvania's Dutch Country is for the ages

LANCASTER, Pa. - Pennsylvania Dutch Country is centered in Lancaster County about 75 miles west of Philadelphia. The Dutch are primarily a farming people, and some in this region still speak the dialect. This is especially true of the conservative Amish sect, seen traveling the roads of the county in horse-drawn buggies. The Amish shun modern conveniences, including automobiles and electricity, preferring to plow their fields with horses rather than tractors.

While a visit to Pennsylvania Dutch Country can be like stepping back in time, golfers are provided all the modern amenities and some quality golfing venues. Here is a list of the must-play golf courses in Pennsylvania's Dutch Country ...

Pilgrim's Oak Golf Course

Pilgrim's Oak Golf Course is in a remote spot, 24 miles south of the town of Lancaster and not far north of the Maryland border. This may be the best public golf course in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Dr. Michael Hurzdan routed the course and created some spectacular golf. Several of the par 3s are especially strong and several of the par 5s provide a risk/reward challenge. Elevation changes also provide a test of shot making. Play to your handicap on this course and you will have done well.

Foxchase Golf Club

Foxchase Golf Club might be described as player friendly. Hit the ball straight and you've got a shot at posting a good score. The design isn't overly penal and water comes into play on only a few holes. The course is always very well maintained and the greens are among the best in the region. The John Thompson-designed course is about 20 miles east of Lancaster.

Crossgates Golf Course

Crossgates Golf Course is another player friendly venue with an interesting figure-eight layout. Distance isn't the issue here, but if you spray your ball around it means trouble. The Conastoga River provides a visual diversion. The course is just three miles outside Lancaster.

Moccasin Run Golf Course

Some 20 miles east of Lancaster, Moccasin Run Golf Course is another John Thompson design with a few risk/reward holes, but plenty of chances to for an aggressive attack - and a good score.

Honeybrook Golf Club

Opened just a few years ago, the course is quickly gaining a solid reputation in the region. Honeybrook Golf Club has a great design, thanks to Pennsylvania favorite Jim Blaukovitch. None of the holes are pushovers, but none are unfair. The course has a strong selection of par 3s. Honeybrook sits on the eastern edge of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, 30 miles east of Lancaster.

Heritage Hills Golf Resort and Conference Center

This is a traditional resort course that doesn't beat up the occasional player. But Heritage Hills Golf Resort is also a layout that will challenge and excite a more seasoned golfer. The resort does a fair amount of corporate outings so be prepared for a longer round. GPS has been added to help speed up play. The course is in York.

Lancaster Host Golf Resort

Some of the polish is off the apple at Lancaster Host Golf Resort, but it remains an interesting design. Built in 1962, this is the only golf course listed so far that wasn't built in the 1990s or later. There were 27 holes here, but nine have been allowed to go to seed. Conditioning is inconsistent, but when it's good the course does provide a solid challenge. It is just a few miles east of Lancaster.

The best of the rest

Overlook Golf Club in Lancaster is one of the oldest in the region, but recently got a facelift. Hawk Valley Golf Club in Denver has fast greens with lots of slope. Groff's Farm Golf Club in Mount Joy provides a handful of interesting holes. Cool Creek Country Club in Wrightsville provides a decent front nine and a strong set of inward holes.

Where to stay

There are lots of options because it's a tourist destination. But here are a couple of interesting possibilities. The Fulton Steamboat Inn (717-299-9999) in Strasburg is a replica of an actual steamboat. It's totally out of place in staid and conservative Dutch Country, but it has a great location close to dozens of factory outlets. On the opposite end of the lodging spectrum is Stone Haus Farm B&B (717-653-8444). in Manheim. The experience is a working farm prepared to provide city folk with insight into country living. Roosters provide a serenade if you have an early tee time! For more traditional accommodations visit padutchcountry.com.

Where to dine

Sample the Pennsylvania Dutch lifestyle through its unique cuisine. It's definitely fresh and right off the farm. If you've never had scrapple with your eggs for breakfast, take the plunge. The Good ‘n Plenty Restaurant (717-394-7111) in Smoketown is the real deal for traditional Dutch cooking. If you're looking for quantity and quality try the Shady Maple Smorgasbord, a huge dining facility along Route 23 in East Earl. Find out more at shady-maple.com.

Off course

Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park (dutchwonderland.com) is toned down a couple of notches from nearby Hershey Park, but is great for young kids and their parents or grandparents. Another opportunity to get a real taste of Dutch Country is the Amish Barn Buggy Rides in the hamlet of Bird-In-Hand. You can get a tour of the back roads of the area and a sense of the calm and serenity of the region. For hours of operation and rates call (717) 556-2051.

May 5, 2004