Pennsylvania's Capital Region of Harrisburg has golf galore

HARRISBURG, Penn. -- Harrisburg, an unremarkable town with a population of just over 50,000, is located in the south central part of Pennsylvania about 100 miles west of Philadelphia and 200 miles east of Pittsburgh. Location being everything, Harrisburg (not Philadelphia) became the capital of the Keystone State because it is more centrally located within the state.

There's more to Harrisburg than just lobbyists and legislators. The town is at the center of the Capital Golf Region, which also includes Lancaster, York, Gettysburg and Chambersburg. The development of some high-end courses during the past decade compliments some solid courses that have been around for years. Together they have transformed the region into a legit golf destination.

In the tradition of the Pennsylvania Legislature, everyone who wants to learn more about golf in the Capital Region say aye! The ayes have it. Grab your clubs and follow me.

Must Play Courses

Penn National Golf Club & Inn
Located in Fayetteville, Penn National boasts two outstanding 18-hole courses with very different designs. The Founders Course has been around since the late 60's and features classic design. The Iron Forge Course opened in 1996 and it features a links design. Both courses are rated 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest magazine.

Carroll Valley Resort
This is another 36-hole facility located in Fairfield. The Carroll Valley Course is the stronger of the two. It has six par 3s and five par 5s. Three miles down the road is the Mountain View Golf Club, a shorter venue and not as demanding as its sister course.

Links at Gettysburg
The course is located just south of Gettysburg, site of the historic three-day Civil War battle. The Links combines several man-made lakes with distinctive red rock outcroppings that create a number of dramatic holes. It's definitely a course with plenty of "wow appeal."

The Bridges Golf Club
The Bridges, designed by two brothers with no previous experience in golf course design, turns out to be far above average. There are numerous wetlands spanned by 14 scenic bridges as you make your way around the loop. The course is in Abbottstown.

Hawk Lake Golf Club
The owners made what was old new again by plowing under the former Yorktown course and building an entirely new track on the site. The result is a major upgrade and an interesting golf test. The route teems with wildlife, especially the red-tailed hawks from which the course takes its name. Hawk Lake is in York.

Dauphin Highlands Golf Course
Located within a few miles of the Pennsylvania Capitol building in Harrisburg, this is a very strong municipal layout which mixes parkland and links golf. With its muni pricing, the course can be difficult to get on at times.

Country Club of Hershey South
Located in Chocolate Town USA -- Hershey -- this is one of three courses that are a part of the Hershey resort, but the only one you can play without being a guest. It might not be as good as its sisters, but it is a good test of golf. Built in 1927, it displays the classic design of the courses from that era. It's short and tight and lots of fun to play!

The Best of the Rest
Royal Oaks Golf Club near Lebanon is a strong links-style design. Briarwood Golf Club in York is a notable 36-hole complex. The newer West course is considered the stronger of the two. Honey Run Golf and Country Club in York is a mature layout with some strategic flair. South Hills Golf Club in Hanover has 27 holes with the North/West combo offering the stiffest challenge. Springwood Golf Club in York offers dramatic up and down play. Majestic Ridge Golf Club in Chambersburg is target golf where some local knowledge comes in handy. The Whitetail Golf Resort in Mercersburg offers sporty resort golf in the shadow of the resort's ski area. Greencastle Greens Golf Club in Greencastle is solid challenge with some excellent holes in the mix.

Where to stay

The Hotel Hershey is about as good as is gets, if your budget can handle it. The grand old hotel was built during the depression by Chocolate magnate Milton Hershey. Staying there also gets you onto the East and West courses of Hershey Country Club (we told you about the public South course earlier). More modest accommodations and stay and place packages are available at pagolfgetaways.com.

Where to dine

Dining at the Hotel Hershey is an Epicurean fantasy. The Sunday Brunch there is especially good. More information is available at hersheypa.com. In the historic town of Gettysburg, visit the Dobbin House Tavern. The traditional menu is served in what is the oldest building in town and just across the street from where Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. Their Web site is dobbinhouse.com.

Off Course

In Hershey, you've got to experience Hershey Park with its dozens of amusement rides. Also take a tour of the chocolate factory. Again visit hersheypa.com much all the resort has to offer. For a taste of history, the National Battlefield of Gettysburg can be a very profound experience. The 1863 Civil War 3-day battle was a bloody massacre as the South's advance was repelled by the Union troops. The entire area is a wealth of historic landmarks. A good overview of what the area offers is available at gettysburg.com.

If You Go

Penn National Golf Club and Inn,
Fayetteville, Pa.
(717) 352-3000
penngolf.com

Carroll Valley Golf Resort,
Fairfield, Pa.
(800) 548-8504

The Links at Gettysburg,
Gettysburg, Pa.
(717) 359-8000
thelinksatgettysburg.com

The Bridges Golf Club,
Abbottstown, Pa.
(800) 942-2444
gothamgolf.com

Hawk Lake Golf Club,
York, Pa.
(717) 764-2224
gothamgolf.com

Dauphin Highlands Golf Course,
Harrisburg, Pa.>
(717) 986-1984

Country Club of Hershey- South,
Hershey, Pa.
(800) 900-4653

Royal Oaks Golf Club,
Lebanon, Pa.
(717) 274-2212
gothamgolf.com

Briarwood Golf Club,
York, Pa.
(800) 432-1555

Honey Run Golf and Country Club,
York, Pa
(800) 475-4657
gothamgolf.com

South Hills Golf Club,
Hanover, Pa.
(717) 637-7500

Springwood Golf Club,
York, Pa.
(717) 747-9663

Majestic Ridge Golf Club,
Chambersburg, Pa.
(888) 743-4346

Whitetail Golf Resort,
Mercersburg, Pa.
(888) 493-4169
whitetailgolfresort.com

Greencastle Greens Golf Club,
Greencastle, Pa.
(717) 593-9192

December 4, 2004