Page 5 - 2019 Golf Guide

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It’s always sad to lose more green golf space, but it continues to be a growing trend in the industry. Centre Square Golf Course in Norristown, Pa., is closed for development, while Ambler, Pa.’s Limekiln Golf Club is likely to close after the 2019 season to make way for real estate. The Upper Dublin Golf Club in Upper Dublin, Pa., is also looking
at closure at the end of this season, as the Montgomery County Commissioners recently voted not to renew the course’s lease.
New Name, Same Great Game
Two courses you may not yet know by name, but you still remember by reputation, have been renamed after new owners purchased both clubs a few years back. Blue Bell, Pa.’s Bluestone Country Club (formerly Meadowlands Country Club) has had a nice transformation under new ownership. “With a marvelous multimillion-dollar renovation to our Country House, as well as a recent upgrade to our Golfer’s Grille, our club has never been better,” says head pro Chris Gardner.
Similarly, The 1912 Club (previously Plymouth Country Club) is thriving under
a new name and ownership after being purchased by a group led by golf professional Brian Quinn. The new name reflects the year when the Plymouth Meeting, Pa., club was originally formed.
Natural Beauty
GM Jeff Robinson and his team at Deerfield Golf Club in Newark, Del., have been busy in the offseason. When you tee it up this spring, you’ll notice lots of tree and drainage work, improved tee pathways, a new fleet of golf carts, a new food menu and a new Player’s Passport savings card.
The most colorful update is the creation of a butterfly habitat on holes 5 and 10. Deerfield recently partnered with the Audubon International and Environmental Defense Fund to launch Monarchs in the Rough,
a program to assist golf courses in creating habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators in out-of-play areas. Check it out on the website: www.deerfieldgolfclub.com.
Get The Kids Involved
Certainly one of the most scenic courses you’ll ever play, Baywood Greens in Long Neck, Del., also has many junior programs to make it more appealing to young golfers, including their divisional-winning PGA Junior League team and weekly children’s clinics. In their newest program, Operation 36 Academy, participating juniors have the opportunity to play every day of the week. To learn more, call (302) 947-9300.
(Non)Member Benefits
Thinking about a private club membership but don't want to make the up-front financial commitment? Lookaway Golf Club in Buckingham, Pa., is offering prospective new members a test drive
with their new Member Preview Program, featuring full golf and dining privileges during a no-obligation period. A limited number of spots are available. More information at lookawaygc.com. GG
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todaymediainc.com | Golf Guide 2019 GG5