As an avid golfer and golf enthusiast, I have come across many unique experiences over the years spent playing and exploring courses. But one memory that still stands out involves an early visit to Jeffersonville Golf Club just outside of Philadelphia.
I distinctly recall as a younger man, stepping foot onto a small stone bridge spanning a creek on the par-3 8th hole. No sooner had my shoe touched down than a series of snakes violently slithered away into the brush, clearly disturbed by my intrusion on their habitat. Needless to say, it was a moment that got the blood pumping!
A few years later, I had the chance to play Jeffersonville again when my high school hosted tryouts there. This second visit allowed me to better appreciate the strategic brilliance of Donald Ross' 1931 design. Features like the tester 8th hole, with its small green perched above the creek, really began to wow me.
Of course, it wasn't until undertaking further research that I realized Jeffersonville's place among the best public golf experiences in the region. Even earning a spot on GOLF Magazine's list of top values at under $100 to play. While the course understandably experienced some decline through the 2000s, I'm thrilled to see the revival underway that has restored this true Philly-area gem to its former glory.
During my return trips to Jeffersonville as a high school golfer, I began to pick up on the strategic nuances that Donald Ross designed into this wonderful layout. The par-3 8th is a terrific example at 195 yards, asking players to challenge a sloping, stained-glass green nestled above the creek amongst trees.
Equally thought-provoking is the closing par-5 18th. Demanding two accurate shots to find the putting surface and favoring those who can flight the ball from left to right onto its severely pitched surface. It became clear why this had earned praise from architecture connoisseurs.
Sadly, by 2012 budget pressures were limiting long-time Superintendent Rich Schilling's maintenance efforts. Greens slowed, bunkers faded and rough grew patchy. Thankfully, the hiring of Township Manager Jason Bobst heralded positive changes.
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As Schilling reflected, Bobst empowered him to work with Director Mike Housley on "little pieces" that could rebuild Jeffersonville's former stature. Their ongoing diligence restoring Ross' strategic vision while elevating playing conditions has once again made this urban oasis one locals and visitors alike can enjoy for years to come.
“When he came on board, he really allowed [director of golf] Mike [Housley] and myself to do what we thought we needed to do to bring the golf course to where it is today,” Schilling said. “And we slowly chipped away at little pieces of the property that were in decline and built on what we had.”
Superintendent Rich Schilling began Jeffersonville's restoration in earnest in 2013, focusing on bunker work with noted shaper Tyler Rae. Together they reconstructed complexes framing holes 3, 5 and 17.
Beyond sand reconstruction, Schilling also removed "hundreds of trees" to restore Ross' intended lines of play. Fairways were trimmed and reshaped to the straightforward contours of the 1930s design.
Mike Housley, Director of Golf, recognized the "subtle things" like these which collectively elevate golfers' enjoyment. Indeed, with each subsequent visit, I've observed steady evolution yielding stronger experiences.
Jeffersonville now enjoys unprecedented popularity. 50,000 rounds played in 2023 foreshadows another busy season, with every tee stretched seven days out.
Crowning this resurgence, a striking new $12 million clubhouse debuted. Its dining, banquet and innovation hub known as "The Stables" cement Jeffersonville at the pinnacle of public golf.
While earlier plans to develop the course were suspended, Housley's vision drives this gem toward its brightest chapter yet.
It's wonderful to see the new Jeffersonville clubhouse delivering so many benefits beyond the golfer experience. Seventy-five well-paying jobs added substantial value to the West Norriton community.
Constructed for $12 million, nearly $5 million came from important grant funds. The remaining loan is hopefully manageable thanks to new revenue streams.
Director Housley stressed the municipal course's mission remains accessibility. Even as maintenance sits under $1 million annually, he and Superintendent Schilling expect balanced books through strong play and the clubhouse. Most importantly, affordable rates under $100 can continue.
It's also worth noting the nearby metro Philadelphia area suffers from limited stellar public options. With no GOLF Top 20 state courses open to all, Jeffersonville offers a stellar weekly experience. The ongoing Cobbs Creek restoration also provides optimism.
Schilling's hope the new clubhouse sees crowds matching the course bodes well for sustaining this oasis. By offering excellent value golf near a major city, Jeffersonville preserves the game's availability. Their revitalization sets an excellent example for public-accessible stewardship.
References: https://golf.com/travel/jeffersonville-transformation/
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