Flatbush Golf Course

$16 (cart included), played on Tuesday, June 2012 at 10am

An update of my previous reviews. Our group played here 6-5-12, for $17 with the Tee Time Book. What a great deal! Current course conditions are excellent - the best we've ever seen for Flatbush. Great work by the greens crew. Fairways were almost lush, and the greens were just right, quick and true. Bunkers were a little inconsistent, but not unfairly so. As always, the staff is excellent: warm and welcoming, smiles all around; truly makes one feel at home. We highly recommend.

$21 (cart included), played on Tuesday, September 2010 at 8am

Played here again on 9-7-10, for $23 "special" price, and this is an update on conditions. In a word: sad. It's been a long and hot summer here, and Flatbush has no irrigation, so the fairways are burnt and baked. What grass that remains is thin and wispy. Greens are watered regularly, and were in great shape, and putted slick and true. Darn shame that the course is in such tough shape, as the folks there are very pleasant and welcoming. My recommendation: play this course before August, then lay off it until early spring.

$21 (cart included), played on Tuesday, June 2009 at 10am

Our group of traveling seniors plays here three or four times a year, most recently on 6-2-09. Price is always right, only $17 for the first time with the Tee Time book, $25 on subsequent plays. That's a pretty good bargain for this course, which I characterize as a typical "neighborhood" type layout in this fairly rural area of south central PA. Other courses nearby are Quail Valley, of very similar quality, Cedar Ridge, which is a bit downscale, and upscale is The Links at Gettysburg, which is a very nice track with typical prices around $50 or so if you shop the internet specials.

Flatbush is pretty wide open. No houses on course, fairways are generally pretty wide and receptive. Ponds come into play on five holes, and meandering creeks on a few more. Tee boxes are mid-sized, and most are flat. Bunkers are reasonably placed, and moderately sized. Greens are medium large, most are slightly tilted, but only a few with major undulations and none with abrupt tiers. They generally putt fairly slow. Rough is reasonable in most areas, and what little OB exists is not obtrusive. No faked up moguls or railroad ties, either!

Design is pretty good: no two holes look quite alike, and the architect made good use of the rolling terrain. There is enough elevation change to keep things interesting. Some pretty long holes - at least three 400+ par 4's from the White tees, two of which are uphill and almost always play into the wind.

Maintenance this year is pretty good: course is not irrigated, so during dry spells it gets very hard, but this year it is quite nice. One minor point: the carts do not have windshields – that is only a problem on cold and/or wet days (our group plays year-round). Course is walk-able, although the back nine gets a little hilly on 16 and 17. Clubhouse has a minimal pro shop with a modest stock of balls, gloves, and Adams golf clubs. Snack bar/bar is cozy, and offers a pitcher of beer for about $6, which is a pretty good deal. Staff is always friendly and welcoming. The course is not exactly on the beaten track, but findable without a Sherpa, and is worth a look. However, I recommend you call ahead to confirm directions, and ensure that a tee time is available, as they do host a number of outings.

(cart included), played on Saturday, November 2008 at 8am

FLATBUSH IS A VERY COMFORTABLE COURSE TO PLAY FOR THE BEGINNING OR INTERMEDIATE GOLFER. IT IS RELATIVELY EASY TO GET TEE TIMES AND THE STAFF IS FRIENDLY AND ACCOMODATING.