Meadow Brook Golf Course

$10 (cart included), played on Friday, October 2013 at 10am

Played here 10-4-13 for the first time. Course is decidedly low-end, but a pretty good value: I paid $13 for 18 holes, with a cart, using the Tee Time Book. Cost would have been $15 without the book. BTW, they only take cash - no plastic.

Layout is pretty basic on the front nine, but there are some interesting holes on the back, notably #13 and #17. Total yardage is 6290, and some of the fairways are fairly close. Only one danger spot, though; #16 tee is directly adjacent to and behind #15 green. Two of my foursome put their #15 tee shots on that tee box. OB is very tight on the right side of #14, with warnings to not leave the golf course property: evidently the farmer who owns the adjacent land is not a golf fan. Not too many bunkers in the design, and there is a good use of the modest elevation change available. Greens are medium sized, most are pretty flat, with a few severely tilted, and one or two contoured. Some water holes, but only a few that come into serious play and no long forcced carries. Course is walkable for those in shape: probably not for most seniors like me. Also, doistance markings are limited to small signs at 100, 150, and 200 yards. Signs might not be immediately visible, so judge carefully.

Conditions were pretty rough. We have not had much rain lately, and the course is not irrigated, so it is VERY hard. Tee boxes are hard, and littered with dozens of broken tees. Fairways are also very hard, and thin on grass, but they do get a good runout! Bunkers were pretty good. Greens were shaggy and slow, but had obviously been watered regularly, so they were in good shape and held incoming shots.

Staff was minimal, but cordial and capable. Clubhouse is an old farm house with bare essentials. No liquor license for that after-round beer. Carts are old and a bit worn, but mine ran fine and handled the hills and dales well.

Overall, this course is great for beginners, mixed foursomes, or a low-end change of pace. If you want upscale, it's not at Meadow Brook, but it is a great bargain, and worth a try.

BTW, there is another course in PA with the same name. It's out east in Phoenixville: I mention this because my GPS did not have this course in it...only the other one. If you've become GPS-dependent, as so many of us have, be forewarned to check your device!