Old York Road CC

[Wayne Wiggins, Jr.]

The conversation in the ODG thread about Ross and Flynn at CC of York led me to Google the course to find out more.  In the search results, I saw a link for Old York Road CC and wanted to find out more about this Philadelphia area course.  My grandfather used to play here, but I don't know much about it other than what's on the GAP website.  Here's their brief description:

"In 1912, an additional 35 acres were leased to create an 18-hole layout that opened in 1913...

... In 1962, the Club faced its most daunting challenge ever. Under obligation to put its land to the most profitable use in order to support its expanding school, the Trustees of Abington Friends Meeting requested that Old York Road CC relocate. Forced to start over after 52 years, 57 properties were inspected by the Club’s search committee before selecting the 126 acre Bennerbrook Farm, located in Spring House Montgomery County.

A sum of $250,000 was spent to acquire the land and $500,000 was spent to renovate the Manor House, Cannon House and Barn, as well as convert the cornfields into an 18-hole golf course.

William and David Gordon were contracted to design and construct the course. One hundred and sixty-four members committed to make the move to Spring House and the first ball was struck from the first tee of the new course on July 4, 1963.

Measuring 6,600 yards from the back tees, the Gordons created a great walking course that is a demanding test of golf. Length is not the challenge. The course difficulty lies in hitting precise approach shots and putting the fast, severely sloped, undulating greens."

Who is responsible for the original design?  How did it stack up to others the area (i.e. HVCC, Philmont, LuLu, Mannies, Melrose, et al), as well as the greater Philadelphia section?

What are the defining characteristics (if any) of the current course?  And, to that point, what are the Gordons known for in terms of design and GCA?

[wsmorrison]

Wayne,

According to Jim Finegan's research, Old York Road CC was designed by the winner of a competition ($50 prize) for a 9-hole golf course.  The winning proposal was made by Jimmy Lang, then head professional at Huntingdon Valley CC.  The course opened for play on June 4, 1910.  With 250 golfers and 30 on a waiting list, 35 more acres were acquired and the course stretched to 18 holes, opening in 1912.  Two years later Tillinghast came in to suggest improvements.  According to Finegan, a number of his suggestions were implemented "as time and funds permitted."  Phil Young might know something about the changes.

[Mike_Cirba]

Wayne,

As Wayne mentions, the original OYR CC was designed as a nine-holer by Jimmy Laing, and then expanded shortly after.  

Tillinghast made a number of revisions there in the later teens, and is generally credited for building one of the first island greens there.

In 1960, when the club moved to a new site, the building of a shopping mall necessitated a reduction back to nine holes, which still exist today as "The Abington Club".  C&W give some credit to a man called Robert Strange, which is confusing, but he may have had something to do with the consolidation to nine holes.

Incidentally, the island green remains, as today's par three 6th hole.

http://www.abingtonclub.com/revised/golf.asp

[Tim Gavrich]

Isn't the Stanwich Club in Greenwich, CT, the work of the brothers Gordon?

[wsmorrison]

Mike,

Thanks for the additional info.

Tim,

William Gordon is the father of David Gordon.  William Gordon was a construction foreman under William Flynn.  After William Gordon left Flynn in the early 1940s, he worked on government projects during the war and later went into design business with his son, David.  They had a very productive career and are responsible for safeguarding the collection of William Flynn drawings, called the most definitive collection of pre-WWII design plans of any architect.

[mike_malone]

 I have played the current course several times but not in a couple of years. A few of the most interesting short holes have been severely compromised by trees that eliminate intended approaches. The undulating greens are  the  distinguising feature since the overall terrain is not impressive.

  Kelly Blake Moran did a veeeery extensive master plan a few years ago.  I don't know what has been done with the plan.

[Dan Boerger]

I played there in a GAP match a number of years ago. It was my one and only time there. I recall it being shorter than longer, with some really interesting green complexes and (as stated here) lots of trees. It's one of those courses you really need to have some familiarity with to score on (at least at my level). The hosts could not have been nicer, and were quick to offer advice as to what I should play ... but as we all know that's easier said than done the first time on a course.

[Steve_ Shaffer]

Here is KBM's work description:

www.kellyblakemoran.com/Old%20York%20blog.html

I'm playing there in a few weeks. I'll report back afterwards. From what I can see driving by on Tennis Avenue, the greens are very small.

[Kyle Harris]

The aforementioned Island Green in the snow:

[Rob_Waldron]

I have been a member of OYRCC (AKA "The Road) since 1977. The course has always had exceptional and difficult green complexes. A creative short game is the key to scoring. Undulating greens and large yawning bunkers have always been the prominant features of the golf course. Nearly every green features a hump in the middle. Unfortunately over time the front of most greens have developed into such steep slopes that they are virtually uncuppable. The bunkers have also been remodeled eliminating the sand faces and replacing them with grass slopes.

As is the case with most other courses in the Phila. suburbs trees have been over planted and under harvested. After years of complaints from the membership many of the pine and spruce trees whose limbs touched the ground were finally trimmed up thus eliminating the famous "Green Lakes" of Old York Road.

Kelly was tasked with a master plan several years ago. Little has been implemented with the exception of of the remodeling of the greens on #6 and #14.

Holes #10 and #11 feature a small creek which crosses the landing area which cannot bee seen from the tee. These are two of the most hated tee shots in all of Philadelphia.

The course is short by modern standards taking the driver out of play on many holes for long hitters.

The club has served as the home course to many notable Philadelphia area players including: Ted Hagedorn, Nevin Sutcliffe, Gary Deetscreek, Mike Griffith, Jack Hubbert, John Truax, John T.P. Finnegan, John Samaha, Chris Cope, John Francis, Mike Brown, Hugh and Will Riley, and Dan Burton.