Teeing It Up to Kickoff the US Open Year in Philly: photos added

[Powell Arms]

Zoysia fairways a rare choice in this area, what is the thought.  It would seem like the ball should sit up nicely on this place to learn the game.

Mike,

We did some test patches of different grasses and zoysia was the winner. The ball sits up, which is great for learning the game, as you state.  It is extremely heat tolerant, and requires less off season maintenance because it goes dormant. So, we get a fun, playable 9 holes and the improvements and maintenance of the improvements have minimal budget impacts.  Win all around.

[Sean_A]

Thanks Joe.  The course looks very interesting.  Why hasn't there been much talk about it on GCA.com?  It seems like more and more of these cool old east side courses are coming out of the woodwork in recent years. 

Ciao

[Joe Bausch]

Thanks Joe.  The course looks very interesting.  Why hasn't there been much talk about it on GCA.com?  It seems like more and more of these cool old east side courses are coming out of the woodwork in recent years. 

Ciao

Maybe b/c Philly Cricket has two full 18-hole courses of note at another nearby site?

A couple of other things:  the crew cut and rolled the greens on Sunday morning just before we teed off.  They rolled super fast for early March and very true.

Oh, Mike Cirba has checked in to remind me that hit in fact hit 4-wood/5-iron on his birdie hole; he didn't like being short-changed on the distance!   

[Kris Shreiner]

Sean,

Philly and many of our golf-centric cities have loads of lesser-known, sporty courses that are slowly being rediscovered, as I'm sure you are well aware. That they get exposure and discussion on this site is probably one of GCA's greatest contributions. They SHOULD be shared and have their merits, particularly when they have historical context, showcased. This course is under 3,000 yds and our group, playing modern equipment, even with the better golfers, certainly had no one coming off it feeling cheated or cheapened by the shorter test.

The nine had challenge, charm, and craft throughout. It was FUN and FAST to play. Our last group, a 6-some, breezed around. These elements, when present over golfing ground, are really what make the game enjoyable...the LENGTH of the test is irrelevant! If the clowns at the top would understand and direct their energy at fostering awareness of this approach, the game would be FAR healthier and stable. In ALL areas. But they would rather concentrate on: the "BUSINESS" on golf, rolling out the next initiative de jour, and how to line their pockets.

If you plan on coming to Philly I'm sure our local contingent could provide Arbie-overload in squiring you around some of our storied and lesser-known, sporty gems. The US Open is here in June; we'd love to have you across!

Cheers,
Kris

[William_G]

the 9 hole looks fantastic!

I'mm visiting Philly for a few days May2nd-May6th for a convention and am hoping to tee it up most days. 

Any GCA folks willing to hack it around some of the gems in the area with an Oregonian?

[Kris Shreiner]

William,

Think we can help you there! PM me your details and we can go from there.

Cheers,
Kris

[John Shimony]

I missed a great day.  As soon as I read about the zoysia fairways it made me wonder if any other courses in the Philly area use them.  Do any?  I've seen zoysia patches in roughs but nowhere have I seen its intentional use as short grass.  Does it grow faster/slower than bent?  Does anyone know the general differences in care that it requires from other Mid-Atlantic grases? 

Philly Cricket seems to be a golfer's paradise.  See you guys soon.

[John Burnes]

A real treat for sure-enjoyed meeting and playing with you all.  Site of 1907 and 1910 us opens as well as 1910 philly open (McDermott won this becoming the first American to do so).

Article here

http://twitpic.com/cbc2y2

[Mark McKeever]

I just flew over St. Martins coming in from a flight out of Buffalo this afternoon.  I must say it looks just as cool from the air!!

Mark