That's a great question, Rory, and we indeed discuss that comparison yesterday. The courses are quite similar in many respects, both being well routed on considerable rolling land situated right smack in suburban neighborhoods.
Both courses have very high "charm" factors, as well as "quirk", but West Chester takes the quirk factor to a higher level. For instance, the 2nd hole is a terrific Alps hole of 435 yards with a high white flag behind the green indicating intended direction. The green is hidden about 30 yards beyond an intersecting ridge that seems left over from quarry operations. As if one blind shot isn't enough, however, white flags also indicate direction for blind or semi-blind approaches on the 6th and 8th holes, the first being a significantly uphill par four that plays much longer than its listed 340 yards and the latter a downhill then uphill par five of about 482 yards that swings hard right and climbs after the drive that must avoid a large pond on the right.
The greens at West Chester are also much smaller than those at Phoenixville, and it doesn't seem as though most have lost much over time...in other words, they were never very big in the first place. All 3 of the par threes are good ones, even if a bit similar in yardage, with small targets that are tightly bunkered.
West Chester doesn't have any weak or compromised holes like the 4th at Phoenixville, which changed to accommodate parking lots and tennis courts. Both are really cool hidden gems and if I had the chance to play 10 rounds I'd probably play 6 at WC and 4 at Phoenixville, but I'm a big quirk lover.
Interestingly, we don't know the architect of West Chester, but we're hopeful that we can work with the club to figure it out. Someone sure as heck knew what they were doing, even back in 1906.
Hopefully Bausch or Matt come through with some pics here.
