[Tom_Doak]

I last visited Gulph Mills 25 years ago this summer, when we were working on Stonewall and Gil Hanse and I used to go play golf on Tuesdays.


Returned today to play it with my newest employee, who grew up there, and a certain well-known former GCA poster who came along to visit.


I barely recognized the course!  They have done great work clearing trees and opening up views and changing mowing lines, although they could still do more.  But it was also way better than I remembered, thanks mostly to green expansions that have added backstops and fall-offs and all sorts of intrigue.  That is a wild set of greens.  It was a lot of fun to play, and it's significantly better than I gave it credit for in The Confidential Guide ... though that may be all down to what they've done over the 25 years I'd been away.

[Peter Pallotta]

I wish that former poster would return here, at least occasionally -- but I'm being selfish: it would be for my sake/benefit, not so much his own. 
Even more, I wish he'd pick up his clubs and play Gulph Mills again. I know - golfers who were once top-flight amateurs don't enjoy seeing their skills deteriorate.  But they should remember that "deteriorate" is a relative term; I have little doubt that his golf game *today* would be better than mine will ever be!
 

[MCirba]

I selfishly wish that too Peter, but I'm reminded of the line from "Field of Dreams" that said, "The man has done enough".

[Marty Bonnar]

I'm sure The LurkerTM maintains a paternal eye on us - so always be on your best behaviour!


F.

[Joe Bausch]

Here is my long photo tour thread of Gulph Mills from about 4 years ago:

http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,55729.0.html

The Lurker was around then! 

[JMEvensky]

I wish that former poster would return here, at least occasionally -- but I'm being selfish: it would be for my sake/benefit, not so much his own. 
Even more, I wish he'd pick up his clubs and play Gulph Mills again. I know - golfers who were once top-flight amateurs don't enjoy seeing their skills deteriorate.  But they should remember that "deteriorate" is a relative term; I have little doubt that his golf game *today* would be better than mine will ever be!

Pack your golf clubs,some tuckable argyle sweaters,and a few cartons of cigarettes and get to Philly. The golf is great--but the hospitality is unmatched.

[A.G._Crockett]

That former poster was the first thing I thought of when I saw the title of this thread; I, too, wish he would return.  To say that I learned a LOT from what he wrote over the years would be a monumental understatement.

[Ed Brzezowski]

Played and rated it last month, what do you think of the 13th green?

[David Amarnek]

Ed,
What is it about the 13th green?  I love it.
I am so pleased that Tom Doak made it back and wondered, prior to his new edition of the CG, if he could return and comment on the changes.  Great work by Gil Hanse and Matt and his crew.
Will be back next month to play a match vs. Prestwick and I can't wait.

[Ed Brzezowski]

I think what it is, is the simplicity of the green. You look at it from the fairway, or bunker in my case, you think you  know exactly what it is going to do. You see the massive break and allow for it in the approach or bunker shot. But I was grinning when it did what I thought it would do. You really just have to imagine the shot and then hope and hit.

Obviously , for me, it's hard to explain. I just remember grinning ear to ear after playing the hole. From the bunker to the back of the green to ten feet past the hole must have taken 45 seconds, it was a blast.

Loved the course.

ed

[Dan Herrmann]

Gulph Mills is one of my favorite golf courses.  Definitely in my Top 10.


And the locker room is in my Top 3!   After all, a hook and seat is all we need

[PCCraig]

Just looked through Joe's thread. One question, have they removed all of those horrendous willow and little flowering trees?

[David Amarnek]

The willow on 8 at the left pond is gone and the willows on the left of 5 and the back of 6 have been marked to be removed, if they haven't already.  I'm not sure what you mean by little flowering trees, but a number of spruces, dogwoods and oaks are also slated to be removed.
As Tom Doak mentioned, the course has a much more open look to it.  Additionally, the areas with long fescue create a new and, in my mind, a better look.

[Nate Oxman]

I love Gulph Mills as well. Am I missing something regarding the par-3 14th? I think it's the only hole that doesn't pique my interest.

[David Amarnek]

Nate,


From "GMGC Design Evolution 1916-1999" by Tom Paul and Charles Lighthall:


From the GMGC Design Evolution 1916-1999 by Tom Paul and Charles Lighthall:
The 14th was originally a weak 295 yard par 4 (blind).  Perry Maxwell relocated the tee box and constructed the green as played today at 190 yards.  W. F. Gordon enlarged the first right green-side bunker and built an additional bunker.  You can still see the remnants of a right fairway bunker from the old par 4, the top-shot cross bunker and the old Ross green back in the trees.


FWIW, I don't believe the Master Plan (Hanse) recommends any changes to the hole.  Not exactly my favorite as well.

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