Paxon Hollow Golf Club, a Century old and still popular among locals
Paxon Hollow Golf Course, also known as Paxon Hollow Country Club, is a public golf facility located in Broomall, Pennsylvania, just west of Philadelphia and minutes from the airport, if the Blue Route isn’t jammed. The course is owned and operated by Marple Township and is recognized as one of the most popular public courses in the Philadelphia area.
My friend, Connor grew up in Havertown & he considers Paxon Hollow to be his “home course”. He plays there regularly with his brothers and their dad & tries to play on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
Course History and Design
- Origins: The course dates back to 1926, the course is as old as Route 1. It was originally opened as a nine-hole layout before expanding to a full 18 holes about a year later. The original design is credited to Jay Franklin Meehan, who only designed a handful of courses in the Philadelphia region.
- Evolution: Over the decades, the course has seen several changes in ownership and layout, especially on the back nine, with only holes 11, 12, 14, and 15 remaining unchanged from the original design. The club transitioned from private to public in the 1960s and has been owned by Marple Township since 1967.
- Notable Events: Paxon Hollow has hosted various professional and amateur tournaments and has seen legendary players like Walter Hagen, Art Wall, and Ed Dudley compete on its grounds.
Course Features
- Layout: The course is a classically designed 18-hole track that plays just under 6,000 yards from the back tees (about 5,800 yards). Despite its relatively short length, the course features tight, tree-lined fairways, significant elevation changes, and strategically placed bunkers, making it more challenging than the yardage suggests.
- Signature Holes: The 18th hole is particularly notable, regarded by some as the toughest finishing hole in the area, with a large tree, a creek, and a challenging uphill dogleg left to the green.
- Facilities: In addition to the golf course, Paxon Hollow offers a practice range, a pro shop, a restaurant, and a banquet facility.. The clubhouse and snack bar have been renovated in recent years.
Playing Experience
- Pace of Play: The course is popular and can often be crowded, especially on weekends, leading to slow rounds that sometimes exceed five hours.. Weekdays generally offer a better pace.
- Course Condition: Reviews are mixed but generally positive regarding course conditions, with recent improvements noted in greens, fairways, and tee boxes. Some players have commented on inconsistent maintenance and customer service.
- Difficulty: Paxon Hollow is considered a good test for beginners and average golfers, with enough variety and risk/reward opportunities to keep things interesting. More advanced players may find it less challenging due to its shorter length.
- Atmosphere: The course is known for its classic, old-school feel and has a loyal following among local golfers.
Value and Pricing
- Rates: Greens fees are around $65 for a weekend round, which some reviewers feel is high compared to other local options, Walking is discouraged by pricing, as cart fees are included and there are no discounts for walking.
Summary Table
Feature | Details |
Location | Broomall, PA (just west of Philadelphia) |
Ownership | Marple Township (public) |
Established | 1926 (originally nine holes, expanded to 18) |
Designer | Jay Franklin Meehan |
Yardage | ~5,800 yards from the back tees |
Notable Holes | Challenging 18th (par 5), unique par 3s |
Facilities | Practice range, pro shop, restaurant, banquet facility |
Course Type | Classic, tree-lined, elevation changes, strategic bunkering |
Typical Pace | Can be slow, especially on weekends |
Price Range | ~$65 for 18 holes with cart (as of 2024-2025) |
Audience | Popular with local golfers, good for beginners and intermediates |
Special Notes | Hosts many outings and tournaments, rich history, recent improvements |
Conclusion
Paxon Hollow Golf Course offers a blend of historic charm, classic design, and accessibility as a public facility. While it is not the longest or most luxurious course in the area, its unique layout, storied past, and convenient location make it a favorite among local golfers. However, potential visitors should be prepared for slow play during peak times and premium pricing compared to some other public courses nearby
Albert Ienstein PA Media Jun 07, 2025 History Sports
Jun 07, 2025
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