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Like a fine wine, the Pocono Mountains of Northeast Pennsylvania – a must-visit destination for generations – have gotten better with time. While the grand resorts of an earlier time remain to stand watch over the four-county region, many luxuriously appointed and family-friendly properties have joined the mix.
Home to hundreds of holes of golf by legendary Golden Era designers such as Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast, the Pocono Mountains golf properties are plentiful and as varied as any destination in the country.
Imagine walking the same fairways on which Paul Runyan outdueled the great Sam Snead to claim the 1938 PGA Championship. Art Wall Jr. represented Pocono Manor as its touring professional when he won the Masters and was named PGA Player of the Year in 1959. Dating back much further, the historic John Stroud House, built in the late 1790s, has been beautifully restored and serves as the clubhouse at the Glen Brook Golf Club.
The best of today is well-represented in the Pocono Mountains, too. Look no further than golf course design's modern master — Jack Nicklaus — placing his impressive fingerprint on the rugged terrain.The most striking contrast to generations past – Pocono Manor's East Course opened in 1912 – is Jack Frost National, which was unveiled in 2007 and stands as the latest chapter in the country's love affair with the Pocono Mountains.
A destination flush with courses that boast such a colorful and impressive history might be tempted to rest on its collective laurels, but not the Pocono Mountains. Visitors returning after years away will recognize the quaint charm of this mountain setting, but many resorts have undergone a reinvention to meet and exceed the needs of today's savvy traveler.
Beyond eras, an interesting golf course design dichotomy exists in the Pocono Mountains with options ranging from expansive layouts featuring forced carries, generous putting surfaces and dramatic vistas of the surrounding area to parkland courses with tree-lined fairways and intimate, tricky greens. Regardless of playing ability or budget, the Pocono Mountains meet the needs of any discerning golfer.
The wealth of courses enables golfers to settle within various "clusters" and play multiple tracks over several days, if desired. The southeast region of the Pocono Mountains, for instance, has no fewer than seven courses from which to choose. Whether searching for affordable and enjoyable layouts such as Fernwood Hotel and Resort's course or Cherry Valley, which came out of three years of renovations with three new holes, or a private club experience at Great Bear – featuring the Nicklaus design, this little piece of the Pocono Mountains is loaded with options.
Tillinghast's Shawnee design – with 24 of the 27 holes on the resort's private island, Water Gap's links-inspired course, Country Club of the Poconos and Glen Brook Golf Club also await.
Heading slightly west, golfers come across another grouping of championship golf. While Mount Airy's course is closed for renovations, the resort recently introduced gaming to the Pocono Mountains. In between rounds, golfers can take more than 2,500 of the hottest slots for a spin – everything from penny slots on the floor to $100 games in the high-limit area.
Blanketing Mount Airy are the Evergreen Golf Club, 27 holes at Buck Hill – 18 by Donald Ross – and 18 more holes by Ross at the aforementioned Pocono Manor.
Jack Frost National may be the newest course in the Pocono Mountains, but it has some impressive company in the western edge of the region. An island green at Hideaway Hills will tempt many and frustrate some, while Split Rock Resort boasts 27 breathtakingly beautiful holes with nine more under construction. There's also an indoor water park at the resort to welcome visitors on rainy days or throughout the winter.
Travel north to Lake Wallenpaupack and the Country Club at Woodloch Springs offers something for every member of the family. While many will opt for 18 holes on the Rocky Roquemore course, Woodloch offers batting cages, go-carts and much more.
Golf may be the focal point of today's Pocono Mountains – with myriad courses, stately lodges and historic venues – but love remains the calling card. Romantic rendezvous are a given in this destination, after all, and it was on the shores of the Delaware River that Arnold Palmer met his beautiful bride Winnie.
In addition to the wide variety of golf courses and gaming, the Pocono Mountains offer luxurious spas, first-class dining, shopping and historic attractions, making the region perfect for an afternoon round of golf, family vacation, business meeting or weekend getaway. Visitors can relax and reconnect in the authentic beauty of this flourishing mountain destination.
Those looking to experience a little more of Mother Nature's majesty can enjoy hiking and biking the miles of marked and unmarked trails, rafting, boating or fishing on the numerous lakes and rivers, camping, horseback riding, hunting and many other activities. NASCAR even makes a pair of stops at the Pocono Raceway.
Long known to avid travelers and mountain aficionados for its lush, relaxing family-friendly ambiance and romantic setting, the Pocono Mountains have not only survived the test of time, but thrived. From Washington D.C. to New York City, many are rediscovering the natural beauty, environmental wonderlands and championship golf in this nearby, easily accessible mountain getaway.
– ANDREW LAGOMARSINO, NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
