Avid golfers need no excuse to hit the links any time of year. But in August, players are encouraged to introduce new golfers to the game by sharing their experiences and advice. That’s because this month is designated as National Golf Month!
Founded in 1993 by The Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA), National Golf Month is an effort to make the sport more diverse, equitable and inclusive. This month-long initiative stems from the PGA’s own annual charity event that promotes golf as a sport that is accessible to all genders and ages no matter their skill level.
So how can we celebrate and share our love of the greens? Take a trip over to Paxon Hollow Country Club (PHCC), a classically designed course that has been owned by Marple Township since the late 60s. By holding numerous amateur and professional tournaments over the past 50 years, this local club has enriched the golf tradition in Delaware County. PHCC is also home to a men’s league that plays every Sunday, and has the largest ladies’ golf league in Philadelphia, with over 160 members.
PHCC opened in 1926 as a private club and since then it has had various owners throughout the years. In 1967 Marple Township purchased the club from Delaware County builder Ralph Bodek, who renovated it and changed it to a public facility. This past Spring the township began major improvements to the club, which include changes to the first three holes of the golf course as well the addition of a full-scale driving range. The renovation will also include a new golf operations facility that will be built directly adjacent to the first tee. “The new building will include the golf shop, men’s and women’s restrooms, a snack bar with patio and below-ground cart storage,” explained Dan Malley, the Director of Golf Operations for PHCC. “These renovations will have a huge impact on the day-to-day enjoyment of a course.” Dan also noted that the club will remain open while construction is going on.
Golfers who enjoy a round of golf at PHCC can also enjoy a delicious Italian meal and views that overlook the greens, fairways and fountains on the 18th hole at Anthony’s at Paxon Restaurant and Patio Deck. “Having the restaurant here really adds to the ambiance,” added Dan. “It’s the perfect place to go for large groups after golf outings.” Anthony’s has also held many fundraisers that have helped raise money for people in the Marple community. “The restaurant has added value to both the club and the community,” said Jon Walsh, Head Chef/Partner and General Manager of Anthony’s at Paxon.
Marple Township is also home to the headquarters of GAP (Golf Association of Philadelphia), the oldest state or regional golf association in the country. Founded in 1897, GAP now has nearly 100,000 members and 350 member clubs in the tri-state area. As a local voice of the United States Golf Association, their goal is to preserve golf’s values by sponsoring amateur tournaments and providing educational opportunities. One of those educational opportunities is the J.Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust — named for J. Wood Platt, who won six Philadelphia amateur championships and advocated for caddies. Applicants must be regular caddies or those working in golf operations. Last year, the Trust, GAP’s charitable arm, awarded $1.1 million in scholarships. The scholarship is more than just a financial reward, it also offers a resource base of contacts for students. GAP’s initiatives like the scholarship have created opportunities across the region and promoted the game of golf.
Having GAP right here in our hometown certainly brings some extra prestige to the Broomall area. GAP’s Assistant Communication Director Tony Regina said it has been an honor to be located here since 2009. “We’re proud to be headquartered in an area that features a breadth of golf facilities. The golf heart here beats as loudly as GAP’s, and that’s special,” he said.
For local new or seasoned golfers, there are plenty of private clubs in Delaware County to choose from including Aronimink, Rolling Green, Merion and Overbrook golf clubs. Whether you head to the driving range, practice greens, mini-golf or play a round of 18, many places offer discounts during the month of August so you can take advantage of the deals. Now is the perfect time to embrace the challenge, appreciate the beauty, and relish the camaraderie that golf brings. Spread your love for the game even further by capturing the moment using #NationalGolfMonth to share on social media.
Publisher’s Note: Transparency may require I admit this: I am a golf dad! I have fond memories of Paxon Hollow Golf Course Pro, Dan Malley, giving golf lessons to my sons over twenty years ago. Dan, you are a Marple Township treasure. Thank you. And my personal thanks also to the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP). My #3 son, Jimmy Blaisse, is one of your J. Wood Platt Scholarship caddies from Rolling Green Golf Club. This is National Golf Month. To learn more about these two golf brands which tee up in Marple Township yet known by fans of golf from all over the Philadelphia area, visit www.PaxonHollowGolf.com and www.GAPGolf.org.