Golf Course of the Week - Pine Valley Golf Club

Pine Valley was founded in 1913 by a group of amateur golfers from Philadelphia. They purchased 184 acres (0.7 km²) of rolling, sandy ground deep in the pinelands of southern New Jersey, and gave George Arthur Crump, who knew the area from hunting expeditions, the opportunity to design the course.

It was ranked the number one course in Golf Magazine's 100 Top Courses in the U.S. and the World in 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2020. It is a private club, and non-members can play only if invited and accompanied by a member.

Pine Valley's reputation has the reputation of being one of the hardest and best golf courses in the world. Every single shot could very easily end up a double-bogey. The course is difficult unless you can hit it a decent distance consistently.

It's rare in life that something that gets so much hype exceeds expectations. With all the hype, passion and storytelling that revolves around Pine Valley, the design philosophy, mandate for accuracy, and a mental strength are unlike any other golf courses in the world. This could be a golf course where the mental requirement outweighs the golf talent requirement. Regardless, it will be unforgettable.

It has a unique character forged from the sandy pine barrens of southwest Jersey. The founder George Crump along with his now-legendary architects H.S. Colt, A.W. Tillinghast, George C. Thomas Jr. and Walter Travis. Hugh Wilson (of Merion fame) and his brother Alan finished the job. Throughout the course, Pine Valley blends all three schools of golf design—penal, heroic and strategic—often times on a single hole. New tree removal at selected spots, most recently on the 12th hole, have revealed some gorgeous views of the sandy landscape upon which the course is routed.

Have you ever visited Pine Valley Golf Club? 

Let us know in the comments!

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