Written by Len Ziehm, with Pictures by Joy Sarver
When the opportunity arose to experience golf in the Pocono Mountains, Joy and I immediately said accepted the invitation and we’re glad we did.
We were going to be near the Poconos at Valley Forge for the Spring Forum of the International Network of Golf (ING). With the Poconos barely an hour away, we were on our way as soon as the Forum ended.
The Lehigh Valley Poconos Golf Trail includes a good mix of golf. We experienced three very different types of courses with rounds at Jack Frost National, in Blakeslee; Woodloch Springs, in Hawley; and Shawnee, in Shawnee on the Delaware.
The drive to these three locations traversed winding roads with beautiful views. The small towns we drove through provided pleasant glimpses into the history of the quaint communities, but you definitely need to allow sufficient travel time to navigate the curvy roads and enjoy the scenery.
Jack Frost National was the most interesting of the three courses, Woodloch the most challenging and Shawnee the most historical.
JACK FROST NATIONAL
This layout, measuring 7,256 yards from the tips and spread over 200 acres, is a championship caliber course, but few big events have been hosted there.
“It’s hard to schedule large tournaments because we’re a busy place,’’ said director of instruction Ryan Kearn. “We do 218 rounds a day.’’
Most striking about the course are the changes in elevation, most evident between the par-5 ninth hole, which plays uphill, and the sevely downhill par-3 eleventh.
The area also has a ski hill that is in operation during winter months, but Kearn says there’s no overlap between the sports, as the golf and ski facilities have different owners.
“In each of the last three years closing day (for skiers) came the day before our opening day,’’ said Kearn. “Our course is interesting, fun, wide open with big greens and fairways and only one water hole.’’
The bar/dining area is covered but open air on the sides, a nice friendly place for socializing before and after play.
Architect for Jack Frost National was Terry LaGree, who holds a degree in landscape architecture from the University of Wisconsin, but is best known as the CEO of Florida’s Black Diamond Ranch.
WOODLOCH SPRINGS
Rocky Roquemore designed this toughie in 1992. It’s only 6,579 yards from the back tees but there’s some demanding shots that can’t be avoided. Its imperative to keep your ball in the landing areas on holes number 3 and 7, the two par 5’s on the front nine, if you want to avoid a double bogey, or worse.
Roquemore has created courses in Portugal, France, Venezuela, Colombia and the Caribbean, as well as across the United States. His best-known courses are probably the Magnolia, Lake Buena Vista and Palm at Walt Disney World.
Woodloch Springs is challenging, while offering excellent views, plus the native deer population provide an ever-watchful gallery.
Woodloch Springs semi-private facility with two restaurants in the clubhouse that assured we would be well fed during our visit.
SHAWNEE
There are 27 holes of golf at this historic inn and golf resort. The initial 18 holes opened in 1910 and were designed by the legendary A.W. Tillinghast, who went on to design such famous layouts as Winged Foot, Bethpage Black and Baltusrol. All of which have which hosted U.S. Opens.
In the early days Shawnee hosted big events, which drew the top names of the day. Fred McLeod and John McDermott, a two-time U.S. Open champion, won the Shawnee Open in 1912 and 1913. Alexa Stirling captured the U.S. Women’s Amateur there in 1919 and Paul Runyan won a title match against Sam Snead in the 1938 PGA Championship.
Celebrities found Shawnee welcoming, as well. In 1943 the resort was sold to singer/entertainer Fred Waring. Jackie Gleason learned to play golf there and Hale Irwin won the 1967 NCAA Division I Individual Championship at Shawnee, before he turned professional and captured three U.S. Open titles. The ski side of the resort featured three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Jean-Claude Killy, as its head of operations in the early 70’s.
Arnold Palmer met his first wife, Winnie, on the porch of the Shawnee Inn and golfers, who waked the fairways over the years include, Lucille Ball, Art Carney, Perry Como, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Eddie Fisher, George Gobel and Ed Sullivan.
Indiana architect Bill Diddel added a third nine in 1963 and more recently Tom Doak created a nine-hole practice facility at the resort. A major bridge construction was underway when we visited, because the course is divided by, what Shawnee Director of Marketing Jeromy Wo describes as “international waters.’’
The par-3 second hole on the Red nine plays over the Delaware River to an island where Twenty-four of the 27 holes at Shawnee are located.
“The island isn’t part of either Pennsylvania or New Jersey,’’ said Wo.
There is much more than just golf at Shawnee. The 80-room Inn is charming, plus there are vacation cottages, as well as the Delaware Lodge available for guests.
When you are ready for apres’ golf, the resort has two pubs and a brewery. Spa Shawnee and Salon is a place to get pampered, unwind and soothe achy muscles. Other off-course activities include, boating and rafting on the river, an indoor Olympic-size swimming pool, a beach along the Delaware River, biking and hiking trails, plus a playhouse.
Shawnee, Woodloch Springs and Jack Frost National are all worth the trip. If you are tired of fighting the summer heat at your home, these three provide a respite from it and will create memories that will last a lifetime.
