Brandywine Country Club (Private)
Wilmington, DE
Built 1947, 2005 redesign by Brian Ault
Private
Blue 6414, 70.4, 128, 71
White 6026, 68.7, 122, 71
***OPEN FOR LIMITED PUBLIC PLAY IN 2009: Mon-Thur & Fri til Noon***
Directions from the Philadelphia Airport: Take I-95 going S to Route 92, get off at Shipley Rd and travel 6 miles to the course.
Brandywine CC member J. was kind enough to send me a member's review on the course (2009): "As scores of clubs around the country can attest, the economy has forced many to take on a real financial burden by losing many members.
Brandywine was no exception. Because of the loss of members, Brandywine (and others) have dropped their dues and opened up their course to public play (temporarily); all in an attempt to attract new members.
I have never been a member of a private course although I have played on them at times. When I went to Brandywine CC, I was able to tour the course. This was in the summer 2009 and the course was in magnificent shape. The fairways are cut tight and the 1st cut of rough is better than many fairways at public courses.
The rough itself is challenging and although your ball may sink into this, you can still find it easily since the grass is weed free and the white color of the ball stands out against the dark green grass.
The course was completely closed for renovation in July of 2005. This included the re-building of all greens, green surrounds, tees and bunkers. All fairways were stripped and completely re-seeded with bent grass. Some holes were changed around, such as the old 9th hole is now the signature finishing hole, #18. It’s a challenging 180 yard par 3, over water to a green surrounded on the front & left sides with bunkers and water on the right side.
The back 9 is tougher than the front 9, with three par 4 holes, over 420 - 440 yards long.
The course is always being attended too by maintenance crews and the head groundskeeper makes sure the course is always in excellent condition.
The course is almost 6500 yards from the back tees and although it is a flat course it is tree lined with tight fairways and many bunkers… just to make it challenging.
The head pro, George McNamara has been there for many years and is an award winning club fitter with Ping. He is very gracious as he attends to all the members needs and as a certified teacher, he has the knowledge to answer any questions you may have regarding your game.
All in all, Brandywine CC is managing to stay active with a beautiful course, a very inviting pub and an excellent dining room."
Golf.com Review: This flat course has many water hazards and trees that can alter your shots. The wind is frequently a factor, so selecting the proper club is important. The signature hole is #18, a 210-yard, par 3, because it offers a scenic view overlooking the entire facilities, including a beautiful fountain. Brian Ault redesigned the entire golf course in 2005. All new greens,bunkers, and fairways as well has some new ponds.
Best Bar Nearby: McKenzie's Brew House (Rt 202 S) is a big space with a large bar area with multiple large screens, pool tables downstairs, large dining room upstairs, and outdoor dining available. Tasty microbrews, and it's hard not to order the ribs once you smell the smoker walking through the parking lot. OR, head S on 202 to Rt 1 S for Duffer's Pub (Rt.1 S @ Brinton Lake Rd). Golf-themed bar with multiple TVs and lively, target-rich outdoor tables. Their wings kinda suck, the "hot" are a glorified BBQ flavor with no kick, and the "XXX" are just stupid hot, but they serve a great bacon cheeseburger. OR, hit the nearby Hooter's (Rt. 1 S). Their wings suck too, but hey, you're there for the Hooters. OR, Turf Club OTB, also on Rt 1S, has a sports bar. The best wings nearby are at Chaddsford Tavern (Rt. 1 S, 1 mi S of 202).
Where To Grub: Non-members looking for good value eats outside the club can go north on Rt 202, to head south of the border at Red Sombrero (@ The Shoppes at Dilworthtown Crossing, 1371 Wilmington Pike (aka Rt 202N), West Chester, 610-455-0900). Not your typical strip-mall Mexican fare. This locally owned and operated Taqueria caters to a strong Hispanic community serving the nearby mushroom farms of Kennett Square. Quality burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas, and more food than you can eat for about $6-$8. B.Y.O.T. means Bring Your Own Tequila, and the house will set you up with all the mixers for a great margarita. For upscale, my friends Scott and Heidi recommend The Dilworthtown Inn (circa 1758, 1390 Old Wilmington Pike, www.dilworthtown.com). Philadelphia Magazine says, "This romantic special-occasion setting (mind the dress code) has a remarkable wine cellar and an outdoor patio for cocktails. Meals for two: prime beef tenderloin carved tableside, or stuffed lobster tail." $$$$. No reservations available for Dilworthtown Inn? LJ says Pace One (341 Thornton Rd, Glen Mills) is on par with the food and service at Dilworthtown Inn for less $$. For Italian, drive right by Carraba's another 1/2 mile and hit Pescatore's (Rt. 202 S). Some of the best upper-midscale Italian I've had in a long time. Order the penne in vodka sauce with priscuotto. For midscale, a bit further S on 202 is Outback Steakhouse (a 30-60 minute wait is the norm). I'll admit, I'm a sucker for Outback's steaks and sautee'd mushrooms.