Chisel Creek GC
Landenberg, PA (near the PA/MD border)
Black 70.0/141
White 67.7/135
Gold 63.1/112
Directions: Rt. 1 S to Jennersville exit, Route 796S. Left off ramp, follow 796 S until it ends. Left onto Route 896S past 2 Sunoco stations. After 2nd Sunoco, 896 will make a hard left. Go straight onto Appleton Rd. We are 1/2 mile up on the left.
'02 Fees: $36 Monday-Thursday
$49 Friday-Sunday and Holidays
Per my buddy Alan, new reasonable public track in Avondale that's short (6,100) but slopes out at 141. Not bad for reasonably priced public golf.
Fat Guy Note: I had a bad experience here. I made a tee time as a single and drove down to try Chisel Creek back in '06. However, I miscalculated how far it was from my house and arrived 6 minutes late for my tee time. The twosome I'd been paired up with was still on the 1st fairway, but the pro shop wouldn't let me join them. They actually turned me away for being 6 minutes late. I get that I was late, but there was no offer of another slot sometime in the next hour, no "we'll work you in", just flat turned me away. After I'd driven 40 minutes to get there. They were kinda assholes about it. I got the feeling they'd given my slot away to a walk-up. Therefore I have never played (and probably will never play) this course.
Best Bar Nearby: Go blow the dough you saved on Chisel Creek's cheap greens fees on drinks at nearby Hartefeld National Golf Club, which has a bar/restaurant so good it's a Blue Blood locals hangout, advertised as the only golf facility listed in Zagat. Stay for a meal too, and don't break your neck checking out the well-bred chicks. Happy Hour M-F discounted drafts & 1/2 price apps. Golf Journeys magazine recommends their Sunday brunch.
Where To Grub: Golf Journeys magazine says Il Giardino (Rt 41 aka 9173 Gap Newport Pike, Avondale, 302-234-9831, www.ilgiardinodining.com) is a truly unusual and special place for a celebration or a fine meal. An elegant oasis serving fresh baked bread, and try the fried calamari or roasted peppers & mozerella apps. 60 entree's on the menu including gourmet pizzas. Save room for the hard-to-find gourmet desserts, such as fresh fruit sorbet imported from Italy.