Iron Forge @ Penn National GC
Fayetteville, PA (South of the PA Turnpike near Gettysburg, about 1/2 way between Bedford and Harrisburg/Carlisle)
Founders Course by Ault Clark, 1966
Iron Forge by Bill Love, 1997
Both courses, 4 stars by Golf Digest
Iron Forge:
Black 7009, 72.9, 123, 72
Blue 6602, 71.4, 119, 72
White 6300, 69.2, 113, 72
Gold 6001, 67.8 , 112, 72
'04 Fees: $59 wknd, $45 weekday to ride
$34 wknd replay
Tee times 30 days in advance
'06 stay-n-play packages $220 for 2 nights includes room at the on-site Inn, golf, dinner at the on-site restaurant, and tips
162 mi., 2:45 from Center City Philadelphia
42 mi., 45 mins from PA Tpke Carlisle Exit #16
38 mi., 60 mins from PA Tpke Bedford Exit
From Philadelphia and East:
Travel west on the PA. Turnpike (I-76 West) to Exit 16, Carlisle, then follow signs to I-81 South, south on I-81 to Exit 8. Follow Rt. 997 (SOUTH?) for 8 miles to Penn National on the right. Approximate travel time from Philadelphia is 2½ hours.
Philadelphia Golf Monthly Review: The more traditional Founders course is a straightforward layout featuring narrow, tree-lined fairways, sculpted bunkers, large greens with gentle slopes, and naturally-contoured fairways. Iron Forge is more contemporary, devoid of trees, and features mounding and tall fescue.
Best Bar Nearby: Careful here... Penn National is located in a dry township (yes, they still have those in backwards-ass Amish counties in the Quaker state). The on-site restaurant is BYOB (PA State Package Stores are located within 5 miles. Coolers and ice for golf carts are provided by the Bag Drop staff at the cart staging area). The pro shop recommends nearby Bobby A's Sportsbar (3 miles away) as the only semblance of nightlife in the area.
Where To Stay: The on-site Penn National Inn is just off the 8th fairway and features Stay-N'-Play packages. Unfortunately they don't offer any spa services for your golf widow, nor are there any spas in the area, so this might be better as a buddy trip destination rather than a couple's getaway.
Further Distractions: Historic Gettysburg is a short drive away. Mont Alto and Caledonia State Parks are nearby for hiking and picnicking. Also trout fishing at Falling Spring, one of the country's most famous trout streams. Check out area antiquing as well.