Loch Nairn GC
Avondale, PA (about 75 minutes SW of Philly)
1970, H.C. Smedley (Owner)
Championship: 70, 6409, 69.7, 123
'06 Fees: $51 Wknd Ride, $37 Wknd Walk
Call for twilight rates
$39 Wkdy Ride (M-F)
Tee times 7 days in advance
Per my buddy Scott, lots of short doglegs on the front. Good place to post a good score. The back 9 is long. Per a golfing acquaintance Howard, this thing grows on you the more you play it, and even though a few of the holes are in so-so shape, he considers it to be a purer links course and a tougher test than nearby Wyncote. Takes the driver out of your hands on most holes.
Golfcourse.com Review: This relatively challenging course was built on predominantly flat terrain. The fairways are narrow with most of them being tree lined. There are sand bunkers scattered throughout the design, and water hazards come into play on 12 holes. The greens are fairly large, sloped and fairly slow. The course starts out with a 350-yard, par 4, which calls for an approach shot over a creek. This same creek also crosses the fairway on the next 2 holes.
Where To Grub: Per Richmond-based golf writer and author of Blue Fairways Charles Slack, The Farm House Restaurant on-premisis features outdoor dining under the awning, and "a cozy bar--dark wood, heavy ceiling beams, a central bartenders station that reminded me of 'Cheers'. A great place to while away a dark winter's night with 3 or 4 feet of snow piled up outside and a hot rum drink in hand." Golf Journeys magazine recommends the crab cakes. Apparently they serve a mean 'dog & Coke as well. Per Bill T., this restaurant is very good. OR, 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. OR, head 1 or 2 exits north on Rt 1 and bang a right onto 82S for 5 minutes to a great sports bar/restaurant, Giordano's in Kennett Square. The sports bar upstairs is a multi-level sports-watching orgy centered around a circular bar, with screens visible from every seat and every angle. A crow's nest above the bar has pool tables. Also, the restaurant side downstairs is seperate from the sports bar, so you can enjoy the food without dealing with all the smoke and screaming fans. Try the wings, they're a unique, perfect balance between BBQ and spicy. They don't seem hot when you first bite in, but they have a nice cumulative effect over a 20 piece order (although $12 for 20 wings is one of the steepest prices I've ever seen). $3.50 22-ounce drafts. OR, Philadelphia Magazine likes Half Moon Restaurant and Saloon, with it's roofdeck overlooking Kennett Square's scenic surroundings.
Further Distractions: One exit up Rt. 1 at the intersection with Rt. 272 is the Herr's potato chip factory (www.herrs.com/SnackFactoryTours.html). One hour tours given Mon-Thurs 9-3, with an hour break for lunch. Call ahead to schedule a tour at 800-637-6225. It's all that, AND a bag of chips.