Whether you’re looking for a day of golf, a week of tennis or a social gathering for the entire family, you’ll find the country clubs in Philadelphia have it all. Here are some of the most popular ones in the area. Find out more about their membership categories, courses, dining areas and more!
Membership categories
Country clubs are institutions with exclusive membership, and the Philadelphia Country Club is one such institution. Founded in 1892, it is remains a prestigious institution. It is home to the sporting aristocracy of the city, and its membership has remained primarily male. Today, it is considered one of the world’s best golf courses.
Locations
Philadelphia is home to many country clubs. Many of the earliest clubs were founded near Center City. However, as time went on, they shifted further away from the city. The reason for this was that the landowners would not renew their leases, new roads began to cut through the golf courses, and the membership began to grow. As a result, many of the clubs were forced to relocate outside of the city limits. For example, the Philadelphia Country Club had to sell the Bala property in the 1950s to redevelop its facilities in Gladwyne. As the membership continued to grow, the club was forced to expand its facilities.
Courses
Country Clubs in Philadelphia offer courses in a variety of settings. Philadelphia is fortunate to have two Donald Ross courses, and the city’s Jeffersonville Golf Course, municipally owned, is just 15 minutes away. Its flatter terrain and bold greens have been updated over the last 15 years by course superintendent Rich Shilling. Its membership now numbers over 40,000, and it’s considered a model municipal course.
Fitness centers
Located within each country club, these facilities are equipped with a number of amenities and services. Fitness experts on staff, including certified fitness specialists, exercise physiologists, and massage therapists, assist members with exercise programs. The staff also offers a full schedule of group classes, individual training, and dietary guidance. Fitness centers are also an ideal place to get regular massage therapy.
Golf
Philadelphia has a long and distinguished golf tradition. It is home to some of the most prestigious private clubs in the country. Among these are the Philadelphia Country Club, Pine Valley outside of the city in New Jersey, the Philadelphia Cricket Club, and Merion, the site of the 2013 U.S. Open.
Tennis
If you’re looking for a country club in Philadelphia that offers tennis, you can’t go wrong with The Huntingdon Valley. The Huntingdon Valley offers one of the top racquets programs in the region, including organized tennis, squash, pickleball, table tennis, and platform tennis events. It also has heated paddle tennis courts and full-service tennis lessons.
Union leagues
The Union League of Philadelphia acquired the Union League Golf Club at Torresdale in July 2014. The Union League Golf Club features an 18-hole Donald Ross golf course, a swimming pool, trap shooting, tennis courts, and a restaurant with a steakhouse-inspired dining room and bar. The Union League Golf Club also features a tennis court and a ballroom.
Casinos
If you’re looking for a place to play poker and casino games in Philadelphia, you’ve come to the right place. There are several Philadelphia casinos with great reputations. For example, Cordish Companies’ Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia was ranked by USA Today as one of the Top 10 Best Casinos Outside of Vegas, one of the top three players clubs in the country, and one of the top five casino restaurants.
