True golf fans understand the difference between playing on an average golf course versus a highly rated and challenging one. A well-appointed clubhouse with options for fine dining and other amenities can also add to the overall experience. Active adult golfers who are interested in Pennsylvania real estate will be eager to learn about the best golf courses in the state, and Golf Digest makes their top picks by state every year. Here are three of their highest-rated private courses across Pennsylvania along with some conveniently close 55+ communities.
Merion Golf Club in Ardmore
Dating back to 1912, this exclusive, private club has hosted the most USGA Championships in America, including the U.S. Open in 2013. It has two legendary 18-hole championship courses, the Trophy Room restaurant, and a bar.
Athertyn at Haverford Reserve – Haverford
Low $600s – Low $1Ms
You can golf to your heart’s content living at Athertyn at Haverford Reserve as this exclusive 55+ community is just two miles from Merion GC in the affluent Main Line area. There are six four-story condo buildings with indoor garages and reserved parking spots for residents. The 13 generously sized floor plans range from 1,592 and 2,962 square feet with one to three bedrooms, two to two-and-a-half bathrooms, custom cabinetry, nine-foot ceilings, and luxury master suites. Top-drawer amenities at the private clubhouse include a bar and lounge, an indoor golf simulator, a fitness center, and a great room. There is also an outdoor pool, tennis, gardens, trails, and a putting green on the grounds.
The Greens at Westover – Warminster
Mid $100s – High $100s
The Greens at Westover is an affordable, established active adult neighborhood with 306 resale condos, about 24 miles from the club and close to the King of Prussia Mall. There are six buildings with a total of 306 resale condo units. These are sized from 1,025 to 1,054 square feet, with two bedrooms, one to two baths, and outside parking lots by the buildings. On-site amenities are located at the private clubhouse where you can find an exercise room, a catering kitchen and lounge, and an indoor pool.
Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square
Founded in 1896, Aronimink is highly ranked by the Platinum Clubs of America. The PGA’s AT&T National tour took place here in 2010 and 2011, and there are tennis facilities, a traditional dining room, a casual restaurant, and a pub & terrace.
The Meadows at Skippack – Collegeville
Low $300s – High $300s
The Meadows at Skippack is about 17 miles from Aronimink and features 125 resale single-family homes. The three different floor plans range from 1,634 to 2,471 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. The property has a community clubhouse, with an exercise room, multi-purpose room, and an outdoor pool, and friends gather for supper club, movie nights, book club, and bocce.
Blue Bell Springs – Blue Bell
Low $300s – Mid $300s
Active adults seeking single-family homes can also look to Blue Bell Springs, which will have 135 new and resale residences upon completion. It’s about 15 minutes from the course and offers six distinct floor plans sized from 1,170 and 1,680 square feet with two bedrooms, one to two bathrooms, and garages. Popular neighborhood events include bus and casino trips, movie nights, and lectures. Plans are underway for a private clubhouse, which will have a lounge and other activity rooms. The surrounding area offers exceptional shopping, fine restaurants and another option for golf across the street, The Blue Bell Country Club.
Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem
This prestigious club spans 850 acres, with three championship courses, four swimming pools, tennis, a fitness center, and 10 restaurants. It has also hosted many USGA Championships, including the 2009 Women’s Open.
Traditions of America at Hanover – Bethlehem
Low $300s – High $400s
Nestled in the idyllic Lehigh Valley, Traditions of America at Hanover is an active adult community with 241 resale and attached and single-family homes, totaling 13 unique floor plans. Resort-style amenities include an indoor whirlpool spa, a modern fitness center, a catering kitchen, a movie theater; and an outdoor pool. Vibrant activities like “Live Better Now” events, happy hours, garden club, Zumba, and trivia nights keep neighbors busy every day of the week.
Traditions of America at Bridle Path – Bethlehem
Mid $300s – High $500s
Also in the Lehigh Valley, Traditions of America at Bridle Path is similar to this builder’s other Bethlehem community, but with 204 resale single-family homes. Here you can find seven distinct floor plans, ranging from 1,274 and 2,312 square feet with two bedrooms and bathrooms, and oversized two-car garages. The 7,700 square-foot clubhouse features its own business center, a catering kitchen, sports bar and lounge, an exercise room, tennis, and an outdoor pool. Popular pastimes for residents include toning class, wine and cheese parties, yoga, and competitive poker games.
