As Arte Johnson might have said on Laugh-In, “Very Interesting…but Quirky!” Hole #1 is a par 4; Hole #3 is a par 3; and they play to the same green. I may need Arte’s WWII German helmet to play these holes. Holes #2 and #9 are the same hole! Let’s see if this 7, or 8, or 9-hole course plays to Arte’s initial observation.
There is not an obvious entrance to Willow Valley Golf Course, but as we later learned it is part of the the DoubleTree Hotel location, so enter the parking lot and you will find this 9-hole track. Hole #1 is a fun risk/reward dogleg right. The safe play is to hit an iron off the tee and aim for the pole in the middle of the fairway. But who wants to play it safe, right? Large trees block the bend in the fairway, but you can try to skirt the right side and carry the bunker that lies in your path. I hit a 4-wood that was “perfect” – cleared the bunker and settled just at the end of the landing area. Sometime you get lucky!
Hole #2 (and #9) is a 138 yard par 3. There are two sets of tee boxes – white and red. On this hole the #2 and #9 distances will be different. The green is small, and any wild shot to the right may find a car window. Time your shot according to the traffic pattern! Hole #3 is a par 3 of 140 yards with a bunker to carry at the front of the green. Remember this is a double green that is shared by Hole #1. Due to limited acreage, this is a very unique setup – I liked it! Just be mindful of golfers playing hole #1.
Hole #4 has a straight fairway (aim for the 150 yard pole), with a green that is tucked to the left at the end of the 362 yard hole. The green does have a few hazards – bunkers front left and a sizable drop off to the right. At the fifth hole, you will go up and then down to a green that is surrounded by trees and slopes. A nice hole. For a par 32 quirky course, it is really growing on me. Hole #6 is an uphill 145 yard par 3.
Another thought-provoking par 4 at Hole #7. It’s downhill and only 280 yards, but there is a creek that runs across the fairway at about 210 yards. Which club are you going to choose from the tee box? Geez, at Hole #8 you have to think again. As you stand on the teeing area of this 325 yard dogleg left, which club do I pull? The large trees at the bend will block the path of most golfers playing this course. A long drive will probably find the end of the fairway. Once again I ask – which club do you chose? Wow, you would think there is a lot of money riding on this decision. When you finally approach the green, it is guarded by large bunkers left and right. Hole #9 (and #2) will now be played from 100 yards and you have a second chance to break a window of an oncoming vehicle – Good Luck!
Rating – Birdie (44 out of 60): Who’d a thunk it? Reading about this course, I knew it was quirky, but I never thought I would give it a Birdie rating. But I like quirky and funky. The young woman at the counter was very friendly and helpful. We were able to get right out and play a very quick 9-holes. The course was in good shape and the greens were excellent. It’s a par 32 course with white (2200 yards) and red tees (1885 yards). Willow Valley GC may not be for everyone, but these two senior golfers enjoyed our round. After you complete play stop over at Cafe 24 Hundred at the DoubleTree for a burger and cold one.
…and for another quirky experience in Lancaster, PA spend a night at the Red Caboose Motel.
This is a collection of 50 railroad cars that have been renovated into hotel rooms. It’s not the DoubleTree, but it is a unique way to spend a night. At this location there is also the Casey Jones Restaurant (in a rail car) and a Toy Train Museum.
P.S. I still can’t decide if Willow Valley GC is a 7, 8, or 9-hole course!
2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster, PA 17602; 717-464-4448; www.golf.willowvalley.com
