The Top 100 Newest GOLF Courses in the US ranking includes 11 newcomers, including Philadelphia Cricket (Wissahickon) in Flourtown, Pa.
Evan Schiller
GOLF recently published its latest ranking of Top 100 Courses in USA (2024-2525)a list that includes 11 arrivals. You may recognize some of them. Others you may not. Here, in the spotlight for newcomers, we’ll introduce you to these 100 best beginner gems.
Newcomer Spotlight: Philadelphia Cricket (Wissahickon) / Rank: 98
Location: Flourtown, Pa.
Business: Private
YEAR OPEN: 1922/2013
Architect: AW Tillinghast/Keith Foster
What you need to know about Cricket Philadelphia (Wissahickon)
Keith Foster’s 2013 restoration, which features great variety and space, brought back all the splendor of AW Tillinghast’s design. Some greens are open in the front and begging for a run shot, while others are low and heavily protected. The design reflects Tillinghast’s genius for various green environments. His famous trademark, the Big Hazard (a large central bunker that cuts the fairway in half), is particularly well done on the PCC’s 7th hole. The course is also home to one of the East Coast’s best finishers, a steep risk-reward par-4 with a creek that comes into play if it doesn’t hug the left side of the fairway off the tee.
What our reviewers say
“Some will argue that this is long overdue. Beginning the restoration process back in 2008, the Philadelphia Cricket Club was truly one of the first courses to pioneer the restoration model we see so often now with clubs across the country. The renovation was a massive success and has led to numerous major events taking place at the club, most recently the 2024 USGA Four-Ball.”
“The Wissahickon has been a great course for a long time, dating back to pre-restoration. Driving is excellent, especially after adjusting the sequence on the front nine. Although the par-3s are great as a group, you have to admire the double holes here. They are a combination of challenge and thought all culminating in a brutal finish.”
“For such a big and wide layout, it was the short shots (recovery kicks) that were most impressive – or just impossible/punishing – if one missed in the wrong place. However, from the first start, an excellent driving course.”
 in Flourtown, Pa.){kind=link}