
Llanerch Course
Llanerch Country Club

About this course
Llanerch, in the heart of Philadelphia's Main Line, whispers of a bygone era, a testament to classic course design with a mischievous streak. The parkland layout, originally crafted by Alex Findlay in 1901, meanders through gently rolling terrain, where tight fairways and deceptively contoured greens place a premium on strategic shot-making rather than raw power. Doglegs aplenty and the occasional blind shot challenge golfers to think their way around the course, rewarding finesse over brute force. Significant renovations by Donald Ross have only deepened its reputation as a place to test your skill and patience. While Llanerch may not host major championships, its place in the Philadelphia golfing landscape is secure, a beloved haven for those who appreciate a traditional test of golf. The club’s history is rich, woven with generations of members who value camaraderie and the spirit of the game. In fact, this course is known as the place where Arnold Palmer earned his first paycheck as a professional golfer, for $90 after winning a 1954 U.S. Open qualifying event. Llanerch is a course where tradition holds court. The grill room, a fixture for decades, serves up a simple menu of golf course staples. It is the perfect spot to unwind after a round and settle any lingering bets. Llanerch offers a glimpse into the soul of Philadelphia golf: understated, challenging, and deeply cherished by those who know it well.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in PA
Quick facts
- Location
- Havertown, PA, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1903
- Holes
- 18
- Designer(s)
- Alex Findlay, Stephen Kay
- Par
- 71
- Length
- 6,780 yards
- Difficulty
- 77.8/141
- Course Vaults score
- 8.1
Getting there
Llanerch Country Club lies just ten miles west of Philadelphia International Airport, making it one of the most accessible private clubs in the Main Line corridor. The drive from the terminal traces a gentle arc through Delaware County's leafy suburbs, trading the industrial sprawl of the airport zone for the tree-canopied streets and stone-walled estates that define this storied stretch of Pennsylvania. Within twenty minutes, the approach narrows onto Llanerch Avenue, where the club's understated entrance opens into a rolling landscape that has quietly hosted Philadelphia golf society since 1897 - a world apart, yet remarkably close at hand.

FAQ
Common questions about Llanerch
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Llanerch has a Course Vaults score of 8.1 out of 10 based on 56 logged golfers.
Llanerch was designed by Alex Findlay and Stephen Kay.
Llanerch is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Llanerch is 71.
Llanerch plays 6,780 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Llanerch is 141.



