Pickering Valley Golf Club

Pickering Valley Golf Club sits in the rolling countryside of Chester County, Pennsylvania, near Phoenixville, roughly forty miles northwest of Philadelphia. Designed by John Thompson and opened in the mid-1960s, the course occupies terrain characteristic of the region's piedmont landscape—gently rolling farmland with mature hardwoods, modest elevation changes, and seasonal streams that wind through the property. The layout takes advantage of the natural contours without dramatic earthmoving, creating a parkland setting that reflects the era's design sensibilities. The routing moves across varied topography, with holes playing through corridors of trees and across open meadow areas. Several holes incorporate water features, and the green complexes typically present straightforward but well-defended targets. The course measures around 6,500 yards from the back tees, a length that provides challenge for accomplished players while remaining accessible to members of varying abilities. Thompson's design emphasizes strategic placement over sheer distance, rewarding accurate iron play and thoughtful course management. Pickering Valley operates as a private member club, serving the local community with a traditional country club atmosphere. The facility includes practice areas and a clubhouse that supports member social activities and dining. The course remains a fixture in Chester County's golf landscape, offering a classic American parkland experience shaped by the design principles of the 1960s.