Downington Country Club (Downington, PA)

Downington was designed in the '60s by George Fazio and later renovated by Gil Hanse in 1995. It's a wonderful piece of property with rolling terrain, ponds and creeks, and well- sculpted bunkers. 

Downington is also a walking-friendly layout. It's compactness and intimate routing is one of its enduring qualities. This is the type of course that I find myself drawn towards. A place where a golfer can play, enjoy his surroundings, and be done in four hours or less. The real question is how long will it be there. Very much like Acacia CC here in Cleveland, Downington has a shopping plaza right at its doorstep. Hopefully it can coexist for a long time. 

The golf course has an unusual routing with seven par fours on the front nine. Typically this would translate to a more difficult side, but four of the seven holes are short par fours. Two of the holes I really like, the second and the fourth. Two takes full advantage of the hill by making a kick plate that the aggressive player can use to get close to the green. Four is potentially driveable, but a line of bunkers crosses diagonally, making the line off the tee very important. 

The unusual routing continues on the back nine. There are three 4s, three 3s, and three 5s. In fact the course concludes 3-5-3-5. The par threes are solid on this side. 

The twelfth is a beautiful hole across water and sand. The fifteenth is nearly an island green as water right, left, and long guard the green with a large bunker fronting it. Thankfully it's just a short iron so a good shot at birdie. At seventeen, a large rock field is between the tee and green. 

The green is well bunkered and has several very good pin locations. It's exactly what a penultimate hole should be. It's a tough hole that keeps the pressure on the golfer. 

The three par fives on the back are all birdie opportunities. Thirteen is under 500 yards, but it's uphill with hazards both left and right off the tee. Don't need to hit a driver, but those who do can reach it in two with a straight drive. Sixteen is 531 yards, and like thirteen, is uphill. It's a classic par five with well placed bunkers. Finally the last hole is 562 yards.

I love how the clubhouse is just off to the left side. It's exciting as you approach the third shot. I guess it is reachable, but only by the longest of players. It's a two tier green so it's important to have a good third shot in. It's a very good ending. 

Downington is kinda course that would do well anywhere. I payed $20 to play as many holes that I could get in. I was even par thru 13 holes. I have to think players have a good chance to break their handicap here. I give Downington a 5 rating (good).