Golf course review: Pocono Manor

Location » Pocono Manor, Pa. Phone » (800) 233-8150 or (570) 839-7111

Fees » Monday-Friday $40, Saturday-Sunday $50

Par/yardage/rating/slope

71/6,410/72.4/130 (East Course)

72/7,013/72.0/117 (West Course)

Conditions » ***

Layout » ****

Facilities » ****

Value » ****

Description » The 36 holes at Pocono Manor include the shorter East Course, designed by Donald Ross and dating to 1927, and the longer, flatter West, designed by George Fazio and dating to 1959. The East features blind shots, grass bunkers and small, flat, fast greens. The West is a more traditional test, with larger greens and little mystery.

Reason to play » These are two completely different courses that offer distinct challenges. The East is a tree-lined thrill-ride, has up-and-down hills and is full of twists, turns, trouble and truly unique holes. The West is muscular, straight forward and a favorite of long-ball hitters. While the East seems every bit its age, the West could pass for a course built 20 years later.

Duck » A rifle range near the first tee of the West Course is an unsettling start to your round. If you are unfazed by the boom of the guns, try ignoring the sound of buckshot whistling through the leaves above as you stand on the first tee.

Pocono Manor Inn » From the “Brick Tower Wing” of the resort’s 109-year-old inn, which is perched on the crest of Little Pocono Mountain, guests have a dramatic panoramic view of the range. The Laurel Spa is a great place to rejuvenate. The resort offers skeet and trap shooting, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, archery and waterfall, carriage and buggy rides. In the winter, there are sleigh rides, ice skating and even dogsledding.

Historic perspective » Golf at Pocono Manor dates to 1912, when a nine-hole course was completed. Head professional Greg Wall is son of 1959 Masters champion Art Wall, the former touring pro at Pocono Manor.

Signature hole

No. 7 (East), par 3, 77 yards

The tee is high above the banks of Indian Run. The green is 60 feet below and caressed by the creek. Judging direction and distance on this infuriating hole, which plays to a postage-stamp green, is the issue. Arnold Palmer, as legend has it, made a double bogey here in an exhibition match against resident touring pro Art Wall Jr.

Toughest hole

No. 5 (West), par 4, 447 yards

Most of the holes on the West Course are straightaway or gentle doglegs. The exception is No. 5, which turns abruptly to the right, preventing players from hitting driver off the tee. Best strategy: utility wood-utility wood.

Best hole

No. 10 (East), par 5, 515 yards

It seems beautiful, wide-open and nondescript. But upon closer inspection, grass mounds and bunkers shape and dictate strategy on this par-5, which has a distinct Scottish feel.

Cool hole

No. 3 (East), par 3, 194 yards

It’s a downhill shot to a small green, completely hidden behind a ridge. Trust the yardage and hit it over the directional flag and the result will be good.

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