The historic Glenside, Pa., property will be restored “to its old glory” with the help of a long-range master plan that will cover the golf course’s greens, bunkers, tees, vegetation, and practice facilities.
Historic North Hills Country Club in Glenside, Pa., is planning campus-wide renovations that will cover the golf course’s greens, bunkers, tees, grassing, drainage, vegetation, and practice facilities.
The golf course, originally designed by J. Franklin Meehan in 1908, and later renovated by William Flynn, was built around the remnants of three abandoned iron mines.
“We have had very well-intentioned boards making suggestions for changes and additions to the golf course and other facilities,” said Bob Garis, President of the club. “Some were hits; others were misses. Those that didn’t work so well are causing problems, and we want to restore the course to its old glory and increase our membership. Our long-range planning committee, while active and dedicated, needs the guidance and vision a golf course design professional brings to the table.”
Architect Lester George has been engaged to create a long-range master plan for the renovations.
“We want to help North Hills improve the architectural quality and maintainability of the golf course, while recognizing and respecting the Philadelphia golf architects who came before us,” said George. “Relocating and repurposing some amenities at North Hills could offer some significant enhancement to the club. We are looking at ways to offer first class amenities to North Hills’ current and future members.”
“While North Hills remains a wonderful club with a fantastic membership, we have an aging facility, which is causing us to fall behind the clubs around us,” said Garis.
“To compete in the marketplace, updated facilities are a must,” said George. “All too often, we see excellently designed golf courses that have been diluted and altered over the years by a small change here and there that sometimes adds up to a golf course that plays very little like its original design.”
“Moving forward, we knew it was imperative that we have a plan in place that is assembled by professionals for future well-intended boards to use as a roadmap,” Garis said. “If there is an opportunity to make changes, they will have the club’s long-range plan right in front of them to follow.”
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