Robert Ashford, who will take over full ownership of the Wescosville, Pa., club in December, said he would rather save the golf course than sell it for residential development. To make the endeavor worthwhile, he’s asking Lower Macungie Township to chip in $700,000 for development rights to preserve the property as open space even if the club fails in the future.

The New Tripoli, Pa., club began asking golfers to shave a half hour from the usual 4 ½-hour play time every Friday, and members are reportedly enjoying the change. Other area clubs are incorporating strategies to encourage a quicker pace, such as employing rangers, eliminating cart-path-only sections, and requiring golfers to sign a form saying they will finish in the course’s recommended time.