Valley Forge Golf Club

The Valley Forge Golf Club was located at 401 North Gulph Road, King of Prussia, just off the PA Turnpike, across from King of Prussia Mall. It was known as a quintessential, little, “no frills” public course. From 1928 until October 31, 2005, it was a staple for area golfers. After decades of litigation, its fate was sealed. The course was in a slow but sure death spiral. Then those 135 acres of choice, rolling property about a 3-wood away from King of Prussia Mall was turned into residential and commercial development now called The Villages and Town Center.

Back in 2002 weekend greens fees were $30 to walk, $40 to ride; after 3 pm, $18 to walk, $25 to ride. On weekdays, $20 to walk, $33 to ride; after 3 pm, $15 to walk, $23 to ride. At that time it had a fully-stocked pro shop, snack bar, driving range, putting and chipping green. Price was right and the golf was basic. It measured only 5,960 from the white tees, with a course rating of 68.9 and a slope of 107, less than the national average of 113.

A 1996 article stated there were few bunkers, no marshes, no dense woods, no deep rough, and not a drop of water on the course, expect for the drinking fountains. The fairways on this short, wide-open course tend to be generous and forgiving. The greens are also small and, except on a few holes, flat.

Golf Digest’s Places to Play gives Valley Forge a one-star rating, meaning “basic golf,” and lists such player comments as “good beginner’s course,” “nothing special,” “acceptable,” “old style” and “being so close to Philly, it’s always crowded.’’

That may be, but assistant professional Frank Wright believes the course is just the ticket for more than a few players. “It’s enjoyable to the average golfer because there’s not a lot of trouble, and a challenge to all golfers because of the small greens,” he said.

Small as they are, the greens may be Valley Forge’s strongest feature. Last week, they were in excellent condition – thick, true and freshly cut.

The back nine of the layout – the architect’s name is long forgotten – turns hilly and is more interesting than the up-and-back front side.

The 12th hole, a 476-yard par-5, is over hill and dale to an elevated green that kicks anything to the left down an embankment. Regulars regard the par-4, 412-yard 14th hole as the toughest on the course. The fairway, which runs along a busy street, slopes right to left, flanked by a few trees that can make things interesting.

The 15th, 161 yards with its elevated tee and green, is the most interesting par 3 on the course. That’s quickly followed by the most scenic hole on the course, the par-5, 458-yard No. 17, with an elevated tee and a lazy, dogleg-right fairway. Little surprise, that golfers who slip out of nearby office buildings for a quick nine definitely favor the back side.

In 1959, a Philadelphia Inquirer reader asked: “Can you give me the history of the lovely mansion on Route 23, King of Prussia, Pa, which presently houses the Valley forge Golf Club?”

The paper answered: The exact date of its erection is as yet unknown, according to Dr. Robert D. May of the King of Prussia Historical Society which is actively engaged in authenticating the dates of the many historic buildings in Upper Merion Township.

Records indicate the land itself was owned by an Edward Thomas as early as 1685. Whether any part of the present building dates to that period is doubtful nor is the year 1728, which appears on the building, considered reliable. More likely, in Dr. May’s option, is the suggestion that the white, three story house dates to 1820 when it was built by William Cleaver on the occasion of his marriage to Jane Thomas. Architecturally its graceful columned front, fanlight over the doorway and interior woodwork are typical of the early 1800s.

The building has served as the Valley Forge Gold Club since 1926.

Then it was reported in January, 1980 that a fast-moving fire destroyed the clubhouse, pro shop and golf cart shed at the Valley Forge Golf Club.