Northampton Valley Country Club

Ranked as one of the best public courses in the Philadelphia area, Northampton Valley Country Club offers a layout that's both beautiful and playable for all levels of golfers. The course, which was designed by Ed Ault and opened in 1963, has four sets of tees, playing around 6,400 yards from the tips. Owned by Northampton Township, this classically designed golf course features tree-lined fairways with gently sloped greens. Water comes into play on a few holes, and some strategically-placed bunkers guard the greens. While the par-70 course is player friendly, it does present a few risk-reward opportunities that better players will appreciate. The first par 5 is a good example. No. 7 is just 530 yards from the back tees, and only 500 yards from the next set. There's not much trouble, so many long hitters will go for this green in two. The par-4 ninth is another. It's just 305 yards from the back tee, but a lake front right of the green looms large, so long hitters who hit the driver will have to keep it left. Northampton Valley Country Club also offers excellent practice facilities that include a driving range, practice bunker and 10,000-square-foot practice green. Lessons are also available. The clubhouse includes a well-stocked golf shop and the "Tavern on Ten" restaurant, which has a covered outdoor patio. Serving breakfast on Friday and Saturday and lunch and dinner every day, the Tavern on Ten offers a wide variety of fresh appetizers, sandwiches and mains as well as a variety of beers on tap.