MONTCO Golf: Limerick’s Turtle Creek Offers an Enjoyable Round for the Everyday and Scratch Golfer
By Rick Woelfel
For nearly a quarter-century, the Turtle Creek Golf Course has been one of the region’s most renowned public golf destinations.
And for good reason.
Since its opening in August of 1997 Turtle Creek, located on Ridge Pike in Limerick Township, draws the bulk of its customers from New Jersey, Eastern Montgomery County, and an area adjacent to and south of Route 422.
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But golfers from other locales know if its reputation, in part because it regularly hosts the PIAA District One high-school tournament each October.
Bobbie Waltz, one of the owners of the property, says the club normally hosts 20,000 to 25,000 rounds each year. And while the club was shut down from mid-March until May 1, business has been booming since then.
“It hasn’t let up,” she said
Waltz credits the work of superintendent John Welsh for the pristine conditions for which the course is celebrated.
“He just wears it on his sleeves,” she said
The golf course is laid out over 165 acres of what was once farmland (a nine-hole par-three course and driving range are adjacent) and plays to a maximum of 6,702 yards. Additional markers are positioned at 6,375, 6,827, and 5,131 yards. Par is 72.
It is an enjoyable trip for the everyday player but low handicappers will face their own challenges.
With the exception of a short stretch at the start of the back nine, the layout is wide open, giving the recreational golfer a maximum amount of latitude. Water can be an issue; it comes into play on five holes but the greens would be the envy of many private clubs would envy.
The most demanding stretch of holes includes the eighth through the 12th, encompassing two par threes, two par fours, and a par five.
The eighth is a particularly memorable hole, a legitimate three-shotter, a par five that plays to a maximum 538 yards and doglegs left off the tee (Most visitors will play it from 516 or perhaps 469). Big hitters who might be tempted to go for the green in two will think twice.
The 18th brings the round to a memorable conclusion. It’s another par five that can play up to 577 yards; most will play it from 552 yards or perhaps 530. The approach plays downhill over a pond.
The course hosts outings regularly and offers catering services.
The course is easily accessible from the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Route 422.
From the West: I-76 [PA Turnpike] East to Exit 24 [Valley Forge/King of Prussia] Route 202 South to Route 422 Route 422 West to Royersford Exit. See local directions below.
From the South: I-95 North to I-476 I-476 West to I-76 I-76 West to Route 202 Route 202 South to Route 422 Route 422 West to Royersford Exit. See local directions below.
From the North: I-476 East [NE Extension PA Turnpike] to I-76 [PA Turnpike] I-76 [PA Turnpike] West to Exit 24 [Valley Forge/King of Prussia] Route 202 South to Route 422 Route 422 West to Royersford Exit. See local directions below.
From the East: NJ Turnpike North/South to PA Turnpike [I-276] West to Exit 24 [Valley Forge/King of Prussia] Route 202 South to Route 422 Route 422 West to Royersford Exit. See local directions below.
LOCAL DIRECTIONS
Heading West on Route 422: Royerford Exit: Look for our Turtle Creek Sign approx. 1/4 mile before exit. Exit ramp. At the end of the ramp bear right onto Walnut Street. Walnut St. will turn into Township Line Rd. Approx. 2 miles to the 4th traffic light, look for the Turtle sign at the light and make a left turn onto Ridge Pike. Follow Ridge Pike for about 1.5 miles, the golf course entrance is on your left (after Waltz Golf Farm).
Heading East on Route 422: Limerick/Linfield Exit: Look for our Turtle Creek Sign approx. 1/4 mile before exit. Take exit ramp and turn left onto N. Lewis Rd. Due to construction on N. Lewis Rd., at the second light, turn right onto W. Linfield Rd. Then, take a left onto S. Limerick Rd., follow it until you come to Ridge Pike. Turn right onto Ridge Pike, the golf course entrance will be on your right (before Waltz Golf Farm).
Click here for directions and an interactive map.
For more information on the Turtle Creek Golf Course or to book a tee time, click here or call 610-489-5133.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rick Woelfel has worked in print and broadcast journalism for more than 35 years. He’s covered golf in one medium or another for more than 30.
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