Philadelphia occupies a singular place in American golf history, and serious golfers know it. Within a short drive of the city sits a constellation of architectural masterpieces — Merion Golf Club, Pine Valley Golf Club, and Aronimink Golf Club among them — that collectively represent some of the most celebrated design work the game has ever produced.
Top courses
Best golf courses in Philadelphia
Editor-picked layouts ranked by prestige, conditioning and player experience.
#1
Merion Golf Club (East Course)
Design by Hugh Wilson · Par 70 · 6,996 yds
A historic, world-renowned course known for its iconic wicker baskets and challenging US Open pedigree. If fortunate to play, soak in the history and respect the tradition on every shot.
Design by George Arthur Crump · Par 70 · 7,057 yds
Consistently ranked among the world's best, this exclusive course is a true test of golf for the elite. Focus on accuracy over distance; the course severely punishes errant shots.
A classic Donald Ross design, this championship course offers a fair yet challenging round with excellent conditions. Pay attention to the subtle breaks and undulations on Ross's greens.
DifficultClassic Donald Ross
#4
Talamore Country Club
Design by Rees Jones · Par 70 · 6,983 yds
A Rees Jones design offering a modern championship experience with engaging holes and great views. Take advantage of the practice facilities before your round; they are excellent.
Medium-DifficultModern Championship$100–180
Stay & play
Where to stay in Philadelphia
Resort packages bundle lodging, rounds, range access, and on-site dining. Hotel-only options give you flexibility to course-hop.
The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia
Luxury Hotel
Luxury hotel housed in a historic building, offering opulent rooms and impeccable service in a prime location.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia
Boutique Hotel
Boutique art deco hotel in Rittenhouse Square, known for stylish decor and a lively atmosphere.
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square
Mid-Range Hotel
Comfortable and convenient hotel offering a good value in the heart of Rittenhouse Square.
Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia Midtown
Budget Hotel
Reliable and budget-friendly option offering essential amenities and a central location.
Off the course
Things to do in Philadelphia
Non-golf experiences worth building into your trip — from local landmarks to nature, food, and culture.
Independence Hall & Liberty Bell
Historical
Explore the birthplace of American democracy and witness the iconic Liberty Bell.
Philadelphia Museum of Art & Rocky Steps
Cultural/Iconic
Visit a world-class art museum and recreate the iconic 'Rocky' run up the steps outside.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Historical
Tour this historic, abandoned prison known for its wagon-wheel design and rich history.
Ben Franklin Parkway Museums
Cultural
Stroll along this grand boulevard home to several museums including The Barnes Foundation.
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Recreational
Relax in a seasonal urban oasis with hammocks, food, and entertainment by the Delaware River.
Itineraries
Sample itineraries
Choose your trip length. Each plan is built around the marquee courses, with rest, dining, and travel days dialed in.
1
Day 1
Arrive & warm up
Land at PHL, transfer to your hotel, hit the range, and grab a casual dinner at Vetri Cucina.
2
Day 2
Round 1 — Merion Golf Club (East Course)
Morning tee time at Merion Golf Club (East Course). Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Reading Terminal Market.
3
Day 3
Final round & departure
Early tee time at Talamore Country Club, light lunch, then transfer back to PHL.
Budget
Budget breakdown · per golfer
Realistic ranges sourced from current resort rates, public green fees, and group dining averages.
Lodging
3 nights · $271/nt
$813
Golf
2 rounds · $158 avg
$316
Food & drink
~$110/day
$330
Ground transport
Rideshare + cart fees
$180
Flights
Search Skyscanner for live fares
Variable
Estimated total · per golfer
$1,639
Season
Best time of year to visit Philadelphia
Continental
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Ideal Good Off-season
When to book: 4-6 months out
Dining
Where to eat in Philadelphia
From clubhouse classics to chef-driven dinners worth a reservation.
Vetri Cucina
$$$$
Italian
An intimate, upscale Italian restaurant offering exquisite tasting menus and a renowned wine list.
Federal Donuts
$
Donuts & Fried Chicken
Famous for its hot fresh donuts and delicious fried chicken, a local favorite for a quick bite.
Reading Terminal Market
$$
Various
A historic indoor market brimming with diverse food vendors, perfect for exploring local flavors.
Barclay Prime
$$$$
Steakhouse
An upscale steakhouse known for its luxurious ambiance and the famous 'Philly Cheesesteak' sandwich.
Buddakan
$$$
Modern Asian
A chic, vibrant restaurant serving innovative Asian cuisine in a stunning, grand setting.
Talula's Garden
$$$
Farm-to-Table American
A charming and rustic-chic restaurant offering seasonal American dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients.
After dark
Nightlife in Philadelphia
Where the buddy trips end up after the 19th hole.
Philly's Beer Garden at The Oval XP
Outdoor Beer Garden
A large outdoor beer garden offering local brews, food trucks, and lively entertainment during warmer months.
Frankford Hall
Beer Garden
A bustling German-style beer garden in Fishtown with communal tables, board games, and great beer.
U-Bahn
Bar/Club
An underground bar in Center City featuring a classic rock DJ, craft beers, and a lively atmosphere.
Tee times
Book tee times in Philadelphia
Live inventory from GolfNow plus flight comparison from Skyscanner. Prices update in real time.
FAQ
Philadelphia golf trip FAQs
What is the best time of year to golf in Philadelphia?
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Apr – Oct (May, Sep, Oct). Continental
How much does a golf trip to Philadelphia cost?
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Plan on $1,900–$5,300 per golfer for a 3-night trip including lodging, rounds, food and ground transport. Flights are extra.
What airport should I fly into for Philadelphia?
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PHL, about 20 miles from the resort area. Most national hubs offer non-stop service via Philadelphia.
How many days should I plan for a Philadelphia golf trip?
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3 nights is the sweet spot — enough for 2 full rounds plus a rest or sightseeing day.
Is Philadelphia good for buddy trips?
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Yes — popular with Architecture nerds, Serious golfers. Quieter evenings, ideal for golf-focused groups.
Ready to book
Book your Philadelphia golf trip
Lock in tee times on GolfNow, secure your stay on Booking.com, or let our AI planner build the entire itinerary for your group in under a minute.