Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hershey CC (East) is a polished George Fazio parkland test set atop rolling Pennsylvania terrain, with length, bunkering, and tough greens that challenge your entire bag. Rare for its mix of elevated targets and natural hazards, it’s a regionally elite private-club experience worth seeking out for those who crave strategic golf. Expect a round rewarding patience, discipline, and sharp iron play more than raw firepower.
After your round, step onto the balcony above the hilltop clubhouse for an expansive view over both East and West Courses—a favorite finish for in-the-know members.
The East Course at Hershey Country Club is a championship-minded parkland design from George Fazio, who took full advantage of Pennsylvania’s rolling terrain and natural slopes. Fazio’s broad fairways, strategically-placed bunkers, three well-integrated lakes, and elevated greens form a complete and genuinely demanding test. The layout rewards thoughtful positioning over brute force, with a flow that oscillates between power-centric holes and those requiring finesse iron play and precise approaches. Crucially, renovation work by Keith Foster has helped restore many original features, reinforcing the course’s strategic depth and classic feel.
George Fazio’s design emphasizes strategic bunkering, natural terrain movement, and demanding green complexes, creating a parkland experience that tests both patience and precision.
The opener sets the tone: a reachable par 5 with room for a bold tee shot, but smart positioning is essential for finding the right angle into a green framed by bunkers and subtle elevation. Approach too aggressively and you risk starting the round from a tough spot.
Favor the left-center of the fairway for the best approach; play for a layup if out of position off the tee.
A missed approach brings deep bunkers and awkward recovery pitches into play.
Excellent overall with pure greens and bunkers; can play soft after rain but generally firm and fast for the region.
Member-club norm, moving steadily but built for a thoughtful round over speed-golf.
Polished, traditional, and clubby with a focus on respect for the game.
Standard private-club attire—collared shirts, no denim, and golf slacks/shorts.
The elevated greens and tricky slopes make precise yardages and spin control a must.
Expect to hit long and mid-irons into greens, so work on your 175–200 yard game before arrival.
Aggression is punished more than rewarded—favor smart layups and conservative lines.
Central PA weather can change quickly—layers and rain gear are wise to ensure a steady round.
George Fazio-designed East Course opens as Hershey expands its golf vision
Role of old clubhouse shifts with the modern facility’s debut
Reese’s Cup Classic (Nike/Buy.com Tour) debuts on the East Course
Final year hosting the Reese’s Cup Classic
Keith Foster restores several original architectural features
The East Course’s opening in 1969 was more than just a new layout—it signaled Hershey’s transformation from chocolate-factory town to full-blown resort destination, helping build the club’s championship reputation. The redesign of facilities and shift in club focus marked a new era in central Pennsylvania golf.
From the beginning, the East’s reputation has hung on its complex and elevated putting surfaces. Regional competitors and Korn Ferry pros alike know the challenge lies not in pure length, but in landing approaches on small targets with big slopes.
For eight years, the club was home to the Nike/Buy.com/Nationwide Tour’s Reese’s Cup Classic. Rising tour pros, tough summer conditions, and the notorious back-nine stretch made it a favorite pressure venue in the build-up to the PGA Tour.
A new era dawned at Hershey when George Fazio was tapped to craft the East. He carved wide corridors, placed hazards where they matter, and gave the club a modern edge over its storied West sibling.
Part of Hershey’s broader vision for a world-class resort, conceived by Milton S. Hershey himself.
More than 100 bunkers are in play across the layout—evidence of Fazio’s championship intent.
The club has hosted Nike/Buy.com/Nationwide Tour events and major regional tournaments.
Keith Foster’s renovation reemphasized the original Fazio angles and bunkers.
You can overlook both East and West courses from the current hilltop clubhouse.
Vibrant, well-maintained public layout ideal for a contrast to ultra-private Hershey.
Affordable links-influenced option with creative holes near Hershey corridor.
Solid course and convenient access for a post-Hershey round.
Site of 2015 U.S. Women's Open—one of Pennsylvania’s best if you have access.
Chocolate Avenue/Hershey Lodge area to maximize playing and dining access.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Whitemarsh Valley Country Club's own setting.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. The Tuxedo Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Hershey Country Club (East).
Why it matches: If Hershey Country Club (East) is your kind of course, Huntingdon Valley Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
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