Byron Nelson's Defining Duel
In 1940, the West Course made golf history when Byron Nelson edged out Sam Snead in a legendary 1-up playoff for the PGA Championship. The echoes of that rivalry still shape the club’s major-worthy mystique.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Hershey Country Club (West)
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Established
1930
Architect
Maurice McCarthy (1930), Lester George (2008–2010 renovation)
Access
Private - Resort Guest Access
Par
Par 73
Length
5,276 – 6,860 yds
The verdict
A Historic Championship Test
Hershey Country Club (West) is a time-tested parkland classic with major-championship heritage, polished conditions, and a routing that rewards smart play. It stands as one of Pennsylvania’s strongest tests—regionally elite, always memorable, and steeped in the kind of stories every golfer loves to relive.
Course DNA
Difficulty
80
Scenery71
Conditioning85
Shot Variety77
Walkability70
Green Complexity76
Wow Factor79
Design Quality75
Don't miss
Ask to see the display of Byron Nelson and Sam Snead memorabilia in the clubhouse, commemorating the 1940 PGA Championship duel.
At a glance
Quick facts
PGA Championship Host
Site of the 1940 PGA Championship
Professional Legacy
Hosted both the PGA and LPGA Tour
Longest Par 3
No. 8, 232 yards from Blues
Club Pro History
Henrie Picard and Ben Hogan era
Resort Guest Access
Playable with Hershey resort stay
Par 5s Galore
Five par 5s challenge your scorecard
Speedy Rounds Expected
Club encourages a 4-hour pace
The design
The architecture
Hershey Country Club (West) showcases the enduring strengths of classic American parkland design, with tree-lined corridors, rolling fairways, and championship-level green complexes. Maurice McCarthy's original routing, refreshed by Lester George’s thoughtful renovation, pairs sweeping risk-reward par 5s with dangerous par 3s like the famed 232-yard 8th. The course’s major-championship past is written into every subtle dogleg and bold approach, demanding both patience and well-timed aggression. While not a pure architectural museum piece, it’s laced with strategic nuances that reward careful study and creative play.
McCarthy’s 1930 layout set the championship tone; George’s modern update revitalized bunkering and four key holes, keeping play challenging and fresh.
Defining features
- Five true three-shot par 5s
- Mix of reachable short par 4s and stout finishes
- Well-contoured traditional greens
- Rolling, tree-framed parkland corridors
- Balanced front-to-back nine flow
- Strategic fairway and bunker placement
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 2
Broad Valley Charge
PAR
5
YARDAGE
568
This early par 5 sweeps through a broad valley and tempts the bold player to bite off a chunk with the second shot. Birdie is there for the taking, but only if you respect the angles and avoid well-placed bunkers.
Play it smart
Decide quickly whether to lay up short for a wedge or attack in two; fairway positioning is the key to a scoring chance.
Where it bites
Water left and bunkers right punish over-aggression—let discipline rule your first approach.
Course management
Shots to think about
Teeing off at No. 1
Play for position rather than maximum distance to start your round in control.
Second shot on par 5s
Be honest—if you can’t safely carry, lay up to your favorite wedge yardage.
Approaches to smaller greens
Missing short side can mean bogey; focus on the heart of the green.
Par 3, No. 8
Take enough club—don’t challenge the front bunkers if you’re not 100% confident.
Drivable par 4s (No. 4, 14)
Risk-reward tempts you, but weigh current conditions and your wedge game before pulling driver.
18th tee with a match on the line
Center-cut, solid drive; trying to cut the corner is riskier than it looks.
Fast greens in summer
Favor uphill putts whenever possible; downhillers here can get speedy.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Superb year-round maintenance, firm fairways, fast greens, and polished club surroundings.
Pace
Expectation of a four-hour round, with efficient spacing and well-managed flow.
Vibe
Classic club atmosphere balanced by a welcoming, resort-adjacent guest experience.
Dress code
Traditional club attire required; collared shirts and golf slacks/shorts.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Book Resort Lodging Early
Reserve a Hershey resort stay in advance to guarantee your tee time on the West Course.
02
Bring Your A-Game Putts
Firm, subtly quick greens will test your pace and touch, especially in summer conditions.
03
Walk or Ride Strategically
The routing is walkable but rolling—choose your mode to match your stamina and group preference.
04
Arrive 30 Minutes Early
Allow time for range warmup and to soak up the club’s major-championship memorabilia.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1930
West Course opens, designed by Maurice McCarthy
- 1940
Byron Nelson defeats Sam Snead in the PGA Championship
- 2011
PGA Professional National Championship held on site
- 2012
USGA Women's Senior Amateur Championship
Stories & legends
What makes it special
The Hogan & Picard Connection
Before becoming a legend, Ben Hogan served as assistant to Henry Picard, the club’s pro and a major champion. Their time in Hershey became a pivotal chapter in both men’s storied golf journeys.
A Tradition of Champions
Beyond its major legacy, the West Course drew the game’s best for decades by hosting the Hershey Open and the Lady Keystone Open, cementing its reputation as Central Pennsylvania’s professional proving ground.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The 1940 PGA Championship duel was a match-play playoff between Byron Nelson and Sam Snead.
2
Ben Hogan honed his game and career as an assistant pro here before fame.
3
The club’s PGA and LPGA event legacy stretches for more than seven decades.
4
The West is famous for five par 5s—a unique test at championship length.
5
A round here puts you on the same turf as several Hall of Famers.
Build the trip
If you're plotting a Hershey golf escape
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Royal Manchester Golf Links
Public
Fun, testy public course with links-flavored presentation just 30 minutes away.
Golden Oaks Golf Club
Public
Stout public test with big fairways and strong greens, less than an hour’s drive.
The Architects Golf Club
Resort/Public
A unique architect-tribute course within reasonable striking distance.
Aronimink Golf Club
Private
Architectural pilgrimage for Flynn design aficionados, but private.
Hershey itself, close to the clubs, Hersheypark, and chocolate-fueled dining.
Course DNA
If You Like West
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.2
Saucon Valley Country Club – Old
Bethlehem, PennsylvaniaConditioning
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Saucon Valley Country Club – Old offers similarly polished playing surfaces, making it a compelling counterpart to Hershey Country Club (West).
Strong DNA Match8.0
Columbia Country Club
Chevy Chase, MarylandWhy it matches: There is real overlap here. Columbia Country Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Hershey Country Club (West).
Strong DNA Match8.4
The Harvester Club
Rhodes, IowaWhy it matches: If Hershey Country Club (West) is your kind of course, The Harvester Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Community Sentiment
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