Lehigh Country Club is a prime example of William S. Flynn’s parkland vision—strategic, walkable, and subtly testing—brought vibrantly up to date with an expert restoration and recent bunker, green, and corridor enhancements. It's a top-shelf Northeast private club, delivering old-school craft and a member’s-day-out vibe rather than modern destination spectacle.
Lehigh Country Club stands as a testament to Flynn’s sweepingly strategic parkland vision: holes drape gracefully along the north bank of Little Lehigh Creek, the creek revealed and obscured as the routing twists through gentle elevation changes and broad natural corridors. The spine of the course is its varied mix of short and long par 4s, sturdy par 3s, and the ever-present influence of fearsome-yet-cunning bunkers, enlarged and restored to proper form in the most recent renovations. Greens are now truer to Flynn’s intent—tilts and micro-contours dictate landing positions and make smart approaches mandatory. This is classic big-club golf, revived for the modern shotmaker.
Flynn’s work at Lehigh embodies his prized traits: intelligent use of creekside land, walkable but testing terrain, and a subtle rhythm that rewards thinking players over bombers.
A demanding opening salvo, the first hole launches you directly into Flynn’s game—length, angle, and strategy matter from ball one. The drive must find a fairway that nudges toward Little Lehigh Creek, and an aggressive play brings both the rough and a diabolical approach angle into play.
Favor the left-center fairway for the best angle; avoid over-committing, as the green’s defenses punish run-out and poor line.
Push right and you risk a blocked second; left is no bail-out, with subtle slopes running away.
Fast-rolling, private-club turf with crisp bunker edges and firm, restored greens.
Generally brisk member’s pace (4 hours or better), depending on event or member play.
Classic, traditional club feel—expect decorum, history, and low-key excellence over spectacle.
Private club standards—collared shirts and slacks required; check with host for specific rules.
The par 3s are no pushover—make sure your long iron and hybrid game is dialed for stern tee demands.
Flynn’s bunkering and restored green edges reward those who master the delicate up-and-down; have your short game ready.
Most of the routing is walkable, but the rolling land means you’ll feel the miles, especially on humid Pennsylvania summer days.
Lehigh Country Club founded at former Allentown site
Present course opens, designed by William S. Flynn
Ron Forse leads faithful Flynn restoration
Bunker restoration and drainage, return to original visuals
First Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic (PGA TOUR Champions) hosted
Little Lehigh Creek isn’t just window dressing — it informs strategy on several holes, tempting the bold but punishing the reckless. Its presence on the back nine, especially, shapes approaches and landing zones, leaving golfers equal parts exhilarated and humbled.
The 2022 bunker project wasn’t cosmetic. Classic sand placement now demands fresh respect, with angled hazards once again dictating drives and dictating approaches—faithful to Flynn’s vision. The difference is felt on every tee shot, not just seen.
What was once farmland owned by the Kemmerer and Kline families is now one of Flynn’s most admired works, its land purchased by a syndicate of 42. The founding members bet big on this ground, and the club’s lore is steeped in their vision—and their willingness to move dirt for greatness.
For the first time in its century-plus history, Lehigh stages a major professional event: The Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic, bringing PGA TOUR Champions stars and a spotlight that cements the course’s elite regional status. The energy around the grounds will never be the same.
The club’s first location was near 17th and Walnut Streets before relocating to its creekside current home in 1928.
A syndicate of 42 members originally bought the land for the current course.
Lehigh’s parkland corridors have hosted generations but only recently welcomed top-tier professional golf.
Nearly a century since opening, the course’s core design remains true to Flynn’s classic routing and effortless strategy.
It took over 100 years for the club to host a major professional tour event—PGA TOUR Champions arrives in 2026.
Majestic, multi-course private club with national championship pedigree
Accessible, well-maintained muni for a casual round
Hilltop views and fun shotmaking for all skill levels
Classic layout, regional favorite for architecture buffs
Stay in Allentown, Bethlehem, or West Allentown/South Whitehall for optimal access and off-course amenities.
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 Shelby Golf Course's own setting.
Why it matches: Biltmore Golf Course is a natural next stop after Lehigh Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Oyster Harbors Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Lehigh Country Club.
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