Sunnybrook Golf Club is a private, tradition-rich layout defined by its fast, slick greens and classic Gordon architecture. Though built on history dating to 1914, the current routing smartly balances challenge and playability—a pure approach-and-putt test favored by Philadelphia golf purists. While not a national bucket-lister, it's a coveted round for well-connected locals and those who love strategic green complexes.
Don’t miss sneaking out for a late-evening loop when the greens are at their fastest and shadows stretch across Gordon’s undulating contours.
Sunnybrook’s present form is a masterclass in mid-century Golden Age revivalism. After relocating from its original Donald Ross site, William and David Gordon created a course that embraces classic strategic values—rewarding accuracy, angles, and creativity on and around the greens. The 2007 restoration focused sharply on returning the putting surfaces to Gordon's dynamic original plans, bolstering the reputation of Sunnybrook as one of the most challenging green complexes in the Philadelphia region. The land's gentle movement and mature parkland corridors provide engaging visuals and rewarding walks, while the club tradition shines through in every detail.
William and David Gordon’s hands shaped the course’s bones, honoring classic values, while the 2007 green restoration project reclaimed lost subtleties and intent from their original plans.
A mid-length dogleg left demanding a precise tee shot to set up the correct angle into one of Sunnybrook’s signature greens, restored to original contours. The left side is pinched by mature trees, rewarding the brave with a shorter but tighter approach.
Favor the right-center of the fairway to open up sightlines and use the green’s contours to feed the ball toward back pins.
Over-cook your tee shot left and you’ll battle both trees and a treacherous recovery over bunkers; play it too safe and you’re left with a slippery, sloping green running away from you.
Exceptionally well-kept greens and manicured fairways; expect lightning-fast putting surfaces.
Play moves briskly—members value and enforce quick rounds.
Traditional, refined, and clubby—pride of place for members with friendly but focused staff.
Private club standards: collared shirts, slacks or Bermuda-length shorts, no denim.
Practice on slick, sloping surfaces—nothing at your local muni will prepare you for these green speeds.
Study pin positions and plan to leave your approaches beneath the hole whenever possible.
Take time for a full short-game warmup; the chipping area mimics the fast, firm greens you’ll face all round.
Bring a light bag—this is a course best appreciated on foot to take in both the land and layered club history.
Six club crusaders chartered the club after splitting from Philadelphia Cricket Club
Original Donald Ross course opened
Relocated to current Disston farm site with a Gordon/Gordon layout
Hosted the Pennsylvania State Amateur
Restored 18 greens to original 1954 design
Sunnybrook’s story begins on a Donald Ross gem, uprooted by imminent highway expansion, then reborn as a Gordon classic. The club's commitment to honoring its roots is evident in the 2007 greens restoration—proof that history and innovation can coexist.
The club’s putting surfaces are notorious among members and guests alike for their speed and nuance. Even seasoned players find their nerves tested by slick slopes and devilish subtleties, especially after the greens were faithfully restored.
Sunnybrook owes its existence to a handful of members who disagreed with the direction of the Philadelphia Cricket Club. This founding split set the stage for over a century of independent tradition and competitive play.
The club’s original course and routing were lost due to the construction of Route 309.
Sunnybrook’s founding split was led by George C. Thomas, a legend of Philadelphia golf architecture.
The greens were meticulously restored to their original 1954 plans using the architect’s actual schematics.
Played host to the 1994 Pennsylvania State Amateur, drawing top regional competition.
Elite architectural pedigree and recent championship pedigree—one of the region’s flagships.
Historic U.S. Open venue; arguably the country’s most storied inland club.
Préeminent Tillinghast-era experience, beautifully restored and steeped in history.
Donald Ross-designed municipal with great value and strategic tests for all skill levels.
King of Prussia / Plymouth Meeting area for access to both Main Line and western suburbs.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Idle Hour Country Club is a natural next stop after Sunnybrook Golf Club: it makes the greens a central strategic puzzle.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Woodway Country Club makes the greens a central strategic puzzle, making it a compelling counterpart to Sunnybrook Golf Club.
Why it matches: If Sunnybrook Golf Club is your kind of course, Dayton Country Club is worth a look because it demands the same precision once you reach the putting surface.
Prominent Gordon parkland design
Classic 1928 Gordon course
Site of 1958 PGA Championship
Golden Age parkland Gordon
Community Sentiment
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