Strategic Doak design where every shot counts

Stonewall (North Course)

Elverson, Pennsylvania

Amp Score
8.4
Established
2003
Architect
Tom Doak
Access
Private
Par
Par 71
Length
5,886 – 5,971 yds
More at StonewallYou're viewing: North Course
The verdict

A regional gem with serious pedigree

Stonewall’s North Course is a minimalist, walking-only Tom Doak original, purpose-built for pure, thoughtful golf. It’s not on the national Top 100, but its mix of rustic charm, inventive greens, and USGA event pedigree makes it a regional standout you’ll remember.

Course DNA
Difficulty81
Scenery78
Conditioning83
Shot Variety87
Walkability95
Green Complexity89
Architectural Interest86
At a glance

Quick facts

Opened
2003
Architect
Tom Doak
Par
71
Length (championship)
5,971 yards
Best Known For
Stone wall carries, walking-only ethos
Setting
Former dairy farm, Chester County
Access
Private, member & guest play only
Major Events Hosted
2023 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur
The lore

How it came to be

  1. 1993

    Stonewall club founded by A. John May and Bud Fretz (Old Course opens)

  2. 2003

    North Course, designed by Tom Doak, opens to members

  3. 2005

    Hosts Jack Connelly Invitational

  4. 2016

    Stonewall hosts the U.S. Mid-Amateur (across North and Old Courses)

  5. 2023

    North Course hosts USGA’s U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur

Stories & legends

What makes it special

History

A Dairy Farm Becomes a Golf Destination

Stonewall’s land was once a working dairy farm, and the signature stone barns now serve as the heart of the clubhouse. The routing preserves farmstead character, with stone walls in play on key holes and scenic views over old pastures.

Culture

Pure Golf, No Tee Times

Stonewall’s founders were adamant: golf only, no pool, no tennis, and a passionate commitment to walking and fast play. Tee off when you please, with no restrictive tee times, and savor an unhurried pace that feels like a lost era.

Design

The Wall Defines the Round

On the North Course, Doak turned the ancient stone walls into tactical and visual centerpieces. Holes like the 8th and 18th force you to play directly over historic barriers, weaving farm lore into modern golf drama.

The design

The architecture

Stonewall North is pure Doak minimalism with a rural Pennsylvania twist—generous fairways, strategic bunkering, and wildly sloped greens set in undulating farm country. The routing maximizes rising and falling terrain and lends every shot meaning, while old stone walls and stream crossings create tactical puzzles and visual drama. With its walking-only design and naturalistic shaping, the course captures Doak’s best impulses for fun, boldly rewarding those who play thoughtfully and keeping even skilled players on their toes.

Doak was handed a blank slate and delivered a course praised for maximizing natural charm and strategic options—never overpowering the site, always letting the land dictate the strategy.

Defining features
  • Signature stone wall crossings on holes 8 and 18
  • Firm, undulating greens with severe slopes
  • Strategic bunkering that shapes angles—not just penal
  • A walking-only ethos with no cart paths
  • Rolling terrain and elevation, rare in the Philadelphia area
The architect's other work

More from Tom Doak

Pacific Dunes

Bandon, Oregon

A modern links icon and Top 100 staple

Cape Kidnappers

Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

Clifftop resort and Doak masterwork

Barnbougle Dunes

Tasmania, Australia

World-ranked seaside adventure

Old Macdonald

Bandon, Oregon

Homage to links and strategic design

Streamsong Blue

Bowling Green, Florida

Top-rated modern resort course

Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 8

Over The Wall

PAR
5
YARDAGE
524

The showpiece of Stonewall North, this par 5 demands a drive and second shot flirting with or flying the old farm wall. The hole turns the property’s heritage into a must-face obstacle, with a view toward the old barns.

Play it smart

Position your tee shot for a clear second; bold players can attack, but misplacement leaves awkward angles over the wall.

Where it bites

Miss the correct angle or mishit a lay-up, and you’ll be staring at bogey—or worse—thanks to tricky recovery over the stone barrier.

Course management

Shots to think about

Approach to an undulating green from above the hole
Favor the low side—putting downhill here is lightning fast and three-putts are lurking.
Second shot on par 5s with a stone wall in play
Commit only if you have a clean angle—otherwise, lay up and attack with a wedge for a sure look.
Club selection on short par 3s (holes 2 and 6)
Wind can play tricks; trust yardage but watch for uphill or swirling conditions before pulling the trigger.
Tee shot on mid-length par 4s
Ignore flag hunting and aim for the best line to set up an approach from the open side of the green.
Scrambling from tight native grass
Accept your medicine, play for the fat part of the green, and don’t get greedy—recovery here is all about control.
Late-round pressure putts
Trust your read, but give more respect to subtle breaks—what looks straight rarely is on these surfaces.
Final tee shot on 18
Keep it in play at all costs; the closing stream will catch anything forced or overcooked left.
On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Firm, fast fairways; pure greens; top-tier maintenance throughout the season.

Pace

Consistently brisk—no tee times and walking-only tradition keep groups moving.

Vibe

Unpretentious camaraderie, rustic luxury, and deep focus on the game.

Dress code

Classic private club attire—collared shirts, golf slacks or shorts; no denim.

Build the trip

If you're planning a Philadelphia-area golf loop...

CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Merion Golf Club (East)
Private

America’s quintessential classic—history and shotmaking at its peak

Philadelphia Cricket Club (Wissahickon)
Private

Flawless Tillinghast architecture and timeless challenge

Lancaster Country Club
Private

Major championship pedigree, rolling scenery

French Creek Golf Club
Public/resort-style

Playable, scenic daily-fee option near Stonewall

Paxon Hollow Golf Club
Municipal

Accessible Philadelphia-area muni for a fun bonus round

Exton or Downingtown—central for Stonewall, Lancaster, and easy drives to Philly standouts

Before you tee off

Your game plan

01

Dial in Short Irons

Precision into subtle, elevated greens is critical; spend time on wedges and 8-iron shots.

02

Bring a Reliable Lag Putt

Practice distance control on speedy, multi-tiered greens to avoid costly three-putts.

03

Walk for Stamina

The course rewards walking—get used to the slopes so you’re sharp from the first to the final swing.

04

Know Your Wind Game

Check forecast and club up or down accordingly—exposed holes mean shifting conditions are common.

For the group chat

Fun facts

1

The course is known affectionately as the “Udder Course,” honoring its dairy-farm roots.

2

No tee times—members simply show up and play whenever ready.

3

The original stone barns anchoring the clubhouse are iconic photo ops.

4

Both Stonewall North and Old courses are walking-only; carts are not allowed.

5

Two separate USGA national championships have been hosted at Stonewall since opening.

The clubhouse

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