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
1993
Stonewall club founded by A. John May and Bud Fretz (Old Course opens)
2003
North Course, designed by Tom Doak, opens to members
2005
Hosts Jack Connelly Invitational
2016
Stonewall hosts the U.S. Mid-Amateur (across North and Old Courses)
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
Comments0
Join the clubhouse to leave a comment. Reading is always open.