You’re driving down Paxon Hollow Road in Broomall, and if you aren't looking for it, you might miss the entrance to one of the most storied public tracks in Delaware County. It doesn't scream at you with massive neon signs or a corporate glass facade. Instead, Paxon Hollow Golf PA feels like a neighborhood secret that everyone happens to know about.
Honestly, the first thing you notice isn't the yardage. It’s the hills. This place is rolling—sometimes punishingly so. If you’ve ever played a "Golden Age" course, you know the vibe. There’s a specific kind of architectural DNA here that dates back to 1926. It was originally a private club, and you can still feel that "old money" layout, even though Marple Township has owned it since the late sixties.
The Short Course That Plays Huge
A lot of guys look at the scorecard and scoff. 5,709 yards from the back tees? "I'll tear this place apart," they say.
Then they hit the third hole.
The 3rd is a 480-yard par 5 that basically tells you to forget everything you thought you knew about "short" courses. It’s a dogleg right that plays significantly uphill. If you try to cut the corner and don't clear the ridge, you’re looking at a lost ball or a nightmare lie in thick grass. That’s the thing about Paxon Hollow—it’s a tactical game. You can’t just bomb and gouge your way through these tree-lined fairways.
- Par: 71
- Back Tees: ~5,700 yards
- Slope: 128
- Rating: 68.2
Don't let those numbers fool you. Between the elevation changes and the strategically placed bunkers designed by J. Franklin Meehan, your handicap is going to work for its living. Meehan didn't design hundreds of courses, but the ones he did in the Philadelphia area have this knack for making 300-yard par 4s feel like a puzzle.
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A Massive Face-Lift Is Coming
If you've played there recently, you might have noticed some stirrings. As of late 2025 and moving into 2026, Paxon Hollow is undergoing a major renovation. This isn't just swapping out some sand. We're talking about two entirely new opening holes.
The township is also leaning into the "grow the game" movement. They're building a dual-function practice range that can be converted into a six-hole par-3 course for juniors and beginners. It’s a smart move. For a long time, the biggest complaint about Paxon was the practice area—or lack thereof. Adding a legitimate spot to sharpen the short game without the pressure of a full 18 is going to change the dynamic of the club.
During this construction phase, expect some weirdness. The course has been operating as a 15-hole loop at times to accommodate the work. Rates have been adjusted accordingly, often dropping to around $40-$50 with a cart depending on the day.
The Anthony P. Campolo Clubhouse
You can't talk about Paxon Hollow Golf PA without mentioning the "19th hole." The clubhouse is named after Anthony P. Campolo, and it’s arguably the social heart of Broomall.
It’s actually a bit of a legal oddity. Marple is historically a "dry" township, but the clubhouse holds a rare liquor license. This makes it the only place in the area where you can grab a beer and a burger on a veranda at sunset. The restaurant, often referred to as Paxon Hollow Country Club’s banquet facility, handles everything from rowdy post-round drinks to high-end weddings.
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They serve a spicy chicken sandwich that has a legitimate cult following among the regulars.
What Most People Get Wrong About the 18th
Everyone talks about the 18th hole. Some call it the toughest finishing hole in Delco. It’s a 535-yard par 5 (from the blues) that requires a daunting uphill approach.
The mistake? Most amateurs try to hero-shot the second ball.
There’s a creek. There’s a massive tree guarding the left. There’s a dogleg that seems to eat golf balls for breakfast. If you don't play it as a true three-shot hole, you're going to wreck your scorecard right at the finish line. I’ve seen more rounds ruined on the 18th green than anywhere else on the property. The green itself is sloped in a way that makes a two-putt feel like a victory.
The Reality of the Pace of Play
Let’s be real for a second. Paxon is popular. Like, really popular.
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Because it’s a township-owned course with reasonable greens fees—usually ranging from $55 on weekdays to $70+ on weekends—it gets packed. If you book a tee time at 10:00 AM on a Saturday, do not expect a three-hour round. You’re looking at five hours, easily.
The staff does their best, but the layout invites slow play. Those ravines on holes like the 6th and the blind shots on the back nine mean people are constantly searching for balls. If you want a fast round, you have to be the first off the tee at 6:00 AM or play late on a Tuesday.
History You Can Feel
There’s something cool about knowing legends like Walter Hagen and Art Wall once walked these same hills. When the club formed in 1926, it was the height of the golf boom. It went through the usual struggles—bank ownership, management changes, even a weird period where the greens were accidentally ruined by the wrong chemicals decades ago.
But it survived.
It’s one of the few places left where the "Country Club" name is still on the sign but the vibe is "everyman." You'll see guys in ironed polos playing alongside college kids in t-shirts. It’s a mix that works.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Round:
- Club Down on the 2nd: It's a short par 3 (only about 120-130 yards). The green is deep, but if you go long, you're dead. Just put it in the middle.
- Watch the 10th Tee: It’s a beautiful elevated tee shot, but there’s water left and a creek right. It’s a "aim small, miss small" kind of hole.
- Check the Construction Status: Before you drive out, look at the Marple Township or Paxon Hollow website. If they're mid-renovation on the new holes, the routing might be different than the GPS on your phone says.
- The "Twilight" Hack: Their twilight rates are some of the best in the Philly suburbs. If you can sneak out after 3:00 PM, you can usually get through at least 12-14 holes for a fraction of the cost.
Paxon Hollow isn't trying to be Merion or Aronimink. It knows it’s a public track with a lot of character and a few rough edges. But between the history, the upcoming 2026 upgrades, and that brutal finishing stretch, it remains a mandatory stop for anyone golfing in Southeastern PA.