Philadelphia Cricket Club Wissahickon Course Map Design

A Legacy of American Golf Excellence

The Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Wissahickon Course stands as one of the oldest and most respected golf courses in the United States. Nestled in Flourtown, Pennsylvania, this historic club has been a symbol of American golf tradition since its founding in 1854. While the club originally began as a cricket society, it soon became a pioneer in golf, establishing one of the first courses in the country.

The Wissahickon Course, in particular, is a masterpiece of golf course architecture. Designed by A.W. Tillinghast in 1922, it is celebrated for its natural topography, strategic bunkering, and timeless layout. The course is a true test of skill, requiring players to think carefully about every shot rather than relying solely on distance.

The Design Philosophy Behind Wissahickon

What makes the Wissahickon Course truly remarkable is the genius of A.W. Tillinghast’s design philosophy. He believed that a great golf course should harmonize with the landscape rather than fight against it. The Wissahickon Course does exactly that. Rolling fairways follow the natural contours of the land, while strategically placed bunkers challenge even the most seasoned golfers.

Tillinghast incorporated design features that encourage creativity. Wide fairways invite bold drives, yet subtle slopes and elevation changes make positioning critical. Greens are firm but fair, demanding precision and control. Every hole offers a distinct personality, blending beauty with difficulty in a way that feels both classic and modern.

The course map design reflects this philosophy. Each hole has been carefully plotted to showcase the natural ridges, valleys, and wooded surroundings of the Wissahickon Creek area. The map serves not only as a guide but also as an artistic tribute to one of golf’s finest architectural achievements.

Course Layout and Highlights

The Wissahickon Course stretches over 7,119 yards from the championship tees, par 71. Its layout combines stunning visuals with strategic gameplay, making it a favorite among professionals and amateurs alike.

Some of the most notable holes include:

• Hole 1 – “The Gateway”: A welcoming yet challenging opening hole that sets the tone for the round. It’s designed to reward accuracy off the tee.

• Hole 4 – “Wissahickon Crossing”: A scenic par 4 that plays across a stream, demanding both distance and precision.

• Hole 10 – “Tillinghast’s Turn”: A signature hole that perfectly showcases his design style—strategic bunkers, rolling fairways, and a green framed by mature trees.

• Hole 15 – “The Ridge”: Elevated terrain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and a demanding approach shot.

• Hole 18 – “The Home Stretch”: A memorable finishing hole that challenges players to balance risk and reward, closing the round with style.

Each of these holes is highlighted beautifully on the Wissahickon Course map design, allowing golfers to visualize strategy before stepping on the tee.

Restoration and Modern Enhancements

In 2014, the Wissahickon Course underwent a meticulous restoration by architect Keith Foster, aiming to return it to its original Tillinghast design while updating it for modern play. Fairways were widened, bunkers reshaped, and greens restored to their classic forms.

The updated course map now captures this revitalized design. It includes precise detailing of fairway contours, green complexes, and hazard placements, making it an essential tool for golfers and collectors alike. The map is not just functional—it’s a piece of art that represents nearly a century of golf heritage.

Artistic Course Map Prints

For golf enthusiasts and art lovers, custom Wissahickon Course map prints have become a popular way to celebrate this legendary course. These prints often feature elegant layouts, topographical accuracy, and artistic shading that highlight the unique character of each hole.

Whether displayed in a home office, golf den, or clubhouse, these maps serve as timeless reminders of the game’s beauty and history. Many golfers purchase them as keepsakes to commemorate a round played at Philadelphia Cricket Club or as a tribute to classic golf course architecture.

You can even customize your print with options like:

• Vintage or modern design themes

• Hole-by-hole labeling

• Personalization (name, date of play, or favorite hole)

• Framed or canvas finishes

Such personalized details make these Wissahickon Course map artworks ideal gifts for golfers or collectors who appreciate the heritage of the game.

The Club’s Historical Significance

The Philadelphia Cricket Club is more than just a golf destination—it’s a cornerstone of American sporting history. As one of the few clubs in the world with three championship-caliber courses (Wissahickon, Militia Hill, and St. Martins), it continues to attract players from around the globe.

The club has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the 2016 PGA Professional National Championship, which showcased the Wissahickon Course to an international audience. Its impeccable conditions and strategic layout received praise from professionals and commentators alike.

A Blend of Tradition and Modern Design

The beauty of the Wissahickon Course map design lies in its ability to merge tradition with modernity. It captures the timeless elegance of early 20th-century golf architecture while incorporating digital mapping precision for today’s players.

Modern map designs use high-resolution satellite imagery and digital elevation data to accurately depict fairway lines, greens, bunkers, and natural features. Yet, they maintain an artistic touch that reflects Tillinghast’s original vision.

This combination of art and accuracy makes the Wissahickon Course map both a practical guide and a collectible masterpiece.

Why Golfers Love the Wissahickon Course

Golfers are drawn to the Philadelphia Cricket Club Wissahickon for its perfect balance of challenge, beauty, and authenticity. Unlike many modern layouts, it rewards thoughtful play rather than brute strength. Each round feels like a journey through golf history—where every swing connects you with generations of players who’ve walked the same fairways.

Paired with a detailed course map, players can plan their strategies, relive favorite holes, or simply admire the course’s design excellence. For visitors and members alike, owning a Philadelphia Cricket Club Wissahickon Course print is a way to hold a piece of that experience forever.

Final Thoughts

The Philadelphia Cricket Club Wissahickon Course map design embodies everything great about classic golf architecture: artistry, strategy, and a deep respect for nature. From A.W. Tillinghast’s timeless design to Keith Foster’s faithful restoration, the course represents nearly a century of golf heritage.

Whether you’ve played it in person or admire it from afar, the Wissahickon Course map serves as a beautiful reminder of golf’s enduring spirit. It’s not just a layout on paper—it’s a portrait of passion, tradition, and the artistry that defines the game.