Donald Ross' creative bunkering seen at Aronimink's 11th hole.
Russell Kirk
Aronimink's home hole.
Russell Kirk
Aronimink Golf Club
Aronimink Golf Club
3600 Saint Davids Rd Ste 2
Newtown Square, PA 19073-1799
United States
Overview
Aronimink is an object lesson in architectural evolution. After Donald Ross completed his design in 1928, he proclaimed, “I intended to make this my masterpiece.” That didn’t keep club members from bringing in William Gordon in the 1950s to eliminate out-of-play fairway bunkers and move other bunkers closer to greens. The course was later revamped by Dick Wilson, George Fazio and Robert Trent Jones. In the 1990s and into the 2000s, Ron Prichard, one of the profession’s original restoration specialists, began returning Aronimink back to Ross’ conception based on the architect’s drawings and field diagrams. But there was always a discrepancy between what Ross drew in plans and what was actually built in 1928. A more recent renovation by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, who live nearby, has put the course’s architecture more in line with what aerial photographs depict of the early design, particularly the bunkering that might have been imagined as larger in scale but built in smaller, more scatter-shot formations.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked 1966-1998, 2001-2006, 2009-2026.
Highest ranking: 49th, 1987-1988.
Previous ranking: 95th.
2025-'26 ranking: 100th.
Best in State: Ranked Top 5 in Pennsylvania since 1985.
2025-'26 ranking (and previous): 3rd.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Already provided in evaluation. Summed up by saying great course, great clubhouse, great history"
Read More2025
Review
“A gem in Chester County, PA. Virtually all the trees have been removed and every hole seems to have a panoramic view of the entire golf course, yet each hole is unique and stands on it's own. Most of the holes are right in front of you, but some have rolling terrain that creates a dogleg or blind second shot. Good variety of hole lengths, longer holes allow for run up shots to green and shorter holes well protected around greens. Consistent firm sand, fairways, rough and greens throughout all 18 holes. While only two par 5's around the same length they are very different one receptive to a run up shot in 2 the other very well protected w/bunkers. Used a different club on each par 3 and greens offered a wide variety of pin positions. Used every club in the bag for 2nd shots on par 4s. There are some subtle things around the greens that sneak up on you, particularly the 11th hole w/its false front. Great course, great clubhouse, great history"
Read More2025
Review
“Golden age Donald Ross design that has been restored recently by Gil Hanse. The course is gearing up to host the 2026 PGA Championship and the rough is definitely Major Championship worthy already. Beautiful piece of property that provides a wonderful canvas on which to enjoy your round. The course plays firm and fast and the greens are fast and true. The staff is very accommodating. Definitely a must play you are invited to play here."
Read More2025
Review
“Classic Donald Ross layout, challenging for every level of golfer while still being worthy of major championship play. Conditioning is excellent and complementary of Ross' design philosophy. Greens run hard and fast, and rough is penal to the point of costing the wayward player 1/2 a shot. Bunkering is crucial to the course strategy, requiring accuracy both off the tee and with the approach. Players have to be on their game to score well at Aronimink because Ross' design is not kind to badly struck shots. The clubhouse and surroundings add to the rich history of the Club and give the golfer of being someplace special when they experience the place. The course has stood the test of time and is worthy of the major championships it has hosted and are on their schedule in the future."
Read More2024
Review
“A true championship venue, Aronimink is a Donald Ross design located on a giant sprawling property. The course is challenging with thick rough, excellent bunkering, and some of the firmest and fastest greens you'll find anywhere. Recent tree removal has improved the aesthetics, as you can see much of the course from other holes. Many of these par fours are long and difficult, but there are some fun short ones as well such as the dogleg right 7th and 11th which give the golfer options. I look forward to watching the PGA here in 2026."
Read More2023
Review
“Aronimink absolutely oozes old school charm, from the clubhouse to the lockerooms with old school metal lockers, to the golf course and it's classic Donald Ross design, the vibe at Aronimnik is quintessential golden age golf. The golf course is always in excellent condition and is a friendly walk with a great caddie program. Do not pass up the invite if one comes your way!"
Read More2023
Review
“Extremely wide fairways, but the rough is long and penal. Very walkable course that is a tale of two nines with a difficult back nine that hits you with three tough par 4's out of the gate, highlighted by the 11th hole. 11 is a short par 4 with great bunkering and one of the toughest greens I've ever seen with an extreme back to front slope,"
Read More2022
Review
“Even though the restoration of the bunkers and teeing grounds to the originally designed shapes and positions may only slightly change the way any hole plays, the improvement is dramatic. The 20+ bunkers on hole 11 and 13 tee box connecting to to 12 green are great examples of this. Great design with holes that play down from the clubhouse to the ridge on the other side."
Read More2022
Review
“Classic Donald Ross. Challange for players of all levels. Good course conditions. Steeped in history."
Read More2022
Review
“Very playable course since the removal of 1000 trees alongside the fairway lines. spectacular layout and conditionwise a treat to play."
Read More2022
.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.406.271.suffix/1573162575006.jpeg)
