By John Zimich
Fall golf in Northeastern Pennsylvania is one of the best times to play,
particularly in the Pocono Mountains. Mother Nature always cooperates with
the spectacular colors of the fall foliage.
Temperatures usually require a sweater or light jacket and in most cases
playing a round of golf is “light” on the pocket book.
“There’s no question playing golf in the fall is a great time to get onto
the golf course,” said Keith DeVos, general manager of Jack Frost National
Golf Club, located a short distance away from Blakeslee Corners.
. “With the fall foliage it’s absolutely gorgeous. Our course sits high
atop the mountain and with the holes cut out among the native oak forest the
scenery is breathtaking.”
DeVos said, “Jack Frost National has been in great shape right from the
spring, unlike several of the golf courses in the region, we came through the
harsh winter in flying colors.”
From mid-October on weekday fees are $45 and $55 on weekends.
The facility has a special senior rate of $35 Monday through Friday. If the
weatherman cooperates November is a great time to play 18 holes at Jack Frost
since the club offers free golf with only a cart fee of $25.
One of the favorite holes of golfers at Jack Frost National is the par-3
11th with a large lake behind it. From the green there is a spectacular view
looking across the mountain ranges toward Route 940.
For tee times call (570) 443-2414 x2.
Mountain Laurel Golf Club, located in White Haven and just a short
distance from Northeastern Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, is another
course where one can find gorgeous scenery while playing a round of golf.
“Playing golf in the fall is one of my favorite times to be on the golf
course,” said Howie VanBuskirk, head golf professional at Mountain Laurel
Golf Club. “The views, with the changing of the leaves, are amazing and
picturesque.”
Like many of the Pocono Mountain golf courses Mountain Laurel Golf
Club has a $30 fall rate seven days a week.
“It has been a tough year for us in keeping the course in great shape
because of the rain in June and heat in July. But our superintendent and his
grounds crew have done a great job and were back and looking good. We have
overcome some trying times and are expecting a great fall season and a terrific
2016.”
Howie’s favorite hole at Mountain Laurel is the short par-4 10th that
requires a downhill drive and similar second shot to an island green.
“It looks like a piece of cake from the tee but one’s second shot is to a
large sloping green that goes from right to left. This is not an easy hole and it’s
my favorite.”
One of the features at the Mountain Laurel Golf Club is the restaurant
that is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. weekdays and from 10 to 9 on Saturdays
and 10 to 8 Sundays.
Tee times can be made by calling (570) 443-7424,
