It seems hard to believe that 20 years have passed since renowned golf course architect Rees Jones stood next to founding members Harry Ferguson, Bruce McKissock and Bill Waldman, as they began an era of golf excellence at Lookaway Golf Club in Bucks County.
In 1998 golf was still arcing toward an unprecedented zenith in popularity. Courses were being constructed at a record pace throughout the decade. In many areas there as a “build it and they will come” attitude.
Not in Pennsylvania’s Bucks County, which eventually became home to Lookaway.
“We spent a lot of time looking for the right piece of property,” recalls Jones. “The group behind the development of Lookaway wanted something special. Our goal, from the beginning, was to build the finest pure private club in the Greater Philadelphia area.”
That is a stunningly bold statement. But Jones did not blink when he originally uttered those words. And he does not blink now, when he reiterates them.
“I’m looking forward to the 20th anniversary,” Jones said last summer. “Lookaway opened as one of the premiere private clubs in the area … and it continually has gotten better. That is quite an accomplishment considering the challenges the golf game has faced in recent years.”
Lookaway faced those challenges from the start with a successful two-faceted plan.
The first was financial. The original business model depended on a group of founding members and a strong network of investors, who saw a unique opportunity at Lookaway. That plan was reinforced in recent years as the club maintained a solid financial footing, yet invested $3.2 million in capital improvements over the last four years. At the same time a healthy $500 thousand capital reserve fund was maintained, without any assessments to the members.
The second was a commitment to the original mission statement of creating the “pure golf” experience.
“On opening day, we had a great feeling of accomplishment. Twenty years later, we celebrate how far we have come and the realization of our collected vision of
Lookaway Golf Club,” asserts founder and board president Harry Ferguson. “The foundation is strong for this club to stand the test of time and be one of the modern iconic golf clubs of the Philadelphia region.”
The golf course is the driving force behind Lookaway’s success story. Its rolling terrain presents the perfect amount of elevation change for a great golf course. The wide fairways, accentuated by decorative fescue that is well out of play, provide the perfect start to each of the 18 adventures. The greens are large and challenging — but nothing like the tricked-up variety that can be found at many courses designed during this same era. And the conditions are simply the finest at all times.
The proof of Lookaway’s excellence lies in its ability to please its members.
In today’s time-constraints lifestyle, Lookaway offers the ability to play quickly, no tee times and the flexibility to play nine holes or even a few holes in the afternoon and evenings. The separate practice facility, designed to hone the short game, is a state-of-the-art addition to the driving range and putting green.
The clubhouse is an extension of the atmosphere that exists on the golf course. Simple elegance is the style of the renovated main building, which dates back to 1752. Men are not required to wear jackets, except on special occasions.
The relaxing atmosphere is carefully cultivated by General Manager John Pitocchelli, who responds to the needs of the members. They want healthier food choices. He has instituted a “scratch kitchen” where all items are made from scratch, with fresh ingredients using a local farm-to-table concept.
To say that Lookaway stands as a model for the modern country club – both architecturally and fiscally – is an understatement. A lot of planning went into all aspects of the overall plan for Lookaway … and it is paying major dividends.
