By The MacDonald Team
The Main Line has long been linked with clubs that shaped American golf, tennis, and squash. Some of the oldest and most famous names in the sport sit within a short drive of one another. We love helping clients understand what each club is known for and how it fits into daily life nearby. Here is our guide to the historic properties that define the area's club culture.
Key Takeaways
- Merion Golf Club: Founded in 1896 in Haverford Township, it has hosted five US Opens, including 2013.
- Merion Cricket Club: Established in 1865 in Haverford, it is a National Historic Landmark with tennis, squash, and more.
- Philadelphia Country Club: Founded in 1890 and based in Gladwyne since 1924, it hosted the 1939 US Open.
- Aronimink Golf Club: A Donald Ross design in Newtown Square, it hosted the PGA Championship in 1962 and 2026.
Merion Golf Club Is a Landmark of American Golf
Merion Golf Club was established in 1896 in Haverford Township when members of the Merion Cricket Club decided to open a golf course. Hugh Wilson designed both courses, with the East Course opening in 1912 and the West Course in 1914.
Why Merion Stands Out
- Championship history: The club has hosted 20 USGA championships, more than any other course, according to published history.
- US Opens: Merion has held the national championship five times, in 1934, 1950, 1971, 1981, and 2013.
- Wicker baskets: The East Course uses wicker baskets instead of flags on its pins, a tradition dating to at least 1916.
The East Course was named a National Historic Landmark in 1992. Membership details are set by the club, so interested families should contact it directly.
Merion Cricket Club Anchors Haverford
Merion Cricket Club was founded in October 1865 in Haverford by William Woodrow Montgomery and Marshall Ewing. Its stone and brick clubhouse dates to 1897 and replaced earlier wooden buildings lost to fires.
What Sets the Cricket Club Apart
- Sports pioneer: The first tennis match at the club was held in 1881, and the first golf course was laid out there in 1896.
- Modern facilities: The grounds include indoor and outdoor tennis courts, squash facilities, paddle tennis and padel courts, a bowling alley, and a pool.
- Historic status: The club received National Historic Landmark designation in 1987 for its role in developing cricket, golf, squash, and tennis in the country.
Alexander Cassatt, a Pennsylvania Railroad executive, paid for the fireproof clubhouse. That history ties the club closely to the railroad that gave the Main Line its name.
Philadelphia Country Club Brings Gladwyne History
Philadelphia Country Club was established in 1890 and is described as one of the first six members of the USGA. It moved to its Gladwyne location in 1924, part of a wider shift of city clubs into the suburbs.
Highlights From the Gladwyne Property
- Two courses: The 18-hole Spring Mill Course was designed by William Flynn, and the nine-hole Centennial Course was designed by Tom Fazio.
- Championship history: The club hosted the 1939 US Open and the 2003 US Women's Amateur.
- Amenities: Facilities include a pool, squash, tennis, paddle courts, a bowling alley, and a large clubhouse.
Gladwyne sits in Lower Merion Township in Montgomery County. The club has also hosted multiple US Open Squash tournaments.
Aronimink Golf Club Carries a Donald Ross Legacy
Aronimink Golf Club was established in 1896 in Newtown Square, a suburb west of Philadelphia. Scottish-born architect Donald Ross designed the championship course, which opened on Memorial Day in 1928.
Major Events at Aronimink
- PGA Championship: The club hosted the event in 1962 and again in 2026.
- Other championships: Aronimink has hosted the US Amateur in 1977, the Senior PGA in 2003, the BMW Championship in 2018, and the Women's PGA in 2020.
- Restoration work: Ron Prichard restored classic Ross features in 2003, and Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner oversaw a renovation in 2018.
Newtown Square is in Delaware County, and some residents include it in the wider Main Line area. Its club history belongs in any conversation about the region.
How to Choose a Club That Fits Your Lifestyle
Country clubs took off in the 1890s as family-oriented havens that often centered on golf. The Golf Association of Philadelphia formed in 1897 as the first regional golf association in the country.
Questions to Ask Before You Decide
- Interests: Some clubs lean toward golf, while others emphasize tennis, squash, paddle, or family activities.
- Membership process: Policies, fees, and waiting lists differ from club to club and should be confirmed directly.
- Location: Drive time from your home and the character of the surrounding neighborhood affect how often you will use the club.
By 2015, the Golf Association of Philadelphia counted 151 member clubs across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. That number shows how many options exist beyond the names in this guide.
FAQs
Which are the best country clubs Main Line Philadelphia homeowners ask about?
Merion Golf Club, Merion Cricket Club, Philadelphia Country Club, and Aronimink Golf Club are among the best known. Each has a long history and a distinct personality. The right fit depends on your interests and location.
Are these clubs open to the public?
Many clubs in this guide are private, and membership policies are set by each club. Contact the club directly to ask about requirements and availability. We cannot speak for any club's admissions process.
Which towns are near these clubs?
Merion Golf Club and Merion Cricket Club are in the Haverford and Ardmore area. Philadelphia Country Club is in Gladwyne, and Aronimink is in Newtown Square. Our team can walk you through the neighborhoods around each one.
Reach Out to Us at The MacDonald Team
If a club community is part of the lifestyle you want, we would love to help you find the right neighborhood. Reach out to our team at The MacDonald Team to talk about the Main Line and nearby areas. We are glad to share what we know about each community.
