- Zig-Zag Opening Hole Par 5
This was the second course built at Saucon, just after World War II, when it was decided that eighteen holes were not enough for the growing membership. William Gordon worked for a number of eminent architects and had a hand in Seminole, Maidstone, and Garden City Golf Club. This was a family affair, he did the course with his son David. The course is named for Eugene Gifford Grace who found the club and was a very strong influence in the development of Saucon Valley for over four decades.
Number 10 Par 5
The course was laid out around the perimeter of the Old Course but it does not share much of the same topographical character. To me, it is a bit of Florida layout with trees. The basic topography is flat as a pancake but the Gordons did some real creative work with the green areas and it is anything but boring-a very nice walk indeed. Overall conditioning of the course is excellent, bent fairways and who knows what greens. As of 2010, the greens are worn out and in need of redoing, but a full renovation of this 18 is due when they finish the work on the Weyhill Course in the spring of 2011.
Challenging finishing Par 4
The course is plenty of challenge from the White tees at 6302 but it is probably playable from the Blues as well. The general nature of the course is that it is expansive to the eye but the real playing areas are much more confined. You have to be careful off the tee or you will end up with lots of fairways missed two steps off the cut with some difficult shots from there. Honestly this course is a pleasure, you get challenged without getting run over and good play is rewarded. Enjoy the walk.
(All photos from sauconvalleycc.org website)
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Architect: William and David Gordon (1958)
Tee Par Rating Slope Yardage
Blue 72 72.4 136 6684
White 72 70.8 133 6302
(Click to see complete Saucon Valley Grace Course hole-by-hole descriptions)
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