John F. Byrne Golf Course, nestled in the Northeast of Philadelphia, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic municipal golf. This public course, a beloved fixture of the Philadelphia golfing scene, offers a challenging and engaging experience for players of all skill levels. Originally designed by the esteemed Alex Findlay in 1931 as Holmesburg Country Club, John F. Byrne Golf Course carries a rich history within its well-manicured greens and tree-lined fairways. Named in honor of a former Philadelphia City Councilman and Pennsylvania State Senator, this course, acquired by the city in the 1960s, provides a vital and accessible golfing option for the community. Across the street from the prestigious Union League at Torresdale, designed by Donald Ross, John F. Byrne holds its own charm, offering a distinct yet equally rewarding golfing experience.
The Legacy of Alex Findlay at John F. Byrne
The influence of Alex Findlay, a pioneering figure in early American golf course architecture, is palpable throughout John F. Byrne Golf Course. Findlay’s journey to golf course design is as unique as his courses. Leaving his native Scotland in 1886 with aspirations of becoming a cowboy, Findlay instead left an indelible mark on the American golfing landscape. He is credited with constructing one of the first golf courses in America in 1887, a six-hole layout that marked the beginning of his prolific design career. Findlay’s portfolio includes numerous courses across Florida, the Midwest, and notably, several in the Philadelphia area, such as Llanerch, Burlington CC, and Lebanon CC.
Playing a Findlay course, including John F. Byrne, reveals his design philosophy: a penchant for dramatic landscapes, an ability to craft engaging courses even on less-than-ideal terrain, and a strategic approach that often favors precision over raw power. At John F. Byrne, as with many of his designs, the driver is not always the optimal choice off the tee. Instead, the course rewards accurate iron play across the range, particularly emphasizing the longer irons. Beyond John F. Byrne, Findlay also designed two other Philadelphia municipal courses, Walnut Lane and Juanita, further solidifying his contribution to public golf in the city.
Course Layout and Playing Experience at John F. Byrne
John F. Byrne Golf Course is characterized by its diverse terrain and strategic layout. Built on a steep ridge, the course cleverly utilizes the elevation changes, with some holes running vertically along the ridge and others traversing the valley and smaller hills on the opposite side. Mature trees are a defining feature of the course, adding both beauty and challenge. While some might view them as encroaching on playing corridors, they are integral to the course’s character, demanding thoughtful shot placement. The greens at John F. Byrne are generally straightforward, but the surrounding hills and natural contours introduce subtle undulations that require careful reading.
True to Findlay’s design principles, John F. Byrne ensures that golfers will utilize every club in their bag. This was certainly the experience of our reviewer, who embarked on an early Thursday morning round, anticipating a quiet course for photography and play. However, John F. Byrne proved to be a popular destination, bustling with enthusiastic golfers eager to start their day. The welcoming atmosphere was evident when our reviewer, playing as a single, was waved to the first tee ahead of a foursome, who kindly offered guidance on the hole layout. This experience highlights the strong community feel and popularity of John F. Byrne among local golfers.
Hole-by-Hole Tour of John F. Byrne Golf Course
Hole 1: Par 4, 373 yards
The opening hole at John F. Byrne sets the tone for the round: demanding accuracy and strategic thinking from the very first tee. This 373-yard par 4, playing from the Blues tees, presents an elevated tee shot that must carry Byeberry Creek and navigate a corridor framed by trees on both sides. While a driver might be tempting, precision and placement are paramount. The approach shot is uphill to a deep green, guarded by bunkers on the right and trees to the right and rear. Missing short of the green is often a prudent strategy on this opening hole, emphasizing accuracy as the key to a good start.
The First Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, looking back from the fairway to the tee, showcasing the elevated tee and tree-lined challenge.
The green of the First Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, illustrating its depth and the bunker protection on the right side.
Hole 2: Par 3, 206 yards
Reversing direction, the second hole is a challenging 206-yard par 3. Despite the stated yardage, the elevated tee box makes this hole play slightly shorter. The green is positioned along a tree line, just short of Byeberry Creek, and slopes from left to right. It’s on the smaller side, demanding precise distance control. While there’s ample room to miss right and short, straying left or long will likely result in a dropped stroke.
The Second Hole of John F. Byrne Golf Course, a scenic par 3 with a challenging green placement near the creek.
Hole 3: Par 4, 264 yards
The third hole is a reachable 264-yard par 4, playing uphill and offering a strategic opportunity for birdie. The tee shot requires a carry over Byeberry Creek, but opens up to a wide fairway flanked by trees on the right. There’s more room to the left than initially meets the eye. The green is open in front, allowing for run-up shots, and even errant tee shots that find the fairway still offer a good chance at reaching the green in regulation, as long as trees on the right don’t obstruct the approach. However, golfers should be mindful of going long, as over the green is a difficult position.
The Third Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, showing the fairway leading uphill to the green, with trees on the right adding definition.
The green of the Third Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, highlighting its open approach and subtle contours.
Looking back from the green of the Third Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, showing the uphill approach and tee placement.
Hole 4: Par 4, 308 yards
The fourth hole continues the ascent up the ridge line, a 308-yard par 4 with a slight dogleg left. This hole demands another threaded tee shot, either over or through the trees and across Byeberry Creek. The fairway slopes from left to right, as does the green, with a more pronounced slope on the putting surface. While there is ample room to the left and beyond the green, any chip shots from above the pin will be notably challenging due to the slope. Precision is crucial on both the tee shot and approach.
The area just beyond Byeberry Creek on the Fourth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, showing the fairway leading towards the green.
Approach shot territory on the Fourth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, demonstrating the uphill nature and tree-lined fairway.
View from the right side of the green on the Fourth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, showcasing the significant drop-off and challenging recovery area.
Hole 5: Par 4, 300 yards
Reaching the ridge top and the clubhouse vicinity, the fifth hole is a 300-yard par 4 that runs along the ridge. The fairway slopes from right to left, with a deep bunker on the left to penalize tee shots that don’t account for the slope. Trees line both sides of the fairway leading to the green. The green itself is large and also slopes from right to left. Again, driver may not be the optimal choice off the tee; positioning the tee shot in the middle of the fairway ensures a clear approach, while wayward shots may encounter tree trouble.
The Fifth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, showing the fairway running along the ridge and the tree-lined challenge.
Approach shot territory on the Fifth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, illustrating the fairway slope and strategic positioning required.
The green of the Fifth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, viewed from the right side, revealing its size and subtle undulations.
Hole 6: Par 3, 167 yards
Beginning the descent down the ridge, the sixth is a 167-yard par 3 featuring an elevated tee shot that must carry Byeberry Creek to reach the green. The green is relatively open, except for the cart path that runs close on the far left side. This drop-shot par 3 tests mid-iron accuracy, demanding golfers to get their tee shot close to the pin.
The Sixth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, a downhill par 3 requiring a precise carry over the creek.
A view of the green on the Sixth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course from the left side, showcasing its receptive nature.
Hole 7: Par 4, 252 yards
Teeing off near the fourth tee box, the seventh is a 252-yard par 4 that doglegs right, with trees framing the hole. A mid-iron is sufficient off the tee for most golfers, aiming to find the center of the fairway and clear the dogleg. More aggressive players might attempt to carry the trees and cut the dogleg, getting close to or even reaching the green. A well-placed tee shot opens up a straightforward, short approach to the green, making the tee shot crucial for scoring well.
The Seventh Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, a strategic dogleg right par 4 framed by trees.
Approach shot territory on the Seventh Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, showing the open approach after a well-placed tee shot.
A family of deer serving as gallery on the Seventh Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, highlighting the natural beauty of the course.
Hole 8: Par 3, 168 yards
Moving behind the third tee, the eighth is a 168-yard uphill par 3. A tree line runs along the right side, and bunkers guard both sides of the green. An apron short of the green offers a bailout area. The hole provides ample width, but straying right or long should be avoided.
The Eighth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, an uphill par 3 with bunker protection and tree-lined right side.
Left side of the green on the Eighth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, showing the bunker and green contours.
Hole 9: Par 4, 385 yards
The ninth hole, a 385-yard par 4, requires crossing Byeberry Creek again and ascending to the ridge top. Trees tightly frame the tee shot, which must carry the creek to reach the fairway. The fairway runs vertically uphill to the green, which is surrounded by bunkers. Like many of the par 4s at John F. Byrne, the tee shot is critical for scoring well. Errant tee shots will likely be blocked out by trees, and even fairway lies present a significantly uphill approach. The green slopes from back to front, offering scenic views of the hills and course.
The Ninth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, showcasing the challenging tee shot over the creek and uphill fairway.
Byeberry Creek and the fairway beyond on the Ninth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, illustrating the carry required from the tee.
Looking back towards the tee from the fairway on the Ninth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, highlighting the uphill climb to the green.
Approach shot territory on the Ninth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, demonstrating the steep uphill approach to the green.
The green of the Ninth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, from the left side, showing its back-to-front slope and bunker protection.
The front nine at John F. Byrne loops through the northeast section of the property, traversing the ridge line multiple times. It’s a mix of par 3s and shorter par 4s that effectively test shot-making and short game skills. The reviewer ranked the front nine holes as: 4, 5, 9, 2, 7, 1, 3, 6, 8.
Hole 10: Par 4, 332 yards
The back nine commences with the 332-yard par 4 tenth hole, reversing the direction of the ninth. The tee shot again demands a carry over Byeberry Creek, or a layup short of it, clearing the tree line on the left of the dogleg left fairway. Trees once more frame the tee shot, and thinning some trees in this area could enhance playability while maintaining the separation between holes. A well-executed tee shot sets up a short approach to a green with subtle undulations.
The Tenth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, requiring another tee shot over Byeberry Creek and navigating tree hazards.
A view of the green on the Tenth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, showcasing its gentle contours.
Hole 11: Par 3, 159 yards
The eleventh is a 159-yard uphill par 3, with a green tucked to the right of the tee. The area just short of the green, including a right-side bunker, is a notable design feature. The reviewer wished for more photos of this hole, but it offered an enjoyable challenge, particularly when aiming for a back right pin placement near the trees.
The green of the Eleventh Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, an uphill par 3 with subtle green-side bunkering.
Hole 12: Par 5, 526 yards
Playing at the lower elevation of the property, the twelfth is the first par 5, stretching 526 yards. It runs straight, lined by trees on both sides. While there is some width to the fairway, straight and long drives are essential. Creativity off the tee is less critical here, but the hole effectively utilizes the available land to incorporate par 5s into the back nine. The green is slightly elevated and borders a creek on the far side, adding interest to the approach.
The Twelfth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, the first par 5, running straight and tree-lined.
Moving down the fairway on the Twelfth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, showing the straight path and tree-lined corridor.
Approach shot territory on the Twelfth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, highlighting the need for accuracy into the green.
The green of the Twelfth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course from the left side, showing the creek proximity and green-side banking.
Hole 13: Par 3, 120 yards
The thirteenth is a short, 120-yard par 3, somewhat secluded and potentially a later addition to the original design. The primary hazard is an overhanging tree on the left, obstructing a direct line to the green. Trees also populate the right side, while the left side is relatively close to the tee-to-green line. A draw or a straight shot from the right side of the tee is necessary to reach the green and aim for birdie.
The Thirteenth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, a short par 3 with strategic tree hazards.
The green of the Thirteenth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course from the left side, showcasing its receptive surface.
Hole 14: Par 3, 234 yards
Continuing the stretch of par 3s, the fourteenth is a longer 234-yard hole, reversing direction from the twelfth. It offers ample room on the right, while a tree line encroaches on the left. The green is deep and somewhat narrow, accommodating the roll of longer approach shots.
The Fourteenth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, a lengthy par 3 with room to the right and tree hazards on the left.
Looking back at the tee from the green on the Fourteenth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, showing the distance and elevation change.
Hole 15: Par 3, 163 yards
The fifteenth is a 163-yard par 3 that utilizes a hillside, with the terrain sloping from left to right. A draw is effective on this hole, continuing the trend from the previous par 3s, especially given the ever-present tree line on the left. This hole demands more precision, as trees surround the green, and the slope off to the right can lead to challenging recovery shots.
The Fifteenth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, a par 3 playing across a hillside with a sloping green.
The slope off to the right of the green on the Fifteenth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, highlighting the potential recovery challenge.
Hole 16: Par 5, 505 yards
Parallel to the twelfth, the sixteenth is the second and final par 5, measuring 505 yards. It bends slightly to the right and is framed by trees on both sides. A fairway bunker lurks on the left, and venturing further left risks entering taller grass. While there’s considerable width, the straight and flat terrain feels less inspired compared to other parts of the course. The par 5s, in general, could be enhanced to offer more strategic interest.
The Sixteenth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, the final par 5, running parallel to the twelfth and tree-lined.
Moving down the fairway on the Sixteenth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, illustrating the straight, tree-lined corridor.
Approach shot territory on the Sixteenth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, showing the flat approach to the green.
Hole 17: Par 4, 381 yards
The seventeenth hole, the number one handicap hole, is a 381-yard par 4 where trees again become a significant factor, particularly on the right side, obstructing lines to the green. Golfers must work the ball from left to right off the tee or use a shorter club to avoid the left-side trees. The green is a notable feature, shaped like a hump, sloping back to front and front to back from a central spine, with sides sloping towards the center. A well-placed left front bunker adds to the challenge. This par 4, while enjoyable, shows signs of needing attention, likely due to its low-lying location and susceptibility to waterlogging.
The Seventeenth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, the number one handicap hole, demanding strategic tee shot placement.
Approach shot territory on the Seventeenth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, highlighting the tree hazards and green complexity.
A closer look at the green on the Seventeenth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, showcasing its humped shape and bunker placement.
Hole 18: Par 4, 350 yards
The eighteenth, a 350-yard par 4, climbs back up the ridge line, mirroring the ninth hole. Trees again constrict the tee shot, emphasizing fairway accuracy for the uphill approach to the plateau green. The seventeenth and eighteenth holes provide a satisfying closing duo, ending the round back on the hill with panoramic views of the course.
The Eighteenth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, the final hole ascending back to the ridge top and clubhouse.
Approach shot territory on the Eighteenth Hole at John F. Byrne Golf Course, an uphill climb to the green with tree-lined fairway.
The back nine at John F. Byrne primarily occupies the lower-lying areas of the property, with evidence of alterations from the original design. The routing, featuring a higher concentration of par 3s and 5s, is appreciated, and the final two holes provide a strong finish. The reviewer ranked the back nine holes as: 17, 18, 15, 10, 11, 16, 14, 12, 13.
Final Thoughts on John F. Byrne Golf Course
Overall, John F. Byrne is a shorter course that prioritizes accuracy over distance. While distance is not a significant advantage, the course defends itself through its demanding tee-to-green play, requiring a full spectrum of shots. The greens are not overly challenging in terms of speed or complexity, but the strategic design from tee to green is where John F. Byrne truly shines. The par 5s, however, are identified as an area for potential improvement, feeling somewhat like hitting shots on a driving range. There is an opportunity to enhance these holes with more variety, challenge, and strategic elements, aligning them with the overall character of the course.
Like many Philadelphia municipal courses, John F. Byrne could benefit from increased resources for maintenance. Cart paths are eroded in places, overgrown trees impact play lines, and bunkers are undernourished. The staff is commended for their efforts within budget constraints, and the course enjoys a dedicated community of regular players. Municipal courses are vital to the accessibility and growth of golf, offering an entry point to the game and serving as valuable community assets. Echoing sentiments for Cobbs Creek, the reviewer hopes John F. Byrne receives additional funding to address conditioning issues and potentially reimagine the par 5s. There is untapped potential for municipal courses like John F. Byrne to be as engaging and strategically rich as any other golf course. Potential future improvements could include a practice area or rerouting some holes, but even in its current state, John F. Byrne is a public course that rewards strong ball-striking and offers a classic golfing experience in Philadelphia.
Gripes: Course conditioning issues, as previously noted.
Bar/Grill: An indoor area with televisions, located in the clubhouse at the course’s highest point.
Clubhouse: Offers a satisfactory selection of golf essentials.
Practice Area: Putting green available.
