In the Philadelphia metropolitan region, long known for its array of great?private golf courses, The Bucks Club stands?out as a top-notch public course that exudes a private country club feel. Not only is it?effusively lauded by those who play it,?it also offers good value. The club, which dates back to 1961 when it was known as Bucks County Country Club, is located in Jamison, about 25 miles north of downtown Philadelphia. When you have a tee time at The Bucks Club you will test your skills on two distinctly different nines from two different eras. William and David Gordon, the father-son duo who designed such storied private jewels as the Grace at Saucon Valley Country Club and DuPont Country Club's Montchanin Course, created the original layout,?but nowadays only their?front?nine remains intact. Holes on the easier, more open and very walkable par-36 front will remind you of golden age course architecture from the 1920s. To make room for a housing development that took over much of The?Bucks Club's back nine, several holes were lost and new holes were created on dramatic, heavily wooded, up-and-down terrain. Skirting around the housing, the par-34 back nine is a shorter, par-34 setup with no par 5s. Several holes feature big elevation changes, sloped lies and stances, and forced carries over natural hazard areas. The variety of holes and contrasting nines of The Bucks Club add up to an intriguing, exciting, and fun combination. The Bucks Club is also known for its tricky greens that are tough to read and roll quickly downhill. Golfers of diverse skill levels find the playing field a fair and manageable test. It isn t long four sets of tees provide distance options 4,985 yards to 6,210 yards but keep in mind the course is a par 70 and there are forced carries to consider on the back nine. Although walking is permitted, because of the spread-out nature of the back nine, almost everyone takes a cart. Practice facilities at The Bucks Club include an irons-only driving range, chipping area with practice bunkers, and a putting green. You ll find a nice clubhouse with a well stocked pro shop and the Jamison Grill, which serves a tavern-style menu and has quite a local following. The club is a popular wedding and event venue. With a tee time at The Bucks Club, you ll enjoy a memorable day at one of the Philadelphia area s hidden public gems.