05/26/26
John F. Byrne Golf Course is one of the most respected courses in Philadelphia. Purchased by the City in the early 1960s, it was renamed after famous Philadelphia councilman, John F. Byrne. The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia took over operation of the property on November 1st, 2019.
First Tee saved the course from permanently closing for good so that kids and the community can be best served. Having a facility where students and golfers have access 364 days a year. Any donations will help this great golf course reach their goals. Donations will support and help more children in the area graduate high school and continue to post-secondary education.
The Course
John F Byrne Golf Club
9550 Leon Street
Philadelphia, PA 19114
(215) 632-8666
First Impressions:
Driving into the parking area I can see the club house with a balcony overlooking the putting practice area. I walked into the pro shop and got the feeling that this is a well-organized golf club that has everything you could want for a great day of golf.
About the course:
I checked in with the pro shop for my tee time, and it was discovered that the plan to set me up with some other senior golfers was not working out for my tee time. The golf shop clerk (Bonnie) worked with the starter person (Brian) to get me connected with at least one other player. Brian was able to arrange another single (Megan) to join me. Brian was very helpful and gave me a lot of good information about the course and how it plays.
I met up with Megan and explained what I was doing with my plan of golfing the USA. Megan was ok with that and so we headed out to play the 1st hole.
About Our Game:
It just so happens to be that today is Megan’s birthday. I said, “Happy Birthday” and appreciated that she was willing to spend some of her day with me and my plan to golf Pennsylvania. She advised that she is a beginner golfer and this is her first time out on the course for this year. I was totally ok with that and in fact it kind of fits in with my plan about promoting senior golf. Even though she is not a senior yet, hopefully this game will help keep her interested in sticking with it regardless of the frustrations that often come with being a beginner and learning the game.
As we went about playing the game I could see she is committed and is going to succeed at this. On hole #6 she made a nice tee shot that ended up just short of the green. On hole #8 (par 3) she did it again, landing just about 2 feet short of the green. On hole #9 I made my first par of the day. On hole #12 (par 5) I made an excellent long drive down the middle but still ended up making a bogie for that hole. There are three par 3 holes in a row (13,14 & 15) When we got to the green on #14 there were 2 stray balls from other golfers on the green. I noticed that Megan made a few very good tee shots and at least 3 very nice puts for the day and I finished the day with 3 pars.
Results:
Megan 0-Par 0-birdie
Tony 3-Par 0-birdie
My thanks to Megan for a fun day of golf and her advice on where to go and get a good Philly cheese steak sandwich. I took her advice and it was great.
My Favorite Hole:
I think my favorite hole I played was hole #18. It was the second longest par 4 (338 yards) and I made par.
