Vienna, Va. – Billy Casper Golf will operate Reading Country Club, the 18-hole championship golf course and historic clubhouse recently purchased by Exeter Township in Pennsylvania and newly opened to the public.
Formerly a private facility, Reading Country Club – roughly one hour from downtown Philadelphia – has a storied history. Laid out by golf-course architect Arthur Findlay, the links were completed in 1926 and the clubhouse in 1931. One of Reading’s first golf professionals was Byron Nelson, who took the job shortly after winning the Masters in 1937.
“Golf is extremely popular in the Keystone State and we are thrilled with the opportunity to manage a facility with an extraordinarily rich history,” says BCG regional vice president Brian O’Hare. “Reading Country Club has also hosted an array of social functions over the years, and we’re excited to continue providing the community with a peerless outing venue.”
Many of the game’s greatest players, including Sam Snead, Walter Hagen and Tommy Armour, have played Reading. In 1953, the course hosted the United States Ryder Cup team prior to the matches at Wentworth in Great Britain. Reading’s narrow fairways and small greens prepared the United States team for a hard-fought 6.5- to 5.5-points victory over a strong European team that featured Henry Cotton and Peter Alliss.
A tree-lined layout with classic greens complexes featuring collection areas and strategic bunkers to catch errant approaches, Reading emphasizes accuracy and course management. Low handicappers find the course demanding, as good shots are rewarded and miscues find a mix of hazards, including streams, woods and sand. With four sets of tees from 6,200 yards to 5,100, the course is also very friendly for older players, women and juniors.
“From managing Reading’s golf operations to maintaining course conditions to overseeing the food and beverage facilities, BCG brings its considerable course-management experience and proven track record to deliver a tremendous golf and event experience for all Reading’s players and customers,” says Exeter Township manager Troy Bingaman.
Formerly a private facility, Reading Country Club – roughly one hour from downtown Philadelphia – has a storied history. Laid out by golf-course architect Arthur Findlay, the links were completed in 1926 and the clubhouse in 1931. One of Reading’s first golf professionals was Byron Nelson, who took the job shortly after winning the Masters in 1937.
“Golf is extremely popular in the Keystone State and we are thrilled with the opportunity to manage a facility with an extraordinarily rich history,” says BCG regional vice president Brian O’Hare. “Reading Country Club has also hosted an array of social functions over the years, and we’re excited to continue providing the community with a peerless outing venue.”
Many of the game’s greatest players, including Sam Snead, Walter Hagen and Tommy Armour, have played Reading. In 1953, the course hosted the United States Ryder Cup team prior to the matches at Wentworth in Great Britain. Reading’s narrow fairways and small greens prepared the United States team for a hard-fought 6.5- to 5.5-points victory over a strong European team that featured Henry Cotton and Peter Alliss.
A tree-lined layout with classic greens complexes featuring collection areas and strategic bunkers to catch errant approaches, Reading emphasizes accuracy and course management. Low handicappers find the course demanding, as good shots are rewarded and miscues find a mix of hazards, including streams, woods and sand. With four sets of tees from 6,200 yards to 5,100, the course is also very friendly for older players, women and juniors.
“From managing Reading’s golf operations to maintaining course conditions to overseeing the food and beverage facilities, BCG brings its considerable course-management experience and proven track record to deliver a tremendous golf and event experience for all Reading’s players and customers,” says Exeter Township manager Troy Bingaman.
