By Rick Woelfel

Since opening in 2005, Raven’s Claw Golf Club has been a popular destination for public-course golfers.

Located just off Route 422 just east of Pottstown, Raven’s Claw isn’t long by today’s standards; it measures just 6,739 yards from the back tees and plays to a par of 71.

But the course presents a challenging test for the elite competitor; it hosted the Symetra Tour, the LPGA’s developmental tour, for two years.

At the same time, it also provides an enjoyable experience for the everyday player. There are five sets of tees, allowing golfers of all ability levels to feel comfortable.

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Owner/architect Ed Shearon took advantage of the rolling terrain to create an interesting variety of holes.

“The design of the golf course is important,” says golf professional Jim Bromley. “The fact that all the holes are different is important. Greens and green speeds are important.”

One of Bromley’s favorite holes is the 10^th, a par five that maxes out at 634 yards. Most players however, will tackle it from 519 yards.

A bunker positioned in the middle of the fairway comes into play on the second shot, splitting the fairway and presenting the player with the choice of going left or right of it.

The big hitter has a chance to get home in two but the putting surface has considerable slope to it. Leaving the ball in the right spot is essential to preserving a birdie opportunity.

Another premier hole is the 14^th, a par three that plays to a maximum of 137 yards to a green that is semi-perpendicular to the fairway. There are bunkers to the right and a creek to the left.

Bromley notes the club has taken steps to enhance the customer’s golf experience. “We upgraded a number of things around the golf course,” he said. “Keeping the cleanliness up and having a beverage cart on the golf course more hours of the day. People will tell you what they want. All you have to do is listen to them.”

The club recently completed some upgrades, including some bunker work and rebuilding some cartpaths.

Raven’s Claw is currently allowing two riders per cart. Golfers are permitted to take a single cart for an extra fee.

Tee times should be made on line at Raven Claw’s Golf Club’s homepage.

Golfers are asked to arrive no more than 25 minutes before their tee times. Check the club web site for additional information.

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