Hello golfers and other interested readers,
This is the first in a series on golf in our area. With each addition, I plan to profile a local golf course, share information on upcoming outings, provide updates on local junior golf opportunities, and announce any hole-in-one achievements.
Today my focus is on my home course just north of Fairfield:
GETTYSBURG NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
4099 Bullfrog Road in Fairfield PA
Tees: Blue, White, Gold, and Red
Par 71; 6,056 yards Blue Tee 69.3 Rating / 123 Slope
Designed by Ault, Clark & Associates; opened in 1987
Phone: (717) 641-7380
website: https://gettysburgnational.com/
I find Gettysburg National Golf Club, formerly Mountain View Club, to be a very enjoyable experience. Walkers can traverse the grounds easily and everyone will appreciate the surrounding vistas.
I recently met with the course’s general manager Gretchen Mengelkamp. Gretchen’s family purchased the course in October 2020, and she has been the general manager for the past 18 months. Her family also owns Grandview Golf Course in York County.
Gretchen has been swinging a club since the age of 3 under the guidance of her father Steve Chronister, former Director of golf and a partner at Honey Run in York, Head Professional at Range End in Dillsburg, and Assistant Professional at Colonial Country Club in Harrisburg. Her grandfather was also in the game as a golf professional and superintendent at Weigelstown’s Grandview Golf Course, so she is quite familiar with day-to-day golf operations.
Mengelkamp said the “people side” of the business was what led her to leave the corporate world and get back into the golf industry. A difficult time came during the pandemic. Mengelkamp said the changing rules throughout this period were overcome by flexible employees and patient golfers.
In 2020 Gettysburg National also rolled out its price-conscious 2-year membership package. Mengelkamp said the program had brought in about 1000 members with over 25,000 rounds played last year.
When I asked about the re-routing on the back nine – specifically the 18th hole – she explained that the change allows players to finish with an appealing view of the surrounding area and a good chance at par or better.
Mengelkamp said that while this year will be focused mainly on the continued maintenance of sand traps and cart paths, there are some exciting changes coming down the pike.
Beginning in 2024, the course will be transformed with the development of over 135 home lots, most of which will feature direct golf course frontage. Residents will enjoy golf privileges and other amenities.
And the property’s large barn is being evaluated as a potential event space. The build-out is scheduled for the next two to five years.
My thanks to Gretchen for taking the time to speak with me.
Here’s a list of 2023 golf outings and instructional events.
Other News
I will need your help to make this beneficial for all. Please send any noteworthy items to gxgolf23@gmail.com.
And I hope to see you on the links this year!
Matt Bird
Matt and his wife Lesa have lived in Adams County since 1999. He is a retired engineer and formerly resided in California, Florida, Tennessee, and King of Prussia, PA. His projects have included nuclear, coal, and gas fired power plants as well as concentrated solar power generation. He is a member of the Cumberland Township zoning hearing board, a volunteer tax preparer at the Adams County Office of Aging and is currently assistant golf coach at Delone Catholic high school. He is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University and his interests include golf, travel, reading, and golf.
Matt and Lesa have 3 children and 2 grandchildren
Well done, Matt! I look forward to your next installment. Happy Trails!