Golf in Philadelphia

Philadelphia has six 18-hole courses that are open to the public. Cobb's Creek is the most challenging; Roosevelt is the easiest.

Cobb's Creek Golf Club. For golfers who love lots of action, Cobbs Creek offers two adjacent courses: the Karakung and the Olde Course. Cobb's Creek plays in and around the creek itself, making for lovely vistas and challenging shots. Karakung has hilly fairways and smaller greens. Reservations are recommended, but not essential. 7400 Lansdowne Ave., West Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19151. 215/877-8707. www.golfphilly.org. 18 holes. 6,202 yds at Olde Course, 5,762 yds at Karakung. Par 71. Greens fee: $43/$48 at Olde course, $33 at Karakung. Facilities: driving range, putting green, pitching area, golf carts, rental clubs, pro shop, snack shop, bar.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Golf Club. A relatively flat course with wide fairways, the natural wetlands and a canal pose unique challenges. Reservations are recommended, but not essential. Greens fees fluctuate depending on whether you tee off in the morning or afternoon. 1954 Pattison Ave., South Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19145. 215/462-8997. www.golfphilly.org. 18 holes. 6,004 yds. Par 69. Greens fee: $28-$38/$33-$43. Facilities: driving range, putting green, pitching area, golf carts, pull carts, rental clubs, pro shop, golf academy/lessons, bar.

John F. Byrne. This is a short but challenging course with small greens, highlighted by Torresdale Creek, which comes into play on 10 holes. 9550 Leon St., Northeast Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19114. 215/632-8666. www.golfphilly.org. 18 holes. 5,189 yds. Par 67. Greens fee: $23-$38/$33-$43. Facilities: putting green, pitching area, golf carts, rental clubs, pro shop, golf academy/lessons.

Juniata. With Frankford Creek running through it, Juniata is an impressive par 66. The course doesn't have a driving range, but there is an unaffiliated range nearby. 1391 East Cayuga St., Juniata, Philadelphia, PA, 19124. 215/743-4060. www.juniatagolfcourse.com. 18 holes. 5,300 yds. Par 66. Greens fee: $34/$38. Facilities: putting green, pitching area, golf carts, rental clubs, pro shop, golf academy/lessons.

Walnut Lane Golf Club. Tree-lined fairways make Walnut Lane, a short (4,500 yards) course, into a fairly challenging par 62. Reservations are essential on weekends. 800 Walnut Lane, Roxborough, Philadelphia, PA, 19128. 215/482-3370. www.walnutlanegolf.com. Reservations essential. 18 holes. 4,500 yds. Par 62. Greens fee: $19-$34/$20-$40. Facilities: putting green, pitching area, golf carts, pull carts, rental clubs, pro shop, golf academy/lessons.