Lancaster Host Golf Resort, Lancaster, PA

Lancaster Host is an interesting concept that doesn’t quite deliver. It’s an 18-hole regulation course in the heart of Amish country (the course is surrounded by farmer’s fields.)

There’s a driving range on-site and rye green fairways. The biggest issue with this course is a lack of attention to the details that would make for a much more enjoyable round. Maintenance is the number one issue here.

You’ll find medium-width fairways on this course with large trees, like Weeping Willows, along the sides. The course could be better marked. It is confusing to navigate and difficult to find the distance markers as well.

There’s a few unusual features in the course that come across more as poor design than interesting novelties. One of those is having two Par 3 courses in a row, back to back (holes #11 and #12.) Par ratings are a bit off at points.

For example, Hole #9 is 458 yards and is a Par 4, but it should more reasonably be a Par 5. On Hole #18, you can reach the green in a couple shots but it’s still a Par 5. There’s a few greens that are especially difficult. Hole #3 has a 3-part tiered green, and Hole #5 slopes downhill.

There’s a couple of challenges you’ll find on this course besides the trees. Many of the holes dogleg to the left or right AND are also uphill. You’ll need to take your time with club selection on this course. Hole #1 starts the round out with a challenge - you’ll be hitting uphill and working around a greenside sand trap. The course is also surrounded by farmer’s fields, so losing your ball in one of them is a definite possibility. On Hole #12, you’ll tee off over a large pond and face sand traps on the left and right sides of the green.

There’s a driving range on-site to warm up at. The weekend green fee is $18 or $24 with a cart. The 18th hole is currently being redone, so you’re really paying to play 17 holes.

Played this course for the first time today and found the layout interesting. However the fairways, tees and green were terrible and in poor shape. They lowered the price due to the condtion of the course.

played this course today, just after the precipitation remnants of hannah visited it yesterday. course was in fine condition. fairways were not soggy, nor were the greens. greens were smooth and quick. fairways were recently aerated or cut, but that didn't affect the shots that much. I just moved my ball from the tiny ruts on occassion. all but 2 pins were in the back for some reason, perhaps a tourney was scheduled? that was a bit unfair, especially when the winds picked up later in the round. course is a tree-lined, but some holes allow for missed fairways and primary rough. I believe the yard markers for some the the par 3s are underestimating the distance. The big complaint is 2 consecutive par 3's on nos 11 & 12. this could backup play for groups. no. 9 is a long 458 par 4, although downhill. however today the winds blew towards the teebox. the blues have a 490 par 4. recommend this hole be changed to a par 5, with tees moved back a bit.
no. 18, a par 5, is a chance to reach the dance floor in 2, if you can carry the bunkers on the left mounds. reasonably priced and a challenging layout, with quick and some undulating greens.

why do they even call this place a resort??? Golf course and every thing about it was POOR. Over priced, course condition poor, and they need to hire a new Superintendent, I would not play here again even if it were free.

I play here quite often as it's an easy sneak from the office on a nice Friday. Course has always been in great shape and have always been able to play in under four hours. Layout can be challenging if you spray the ball a little and the blue tee's due make a difference at this course. Some of the par fives you'll be laying up to regardless of how well you stripe the ball.

I found Lancaster Host somewhat challenging yet very fair. The course is located right off Rt. 30 across from Dutch Wonderland, but offers a break from the hustle and bustle nearby. The course is not built in a forest, but trees play a major role and will have a severe effect with your score. Keep the ball straight in the very manicured fairways and all should be well. Stray from the fairway and your round will suffer. Many weeping willows make for picturesque settings. The greens were just right for speed but didn't hold incoming shots very well. The rough was a bit high around the greens during my round also. With so many private courses in the area, this is an upper level course for the public. It's worth a visit!