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.