Royal Oaks Golf Club

Royal Oaks Golf Club in Lebanon, Pennsylvania is a Ron Forse-designed public 18 that opened for play in 1990, one of Forse's earlier projects before he became better known for his classic-course restoration work across the Mid-Atlantic (including consultations at Philadelphia Country Club and Merion). At 6,730 yards par 71 with a 72.4 rating and 123 slope on bent grass, Royal Oaks plays honest without crossing into bruiser territory. Five sets of tees and a variety of play angles give the course real flexibility, and the Dauphin County rolling hills create dramatic sightlines on several approach shots. Pristine emerald bent-grass greens have earned a reputation across central Pennsylvania as some of the best-conditioned putting surfaces in the public sector. For the Hershey-area trip visitor, Royal Oaks is an easy 25-minute drive east and represents the non-Hershey alternative, same rolling Susquehanna countryside, different owner, significantly lower price point.