Dusting off the golf game after a long winter can be tricky. With a private 18-hole course, two putting greens, an instructional facility and a state-of-the-art driving range, the facilities and staff at White Manor Country Club can guide new, amateur and advanced players alike to get back on track for the season. Head golf pro John Rutecki, who boasts 20 years of experience, offers some advice.

How can you ease back into the game?

Our body takes time off, but our mind doesn’t. I really encourage people to go out and try to slowly scrape the rust off. Practice is more important this time of year. We utilize different muscles for golf than other activities. You want to make sure those muscles are ready. I would recommend a little bit of stretching and making sure you’re getting your practice time in. Start short, get some feel back and then go to longer clubs over the course of a few different practice sessions.

What about off the course?

Keep cardiovascular strength up by walking or using a stepper or an elliptical. Most of a golfer’s power derives from the legs. If you keep your cardiovascular training in place, especially walking, even around the neighborhood, it will keep your legs fresh and go a long way when you start back.

How can new and amateur golfers improve?

Sometimes people are intimidated by taking a lesson. They’re nervous about what we might think, but we’ve seen it all. It’s important to make sure you have the basics down and you understand the large movements associated with the golf swing. You can grow leaps and bounds immediately out of the gate when you start correctly with lessons. It’s very encouraging to see progress immediately.

What kinds of lessons are available?

We run a weekly group environment lesson that’s good for an intermediate golfer comfortable in that setting. If you’re a little more advanced, you would probably tend toward private instruction, whether it be half an hour or an hour session, focusing on everything from short game to putting to long game. In the initial meeting, you would get into a series of questions about goals, what you define as your strengths and weakness and we might run you through a skills test to evaluate your game.

How can members meet other golfers?

Very early on, even during the admissions process, I will meet with them and gauge whether they’re a social golfer or a competitive golfer. From that point, we’re starting to develop some groups they might fit into, or people we want to make sure to introduce them to. I offer a free club evaluation so that we can make sure their tools are correct. It opens up the communications lines. A lot of members find groups through our tee time system. We also have social events and group clinics that are open to everyone. At the end of the day, we’re playing golf match-maker.

Nearly three centuries ago in 1711, these 170 acres of magnificent, rolling panorama were part of a 500-acre tract of land granted by William Penn to the Evans family.

Operated since that time by succeeding generations of the same family as a dairy farm, most of the striking views that typify the heart of southern Chester County’s exquisite hunt country were preserved and even enhanced when, in 1962, White Manor Country Club bought the land from the Evans family and created its new home.     

Today, White Manor is where you will find one of the country’s most beautiful and challenging golf courses. Redesigned and renovated in 2003 by renowned, award-winning course designer, Bobby Weed, the course is highly-rated and appreciated by all who have the pleasure to play here. 

More than high-quality golf, White Manor has a reputation for both fun and refinement coming from an active, vibrant membership which enjoys a country club experience that ranges from casual to elegant, from family-focused to adult. Membership at White Manor begins with the camaraderie of men and women who set high standards for themselves and their club. They simply expect the best. White Manor gives it to them. 

White Manor Country Club
831 Providence Road
Malvern, Pa.
(610) 647-1070