Best Golf Courses in Pennsylvania: A Golfer’s Guide to the Keystone State
Pennsylvania, with its diverse landscape of rolling hills, lush valleys, and historic towns, offers a rich and rewarding experience for golf enthusiasts.
From classic Donald Ross designs to modern masterpieces, the Keystone State boasts a collection of golf courses that will challenge and delight players of all skill levels.
Whether you’re seeking a challenging round on a championship course or a relaxing game amidst scenic beauty, Pennsylvania has something to offer every golfer.
But Pennsylvania isn’t just about the golf; it’s about the experience. It’s about the crisp autumn air as you tee off amidst a blaze of fall foliage. It’s about the friendly banter with your playing partners as you navigate the rolling hills and tree-lined fairways. It’s about the satisfying clink of a perfectly struck iron shot echoing through the valley. And it’s about the post-round camaraderie at the 19th hole, sharing stories and laughter over a cold beer or a hearty meal.
So, grab your clubs, your Kirkland golf balls (don’t judge, they’re awesome!), your sense of adventure, and your appreciation for the finer things in life (like a well-maintained golf course and a friendly atmosphere), and let’s explore some of the best golf courses Pennsylvania has to offer.
Oakmont Country Club
Established in 1903, Oakmont Country Club is a legendary course renowned for its challenging layout and rich history. It has hosted more major championships than any other course in the U.S., including nine U.S. Opens. Walking these hallowed grounds, you can almost feel the presence of golfing legends like Jack Nicklaus and Ben Hogan, who battled the course’s treacherous bunkers and lightning-fast greens.
Oakmont is a private club with a rich history and a reputation for excellence. It’s a must-play for any serious golfer who wants to experience one of the most challenging and rewarding courses in the world. Just be prepared for a true test of your skills – Oakmont doesn’t give up its pars easily.
- Website: https://www.oakmontcc.org/
- Phone: (818) 542-4260
Merion Golf Club (East Course)
Merion Golf Club’s East Course is a historic gem that has hosted five U.S. Opens. Known for its unique “wicker” baskets laid out instead of traditional flagsticks and its challenging layout, Merion is a classic course that has stood the test of time.
Walking the fairways of Merion is like stepping back in time. The course has a timeless quality, with its classic design and iconic features like the “White Faces” bunkers and the “Quarry Hole.” It’s a must-play for any golfer who appreciates the history and tradition of the game.
- Website: https://www.meriongolfclub.com/
- Phone: (610) 642-5600
Aronimink Golf Club
Aronimink Golf Club, a Donald Ross design, has hosted several PGA and USGA events. With its tree-lined fairways, undulating greens, and strategic bunkering, Aronimink offers a challenging but fair test of golf.
Aronimink is a classic course with a modern touch. It has undergone several renovations over the years, but it has retained its traditional charm and character. It’s a great option for golfers who appreciate a blend of old and new.
- Website: https://www.aronimink.org/
- Phone: (610) 356-8000
Saucon Valley Country Club (Old Course)
Saucon Valley Country Club boasts three 18-hole courses, but the Old Course is the property’s crown jewel. It has hosted numerous USGA championships. With its rolling terrain, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging greens, the Old Course is a true test of golf.
Saucon Valley is a golfer’s paradise, with three distinct courses to choose from. The Old Course is the most challenging, but all three offer a rewarding and enjoyable experience. And if you’re looking for a challenge, try tackling the “Graveyard” – a stretch of holes known for their difficulty.
- Website: https://www.sauconvalleycc.org/
- Phone: (610) 433-4653
Laurel Valley Golf Club
Laurel Valley Golf Club, co-designed by Dick Wilson and Arnold Palmer, is known for its scenic beauty and challenging layout. With its rolling hills, tree-lined fairways, and strategically placed water hazards, Laurel Valley is a picturesque and challenging course.
Laurel Valley is a true mountain gem, offering a peaceful and scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The course is known for its challenging greens, so be sure to bring your putting A-game (or at least your sense of humor… because three-putts are inevitable).
- Website: N/A
- Phone: (724) 238-9555
Fox Chapel Golf Club
Fox Chapel Golf Club, a Seth Raynor design, is celebrated for its classic architecture and challenging greens. The course features a variety of unique holes, including the par-3 17th, which is known for its island green. Fox Chapel is a challenging but fair course that will reward strategic play and accurate shot-making.
Fox Chapel is a classic course with a modern touch. It has undergone several renovations over the years, but it has retained its traditional charm and character. It’s a great option for golfers who appreciate a blend of old and new.
- Website: https://foxchapelgolfclub.org/
- Phone: (412) 967-9081
Lancaster Country Club
Lancaster Country Club, designed by William Flynn, has hosted the 2015 U.S. Women’s Open. Known for its rolling terrain and strategic layout, Lancaster is a challenging but fair course that will test your skills and reward your creativity.
Lancaster is a hidden gem in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. The course is known for its beautiful scenery and challenging layout. It’s a great option for golfers who want to experience a different side of Pennsylvania golf.
- Website: https://www.lancastercc.com/
- Phone: (717) 393-3886
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort (Mystic Rock)
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is a luxury destination with two championship golf courses, including the Pete Dye-designed Mystic Rock. This course has hosted a PGA Tour event and offers dramatic elevation changes, challenging bunkers, and stunning views of the Laurel Highlands.
- Website: https://www.nemacolin.com/golf/mystic-rock/
- Phone: (866) 344-6957
The Country Club of Scranton
This classic Donald Ross design offers a challenging but fair test of golf, with tree-lined fairways, undulating greens, and strategically placed bunkers. It’s a great option for golfers who appreciate a traditional layout with a touch of history.
- Website: https://www.ccscranton.com/
- Phone: (570) 586-2311
Iron Valley Golf Club
Iron Valley Golf Club, designed by Tom Doak, is a hidden gem in the Lehigh Valley. This course is known for its natural beauty, challenging layout, and unique design features. It’s a great option for golfers who are looking for a unique and memorable golfing experience.
- Website: https://www.ironvalley.com/
- Phone: (717) 279-7409
Exploring Pennsylvania’s Golf Scene
PHOTO: Fried Egg Golf/YouTube
Pennsylvania offers a diverse and exciting golf scene, with courses to suit every taste and skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, you’ll find plenty of challenges and rewards on the Keystone State’s fairways.
Public Courses
In addition to the prestigious private clubs mentioned above, Pennsylvania also boasts a number of excellent public courses. Some of the top public courses in the state include:
- The Links at Gettysburg: This links-style course offers stunning views of the Gettysburg battlefield.
- Olde Stonewall Golf Club: This Donald Ross design is a classic course with a challenging layout.
Golfing in the Four Seasons
Pennsylvania’s diverse climate allows for golfing throughout the year. In the spring and summer, the courses are lush and green, offering a picturesque backdrop for your game. In the fall, the leaves change color, creating a stunning autumnal landscape.
In the winter, some courses offer winter golf options, allowing you to enjoy the game even when the snow is falling.
Golfing in the City
Pennsylvania’s cities also offer a variety of golfing opportunities. Pittsburgh, for example, is home to several excellent courses, including Fox Chapel Golf Club and the Pittsburgh Field Club. Philadelphia boasts a number of historic courses, including the Philadelphia Cricket Club and the Philadelphia Country Club.
Planning Your Pennsylvania Golf Trip
If you’re planning a golf trip to Pennsylvania, be sure to book your tee times in advance, especially during peak season. You can also visit and find a variety of golf packages that include accommodations, meals, and golf rounds.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania is a golfer’s paradise, offering a diverse range of courses and experiences.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging round on a championship course or a relaxing game amidst scenic beauty, you’re sure to find it in the Keystone State.
So, pack your clubs, grab your friends, and head to Pennsylvania for an unforgettable golfing adventure.
PHOTO: Fried Egg Golf/YouTube
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