Best Local Public Golf Courses
Whether it's a crisp autumn day or a warm summer morning (is there really a bad time to golf?), there's nothing like hitting the links on a great course. We consulted some local golf gurus along with some guys who just plain love the game to come up with this list of some of the best local courses.
Totteridge
325 Hannastown Road
Greensburg, PA 15601-8437
(724) 837-6700
www.totteridge.com
Golf Digest ranked Greenburg's own Totteridge Golf Club as "#11" on its "Best in State" list for 2009; and our local experts agree that this 18-hole public course is among the region's best. A Rees Jones designed championship course, Totteridge is a gorgeous course with a newer layout. While the course plays very fair, the challenging yet well-planned holes offer a nice element of risk-reward. The course just went public within the last few years and our insiders say players can take advantage of some tremendous deals considering the quality of the course – particularly on weekdays.
Olde Stonewall
1495 Mercer Road
Ellwood City, PA 16117
724-752-4653, ext. 103
www.oldestonewall.com
With a host of top honors, Olde Stonewall has been listed as the best public course in the state, and our experts agree – describing the course as an "absolutely gorgeous layout… in excellent shape and very challenging." No expense was spared in developing this golf course and clubhouse which is literally a giant castle! Located in the Ellwood City area of Beaver County, Olde Stonewall stands out as a unique experience with a very difficult layout. It's definitely a great place to head out for a day trip.
Birdsfoot Golf Club
225 Furnace Run Road
Freeport, PA
724-295-3656
http://www.birdsfoot.com/
Another local favorite is Birdsfoot Golf Club, which is located in Freeport – near New Kensington. Birdsfoot is another newer course – similar in layout to Totteridge with a nice fair, but challenging layout. This 18-hole course boasts "four of the area's toughest par 3s" sure to "challenge every club in the bag!"
Quicksilver Golf Club
2000 Quicksilver Road
Midway, PA 15060
724-796-1594
www.quicksilvergolf.com
Excellent "fast and true" greens, great fairways and a challenging layout put Quicksilver Golf Club in Midway on our best local courses list. Though it is a little pricey, Quicksilver is always in very good condition. This "award-winning course" has played host to not only the Senior PGA Tour, but also the former Ben Hogan Tour.
Oak Tree Country Club
48 State Line Rd.
West Middlesex, PA 16159-2236
724-528-9985
www.oaktree-cc.com
If you want a private club feel – without having to become a member, head to Mercer County to hit the links at Oak Tree Country Club. This 18-hole course used to be a private club; and, although it opened to the public in 2004, it still maintains its excellent condition. Designed by Ed Ault back in 1967 around, Oak Tree features large, undulating greens, tree-lined fairways and "a generous cut of rough" that will test most golfers' skills!
Scenic Valley Golf Course
681 Church Hill Rd
Finleyville, PA 15332-9725
412-833-1988
Located in Washington County, Scenic Valley Golf Course is always is good condition with some really nice greens. In addition to the well-maintained greens and fairways, this 18-hole course isn't too long, either, at just over 6300-yards from the blue tees. Plus as one of our insiders attests, "you can tee off at sunrise and be done in three and a half hours!"
Mystic Rock
1001 Lafayette Drive
Farmington, Pa 15437
724-329-6470
www.nemacolin.com/golf/mystic-rock/
Located at Nemacolin Woodlands, Mystic Rock is a par 72, 7526-yard course designed by Pete Dye. Among its recent recognition, the course website boasts "top honors from Golf Magazine and Golf Digest," having recently been named "one of the 'Best Courses You Can Play' in Pennsylvania by Golfweek. A bit on the pricey side, one of our insiders says of this challenging course: "Save up and give it a go!"
Indian Run Golf Club
1975 Avella Road
Avella, PA 15312
724-587-0330
www.golfindianrun.com
Aside from its great views, Indian Run Golf Club in Avella may be a bit of a hike for some area golfers – but it's definitely worth the trip. Described by one of insiders as "a man's golf course" with a variety of holes and good length – particularly from the blue tees, Indian Run may be most proud of its "lightning fast" greens. On its website, the course boasts, "If you have any appreciation at all for great greens with intelligent undulations and meticulous greens-keeping, then you'll recognize the greatness at Indian Run. If you come to Indian Run for no other reason, these bent grass greens more than justify the cost of admission!"
