News Summary
Pennsylvania is highlighting its premier golf courses that combine beautiful scenery with rich history. The lineup includes historic venues like the Old Course and renowned private clubs such as Oakmont Country Club. Each course offers a unique experience for golfers of all levels, whether they prefer challenging designs or leisurely play amidst picturesque landscapes. From public-access courses to upscale resorts, Pennsylvania remains a top destination for golf enthusiasts.
Pennsylvania Showcases Eleven Premier Golf Courses Highlighting Scenic Beauty and Rich History
Pennsylvania, a state renowned for its robust golfing tradition, is home to an impressive lineup of eleven standout golf courses. These courses span from historic venues to modern layouts, offering diverse experiences that attract golf aficionados from across the country and around the world. With a deep-seated passion for the sport, Pennsylvania provides options for every type of golfer, whether they seek a leisurely round amidst scenic landscapes or a challenging tournament setup.
Historic and Iconic Courses
Among Pennsylvania’s historical gems is the Old Course located approximately 100 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, nestled in the Allegheny Mountains. Established in 1895, it is one of the oldest golf courses in the nation still in operation and is known for its challenging layout and picturesque setting. The course is publicly accessible through a newly built clubhouse, which also offers dining and spa services, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
Further emphasizing the state’s rich golf history is Foxburg, founded in 1887. Recognized as the oldest continuously operated golf course in America, Foxburg features a nine-hole, par-68 layout set in the lush, rolling hills of western Pennsylvania. The nearby Foxburg Inn provides nostalgic, boutique accommodations for guests wishing to experience a slice of golf history firsthand.
Renowned Private Courses
For those seeking exclusive experiences, Pennsylvania offers several private clubs. Oakmont Country Club, located northeast of Pittsburgh, is famous for hosting numerous U.S. Open Championships and is regarded as a test of skill due to its demanding course design. Access is limited to members and their guests, with the clubhouse and dining areas restricted to authorized visitors.
Laurel Valley represents another top-tier private course, co-designed by renowned golf course architect Dick Wilson and later renovated by Arnold Palmer. The course has hosted major championships and is celebrated for its panoramic views and challenging design, providing a premium membership experience.
Courses with Public Access and Upscale Resorts
Several Pennsylvania courses are accessible to the public and feature upscale amenities. Mystic Rock, part of the Nemacolin Resort about 90 minutes from Pittsburgh, is renowned for dramatic elevation changes and mountain vistas. The course offers public tee times from May through October and is complemented by a full-service spa and outdoor adventure options within the resort.
Shawnee Inn, located roughly 45 minutes from Lehigh Valley International Airport, is distinguished for its scenic riverfront layout designed by A.W. Tillinghast in 1911. The course’s natural beauty and nearby accommodations make it a favorite among both resort guests and local players.
Other Notable Courses in Pennsylvania
Aronimink Golf Club, situated about 30 minutes from Philadelphia International Airport, combines vintage design elements from the 1920s with modern enhancements. This private, strategic course hosts distinguished tournaments, including the upcoming 2026 PGA Championship, with occasional guest access to its clubhouse and dining facilities.
In the Pocono Mountains, Skytop Lodge features a historic course from the 1920s that provides public access, set against scenic mountain backdrops perfect for a relaxing golf getaway. Toftrees Golf Club, near University Park Airport, draws visitors from the Penn State community with its wooded, inviting layout open to the public from April to December.
In Chester County, Applebrook Golf Club offers world-class golf on rolling terrain, although it remains a members-only club with guest access available upon request. Nearby, Laurel Valley, with its prestigious history and Arnold Palmer renovation, combines challenging play with breathtaking scenery.
Additional Scenic and Historic Choices
The Shawnee Inn and Oakmont represent Pennsylvania’s blend of scenic beauty and challenge, appealing to experienced golfers seeking major championship-level difficulty and historic ambiance. Meanwhile, more relaxed, accessible courses such as Skytop and Toftrees provide excellent options for varied skill levels and leisure play.
Overall, Pennsylvania’s golf courses form a diverse collection, each offering unique scenery, historical significance, and hospitality suited to a broad range of golfing interests and expertise. Whether seeking the challenge of a famed private club or the relaxed atmosphere of a public resort, Pennsylvania remains a premier destination for golf enthusiasts in the United States.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Northeastern Pennsylvania Offers Over 30 Scenic Public Golf Courses This Season
Additional Resources
- World Atlas: 11 Best Golf Courses in Pennsylvania
- Golf Digest: Best Golf Courses in Pennsylvania
- PennLive: Top 20 Public Golf Courses in PA
- PGA: Best Public Golf Courses in Pennsylvania
- DiscoverNEPA: Public Golf Courses in Northeastern PA
- Wikipedia: Golf in the United States
- Google Search: Pennsylvania Public Golf Courses
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Pennsylvania Golf Courses
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
