Best Golf Courses in Pennsylvania

When I hear the Words “Pennsylvania” and “golf” in the same sentence, one thing comes immediately to mind.  Arnold Palmer.  The King was born in the town of Latrobe and where his dad was the Superintendent at Latrobe Country Club.  I get chills even as I write this.

Before I start convulsing, we’d better move on to the purpose of this article.  We’re here to talk about the best public golf courses in Pennsylvania.  From everything I’ve heard, there’s no shortage to be found.

Regardless of where you choose to play on this list, remember to “swing your swing.”  That’s what the King did.

By now, you guys know that I’m a huge fan of mountain golf from coast to coast.  There’s just something about the crisp morning air and the views that I can’t get enough of. 

That’s exactly what you’ll find when you put a peg in the ground at Sky Top Lodge.  Set high up in the Poconos Mountains, you’ll feel free as a bird here.  The fairways are wide, and the balls travels a lot farther than at lower elevations. 

Even though the playing season is shorter here than elsewhere, Sky Top Lodge is a round you won’t soon forget.

While you’re at it, bring the family along too.  The amenities are the best of the best and there’s an activity for everyone to enjoy at this property.

 

Wyncote Golf Club is a heathland-style course that opened in 1993.  It was designed by renowned architect, Brian Ault. 

Unlike a lot of courses in this part of the world, this layout has modern design features.  The fairways are forgiving and aren’t lined by many trees.  Instead, expansive bunkers and moguls penalize players who venture too far offline. 

The course is also said to be one of the best conditioned courses in the whole state.  Bent grass fairways, greens, and tees are like playing off carpet. 

The green complexes are worth noting too.  They’re larger in size and varied undulations can make for some interesting putts depending on hole locations. 

One of the most underrated modern designs on the East Coast, Wyncote has it all.

 

 

The Founders Course at Penn National sits on the site of an old iron mine.  In the 1960’s the land was turned into the present-day golf course.

This is a traditional design that features narrow fairways, a number of doglegs, and small greens.  In the summer the greens get firm and fast.  Stay below the hole if you want to putt aggressively.The real meat of the Founders Course comes in the last five holes.  Starting with the par five 14^th, this stretch of holes is the one of the toughest in the state.  If you make it through 18 holes with your scorecard intact, it’s an accomplishment.

 

   

The perfect compliment to the Founders Course, is the Iron Forge Course at Penn National. 

A much more modern design, this course gives you ample room off the tee and into the greens. 

When you’re on the greens, make sure to account for the “mountain effect” on holes four through 11.

Open since 1997, you’ll be blown away by the expansive vistas of the surrounding countryside. 

If you want to spend a couple days here and experience both courses, the stay and play packages are hard to beat.

Berkleigh Golf Club was ranked the “#8 Best Golf Course in Pennsylvania” by Golf Magazine, but our readers say it’s a top-five track.

Formerly home to the LPGA Betsy King Classic, Berkleigh is a traditional parkland design that asks you execute all matter of shots.  You’ll need to move the ball both ways off the tee and control your distance on approaches into the greens. 

Even though the course is demanding, it’s playable for golfers of all skill levels.  Four sets of tees make finding the right length for your game easy.

One of the most historic and respected courses in Pennsylvania, Berkleigh Golf Club needs to be on your list.

Pete Dye’s first golf course was Mystic Rock at Nemacolin Resort.  And boy, did he come in with a bang?  From the back tees, this track has a rating of 77 and a slope of 149.

The course is set in the Laurel Highlands and affords stunning views of the surrounding Allegheny Mountains.  A most idyllic setting for golf.

Mystic Rock has received countless accolades and awards from the likes of Golf Digest and Golfweek.  It’s not hard to see why.

For a round of golf you won’t soon forget, choose Mystic Rock.

 

Even though Old Stonewall was built in 1999, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back to medieval times when you play here.  To start, the clubhouse is a castle.  Literally. 

Voted a “Top 50 Public Course in the United States” by Golf Digest, this course is touted for its challenging holes and excellent condition.  It’s playable for everyone however, as there are ample tee options. 

What golfers love most about Old Stonewall is that you feel like you have the place to yourself.  Each hole sits on its own. Coupled with 15-minute tee time intervals, pace of play is never an issue. 

One of the more unique experiences in Pennsylvania, Old Stonewall won’t disappoint.

In the heart of the Pocono Mountains, you’ll find Jack Frost National Golf Club. 

Unlike a lot of mountain courses, Jack Frost National has generous fairways and is somewhat flat.  You won’t have many uneven lies. 

Set on more than 200 acres, the holes are spread out here.  Even though the terrain isn’t undulating, most players prefer to take a cart because of the distance between greens and tees. 

Stunning views and an enjoyable round are waiting at Jack Frost National.

There’s more than a little history to be found in the town of Gettysburg.  Civil War anyone? 

The town is also home to the Links at Gettysburg. 

This track is known for being one of the better tests in the state.  It’s advisable to play up a set of tees from where you normally would play. 

Designed by Lesley Ervin and Steve Klein, players rave about this course’s routing and spectacular condition.  Superintendent, John Long, is one of the best in the business. 

Called “Golf’s Gettysburg Address” for a reason, you won’t want to miss a chance to play here.

 

Toftrees Golf Club is located in the wonderful community of State College.  Go Nittany Lions!

Designed by Ed Ault and opened in 1968, this course has all the hallmarks of a classic layout.  The fairways are narrow and lined by whispering pines.  Green complexes are on the smaller side and most slope from back to front.  Stay below the hole.

If you want to play a couple of rounds, be sure to check for deals on stay and play packages.

Conclusion

The golf season can be on the shorter side in Pennsylvania.  That doesn’t mean there’s any lack of spectacular public golf to be played, however. 

Whether you’re looking for a round in the mountains, the city, or scenic countryside, it can be found in the Keystone State.

As always, I couldn’t have completed this guide without the help of our loyal readers who contributed their thoughts and insight. 

If you have anything you’d like to add, please let us know down below in the comments.