Pennsylvania Golf Course Reviews
Hartmann's Deep Valley brings a woman's touch to western PA golf
The water almost arrives as a surprise. After nine holes where the fairways are tight and side-to-side, nine holes where a hacker can feel like he's in a golf-ball shooting gallery with shouts of "Fore!" and head ducks coming fast and furious, suddenly you're on No. 10 and the water's stretched out before you.
... full article »A bargain with bite: Dubbs Dred golf course delivers a low-cost gauntlet by Pittsburgh
In Butler County in Western Pennsylvania, affordable golf is the name of the game. But few courses combine low green fees with challenging play the way Aubrey's Dubbs Dred does. But while the back nine has locals fearing losing too many golf balls, many enjoy the craziness of it, as well as the conditioning. Of course, the surreal $15 green fees keeps golfers coming back to John Aubrey's 121-slope rating creation, also.
... full article »Buffalo Golf Course: Have shirt and $18 will play well in Western PA
Buffalo Golf Course may be about as unpretentious a golf experience as you'll ever find, with the only requirements being to wear a shirt and pony up the paltry $18 green fees. Nonetheless, Buffalo proves low-brow does not equal low class. Buffalo is establishment enough to have secured a solid rating from Golf Digest, but player friendly enough to remember its roots and the value of the local customers who've kept it going since 1967.
... full article »Conley Resort makes sure everything's green and nothing's too hard in Butler
Conley Resort puts out consistent quality golf for reasonable prices in the largely undiscovered, off-the-beaten-golf-path area of Butler County, Pa. What makes Conley stand out in this delightful golfing area is a commitment to course conditioning and overall playability that borders on obsession by owner Wayne Conley. But one man's obsession has made for a beautiful course that caters first and foremost to the average duffer, and the duffers keep coming back for more.
... full article »If you're 95 and blind, Saxon Golf Course could be a challenge
Located in Butler County, Saxon Golf Course may just be the most wide-open, straight-forward golf course in America. With not a single bunker on the course, you'll have a hard time finding any trouble at all, actually. The course does offer great customer service, reasonable green fees and an endearing family atmosphere, but in the end, the over-the-top simplicity of the course could very well leave your golf game wanting a stiffer challenge.
... full article »Olde Homestead Golf Club in New Tripoli is a premiere facility
Olde Homestead Golf Club in New Tripoli, reeks of history, though not necessarily golf history. Set on an old farm and boasting a clubhouse converted from a circa 1910 farmhouse, it is among the premiere golf facilities in the Allentown area. The course is mostly open and follows rolling terrain but a few holes run severely up or down, providing some drama. Not all is retro here: You'll also find a world class, lighted practice facility.
... full article »Tattersall Golf Club: Rees Jones sculpts a stunner
Tattersall Golf Club opened to much fanfare on account of architect Rees Jones' reputation, the expansive site and the impeccably groomed bentgrass fairways and greens. Indeed, this track is dramatic and playable and the carpet-soft fairways icing on the cake. However, combine 54 bunkers - some very, very deep - with three ponds, the Broad Run Creek, wetlands, and some severe drop-offs, and it can feel a little like a tightrope walk at times.
... full article »Wyncote Golf Club built in heathland tradition
Although it's but 50 miles west of Philadelphia, the feel at Wyncote Golf Club is decidedly Scottish. Featuring a tree-less, no nonsense approach to course design, Wyncote was built in the links tradition (though not being near the sea, it's more accurately described as heathland). Owner Jim Pepple wanted to build a course that golfers would be willing to travel an hour or two to play. He succeeded, writes Darryl Berger.
... full article »Hunter's Station is home to prettiest hole you've ever seen
It's rare that a golf hole transcends its utilitarian origins and becomes an honest-to-goodness tourist attraction, a place where even non-golfers will trek to marvel at its beauty. In fact, if the ones on Monterrey Peninsula ever slide into the Pacific Ocean, you'd be hard pressed to name three others.
... full article »Glen Mills offers second chances, big challenges
The Glen Mills School in suburban Philadelphia is, for all intents and purposes, a reform school for boys who have run afoul of the law. What makes Glen Mills unique was the decision to open a golf course on its grounds. Opened in 2000, the accolades have been rolling in ever since. Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and Golfweek are among the course's fans. To that list, add our own Darryl Berger.
... full article »- Hitting the sweet spot in Hershey is a short drive away
- Hideaway Hills owner created fine facility from, beautiful piece of land
- Shawnee Golf Resort's history, 27 holes make it worth the visit
- Iron Valley Golf Club is no wimpy place to play
