Discover 500+ golf courses across the Keystone State, home to Oakmont Country Club (9 U.S. Opens) and legendary championship venues from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh.
Pennsylvania stands as one of America's premier golf destinations, boasting over 500 golf courses that span from the historic private clubs of Philadelphia to championship resort courses in the Pocono Mountains. The Keystone State has hosted more U.S. Open Championships than any other state except New York, with Oakmont Country Club's record 9 U.S. Opens representing the most of any course in America. From Donald Ross masterpieces to Pete Dye challenges, Pennsylvania golf combines rich tradition, championship pedigree, and accessible public play.
Pennsylvania is home to two legendary U.S. Open venues that have collectively hosted 14 championships, producing some of golf's most memorable moments.
📍 Oakmont (Pittsburgh area)
Record Championship Host: Oakmont holds the all-time record for hosting U.S. Open Championships with 9 total (most recent in 2016), more than any other course in America. Established in 1903 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, Oakmont is renowned for its lightning-fast greens, 168 bunkers, and church pew bunkers that define its fearsome reputation.
Course Rating: 77.5 USGA rating with slope of 153
Signature Features: Church pew bunkers, furrowed bunkers, treeless design, notoriously fast greens
📍 Ardmore (Philadelphia area)
Most USGA Championships: Founded in 1896 and ready for play in 1912, Merion's East Course has hosted 19 USGA championships total - the most of any site. The Hugh Wilson-designed layout is renowned for its remarkable variety, with par-4s ranging up to 200 yards in length difference, wicker baskets instead of flags, and strategic bunkering that rewards precision over power.
The USGA announced long-term relationship with Merion, hosting U.S. Opens on 10-year cadence: 2030, 2040, 2050
Notable Features: Wicker baskets instead of flags, white-faced bunkers, no par-5s over 600 yards
Historic Moment: Site of Bobby Jones' Grand Slam completion at 1930 U.S. Amateur
Pennsylvania's championship golf extends far beyond its U.S. Open venues, with world-class private clubs and resort courses ranked among America's finest layouts.
📍 Newtown Square (Philadelphia)
Donald Ross masterpiece from 1928, considered by Ross to be his finest work. Recently restored by Gil Hanse over 20 years, featuring larger greens and strategic bunkering. Hosted 2018 BMW Championship (PGA Tour) and 2026 PGA Championship.
Par: 70 | Yardage: 7,267
📍 Fox Chapel (Pittsburgh)
Seth Raynor layout from 1923 featuring template holes including Punchbowl, Eden, Cape, Redan, Alps, and Biarritz. Major restoration completed in 2020 with 97 new bunkers rebuilt to original 1923 shapes. Located across the Allegheny River from Oakmont.
Par: 70 | Yardage: 6,705
📍 Flourtown (Philadelphia)
A.W. Tillinghast design ranked among America's top private courses. Part of Philadelphia's prestigious cricket and golf heritage dating to 1865. Known for strategic design and championship conditions.
Status: Private | Ranking: Top 50 US
📍 Gladwyne (Philadelphia)
William Flynn design from 1927, part of the legendary "Philadelphia School" of golf architecture. Consistently ranked among Pennsylvania's top five private clubs with tree-lined parkland layout.
Par: 70 | Architect: William Flynn
📍 Lancaster
Ranked among Golf Magazine's Top 100 Classic Design Courses. Hosted U.S. Women's Open Championship in 2015 and 2024, showcasing championship-caliber conditioning and strategic design in Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
Major Championships: 2015, 2024 U.S. Women's Open
📍 Abington (Philadelphia)
William Flynn masterpiece from 1920s, featuring dramatic elevation changes and strategic bunkering. Part of Philadelphia's elite private club collection with parkland style challenging all skill levels.
Style: Parkland | Era: Golden Age
📍 Sewickley (Pittsburgh)
Emil Loeffler design from 1931, part of Pittsburgh's quartet of elite clubs. Ranked consistently among Pennsylvania's top private courses with rolling terrain and mature tree-lined fairways.
Region: Pittsburgh | Status: Private
📍 Fox Chapel (Pittsburgh)
Part of Pittsburgh's prestigious Fox Chapel area golf corridor. Located six miles northeast of downtown, offering championship golf in rolling Pennsylvania hills with mature landscaping.
Location: Fox Chapel suburbs
📍 Bethlehem (Lehigh Valley)
54-hole facility with three championship courses. Grace Course hosted 1992 U.S. Senior Open. Known for challenging layouts across rolling Lehigh Valley terrain with variety of design styles.
Holes: 54 | Major: 1992 Sr. Open
The Philadelphia metropolitan area is one of the world's most revered golf cities, home to 72 courses within 15 miles of downtown including 28 public and 43 private courses. Philadelphia was the birthplace of the "Philadelphia School of Design" with legendary architects William Flynn, Donald Ross, A.W. Tillinghast, and George Thomas creating Golden Age masterpieces.
📍 Glen Mills
Philadelphia's top-rated public course. Bold, hilly Bobby Weed layout from early 2000s adjacent to Glen Mills School. Features dramatic elevation changes and championship conditioning.
💵 Green Fee: $99-$219 | Par: 72
📍 Philadelphia
Designed by Hugh Wilson (Merion architect) in 1916, Philadelphia's first public 18-hole course. Tree-lined classic considered one of the finest municipal courses in America, recently restored.
💵 Green Fee: Under $45 with cart
📍 Jeffersonville (near King of Prussia)
Donald Ross design from 1931, repurposing farmland into championship public golf. Ranked 6th among Philadelphia-area public courses with classic Ross characteristics and strategic design.
💵 Green Fee: $42-$63 | Par: 71
📍 West Chester
Rees Jones design (formerly Tattersall Golf Club) featuring dramatic plunging holes across hilly terrain. Championship public course with resort-quality conditioning.
💵 Green Fee: $60-$110
📍 Philadelphia
Historic Philadelphia municipal course offering accessible public golf within city limits. Mature parkland design with tree-lined fairways and affordable rates.
💵 Green Fee: Under $45
📍 Philadelphia
Philadelphia municipal course providing affordable public golf with convenient city access. Traditional parkland layout suitable for all skill levels.
💵 Green Fee: Under $45
The Pittsburgh metropolitan area boasts exceptional golf with Oakmont Country Club leading a collection of championship venues across rolling Pennsylvania hills. The region's quartet of elite courses in the Fox Chapel suburbs represents some of the nation's finest layouts.
📍 Oakmont
America's most prolific U.S. Open host with 9 championships. Established 1903, National Historic Landmark with 168 bunkers, church pew bunkers, lightning-fast greens rated 77.5/153. Home to legendary moments including Miller's 63 and Nicklaus's first professional win.
Status: Private | Next U.S. Open: Future dates TBD
📍 Fox Chapel
Seth Raynor 1923 masterpiece featuring classic template holes (Punchbowl, Eden, Cape, Redan, Alps, Biarritz). Located across Allegheny River from Oakmont. Major restoration 2020 with 97 bunkers rebuilt to original shapes. Par 70, 6,705 yards.
Architect: Seth Raynor | Year: 1923
📍 Sewickley
Emil Loeffler design from 1931, part of Pittsburgh's elite foursome. Ranked consistently among Pennsylvania's top private courses with rolling terrain, mature trees, and championship conditioning. Strategic design rewards accuracy.
Par: 71 | Status: Private
📍 Verona (Pittsburgh suburbs)
Part of the prestigious quartet of Pittsburgh-area courses northeast of downtown. Classic design offering championship golf across rolling Pennsylvania landscape with strategic bunkering and elevated greens.
Location: Northeast suburbs
📍 Ellwood City
Ranked in TOP 50 public courses in United States by Golf Digest. Championship layout northwest of Pittsburgh offering resort-quality golf with dramatic elevation changes and strategic design. Voted #1 public course in Pennsylvania.
💵 Green Fee: $60-$80 | Par: 72
📍 Cranberry Township
Municipally-owned facility receiving excellent ratings from golfers of all skill levels. Modern design with championship length and excellent conditioning at affordable rates. Popular Pittsburgh-area public option.
💵 Green Fee: $35-$50 | Type: Municipal
📍 Midway
Championship public course located south of Pittsburgh. Modern design with challenging layout across rolling terrain. Known for excellent conditioning and friendly staff at accessible rates.
💵 Green Fee: $40-$60
📍 Greensburg
Daily-fee course east of Pittsburgh known for scenic vistas and challenging design. Rolling hills with tree-lined fairways provide traditional Pennsylvania golf experience.
💵 Green Fee: $30-$45
📍 Blairsville
Tom Fazio-designed 27-hole facility featuring three distinct nine-hole courses. Championship conditioning with scenic mountain views east of Pittsburgh.
💵 Green Fee: $45-$65 | Holes: 27
📍 Beaver
Semi-private facility northwest of Pittsburgh offering public access. Championship layout with challenging holes across rolling terrain and mature landscaping.
💵 Green Fee: $35-$55
The Hershey-Harrisburg region offers premier resort golf with Pennsylvania's chocolate capital featuring exclusive access to championship courses through The Official Resorts of Hersheypark.
📍 Hershey
Ranked by Golf Digest as one of the top 50 resorts in the US. Features two championship 18-hole courses (East and West) plus Spring Creek's 9-hole course, totaling 45 holes. Exclusive access for guests of The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge.
💵 Access: Resort guests only (East/West), Public (Spring Creek)
Resort Packages: Stay-and-play packages available
Guests of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark enjoy exclusive access to Hershey Country Club's premier courses. Resort packages include:
The Pocono Mountains region offers over two dozen golf courses spread across scenic mountain terrain, just 90 minutes from New York City or Philadelphia. The area combines championship resort golf with spectacular natural beauty.
📍 Shawnee on Delaware
Historic resort featuring 27 holes of championship golf sprawling across scenic Delaware River island. Hosted PGA and Senior PGA Championships. Classic design with riverside views and challenging layout.
💵 Type: Resort | Holes: 27
Packages: Stay-and-play available
📍 Blakeslee
Terry LaGree design ranked among top 25 golf courses in Pennsylvania. Located in heart of Pocono Mountains with dramatic elevation changes and mountain vistas. Championship course challenging all skill levels.
💵 Green Fee: $50-$90
Ranking: Top 25 PA
📍 Lake Harmony
27-hole championship golf course nestled in Pocono Mountains. Part of Split Rock Resort offering comprehensive stay-and-play packages. Scenic mountain layout with challenging greens and rolling fairways.
💵 Type: Resort | Holes: 27
Packages: Resort golf packages
📍 Mount Pocono
Audubon International certified golf course in Pocono Mountains. Championship layout with casino resort amenities. Modern design with environmental sustainability and challenging mountain golf.
💵 Type: Casino Resort
Certification: Audubon International
📍 East Stroudsburg
Nicolas Psiahas design featuring 18-hole par-71 championship course. Recognized for challenging greens and rolling fairways across scenic Pocono terrain. Popular with both locals and resort visitors.
💵 Par: 71
Architect: Nicolas Psiahas
📍 Skytop
Historic Pocono resort offering championship golf with spectacular mountain views. Classic design through mature forests with elevation changes. Exclusive access for resort guests maintaining uncrowded conditions.
💵 Type: Private Resort
Setting: Mountain forest
Pennsylvania offers approximately 400 public golf courses ranging from $30 to $200+ green fees, ensuring accessible championship golf throughout the state.
📍 Bedford (Allegheny Mountains)
Pennsylvania's #1 Ranked Public Course: Historic course dating to 1895, originally designed by Spencer Oldham with modifications by Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast. Completely rebuilt 2007 by Ron Forse as part of $120 million resort restoration. Captivating scenery with engaging layout through Allegheny Mountain terrain.
💵 Green Fee: $99-$199 | Packages: Stay-and-play available
📍 Farmington (Laurel Highlands)
Two Pete Dye-designed championship courses ranked among Pennsylvania's finest. Mystic Rock hosted PGA Tour's 84 Lumber Classic in mid-2000s. Located 70 miles southeast of Pittsburgh with dramatic Laurel Highlands scenery.
💵 Green Fee: $150-$250 | Resort: Luxury stay-and-play packages
📍 Glen Mills (Philadelphia area)
Philadelphia's top public course. Bobby Weed design from early 2000s with bold, hilly layout and dramatic elevation changes. Championship conditioning and challenging design.
💵 Green Fee: $99-$219
📍 Ellwood City (Pittsburgh area)
Ranked TOP 50 public courses in United States by Golf Digest. Voted #1 public course in Pennsylvania. Championship layout with resort-quality conditioning and strategic design.
💵 Green Fee: $60-$80
📍 Fayetteville (Harrisburg area)
Two championship courses: Founders (Ed Ault design) and Iron Forge (Bill Love). Resort facility with inn accommodations and stay-and-play packages in south-central Pennsylvania.
💵 Green Fee: $50-$100
Pennsylvania's 500+ golf courses span the entire state, from Lake Erie shores to Delaware River valleys, offering diverse terrain and golf experiences.
Pennsylvania was the epicenter of the "Golden Age of Golf Architecture" with Philadelphia serving as home base for legendary designers who shaped American golf. The "Philadelphia School of Design" produced some of golf's most enduring masterpieces.
Era: Golden Age (1900s-1940s)
Scottish-born architect who designed over 400 courses in America. Pennsylvania features several Ross masterpieces showcasing his signature crowned greens and strategic bunkering.
Era: Golden Age (1920s-1930s)
Philadelphia-based architect and leader of the "Philadelphia School of Design." Known for strategic designs that integrate natural terrain with dramatic elevation changes.
Era: Golden Age (1910s-1930s)
One of America's greatest architects with over 260 courses. Part of the Philadelphia design school, known for strategic bunkering and challenging green complexes.
Era: Golden Age (1910s-1920s)
Amateur architect who created Merion Golf Club's legendary East Course, one of America's most celebrated designs. Also designed Cobbs Creek, Philadelphia's first public 18-hole course.
Era: Modern Era (1960s-2000s)
Revolutionary modern architect known for challenging, visually dramatic designs with railroad ties, island greens, and strategic hazards.
Era: Golden Age (1910s-1920s)
Protégé of C.B. Macdonald, known for template holes based on famous British courses. His designs feature strategic concepts from Redan, Alps, Biarritz, and other classic holes.
Essential information for planning your Pennsylvania golf experience, from green fees to best times to play.
Public Course Pricing:
Typical Inclusions:
Season Duration:
Weather Considerations:
Major Golf Resorts:
Package Typically Include: Accommodations, daily golf rounds, cart fees, resort amenities, dining options
Multi-Day Golf Trips:
Driving Distances: Philadelphia to Pittsburgh 5 hours, Philly to Poconos 90 min, Pittsburgh to Nemacolin 70 miles
Roger Dunn Golf Shops, Van's Golf Shops, Golfers' Warehouse, CaddyTips, The Golf Mart
USA Golf: USA Golf Sites. Associations, Education, Juniors, News (Golf), Pro Players, Professional Golf, Seniors, Women's Golf
Last updated on November 24, 2025