Pennsylvania is home to some of the best golf courses in the United States, as identified by GOLF’s expert panelists during the rigorous ratings process for the Top 100 Courses in the U.S. and Top 100 Courses You Can Play rankings. These rankings are based on the evaluation of the best golf courses in every state, and golf enthusiasts can explore the full list by using GOLF’s Course Finder tool. The tool allows users to customize their golf trip itineraries by toggling through various lists such as Top 100 public courses, best munis, best short courses, best par-3s, and more, or filter by price to create the perfect golfing experience.
One of the top golf courses in Pennsylvania is Oakmont in Oakmont, known for its challenging layout that doesn’t rely on artificial beauty but rather showcases the natural landscape. With wide fairways, large greens, and strategic bunkering, Oakmont offers a true test of golfing skills. The course is particularly renowned for its firm and fast putting surfaces, adding another layer of difficulty for players. The layout features a quartet of short par-4s that require precise shot-making and strategic decision-making, enhancing the overall golfing experience.
Another standout course in Pennsylvania is Merion – East in Ardmore, which is characterized by its remarkable variety of holes. From short par-4s to long daunting par-4s, and tiny par-3s to lengthy ones, Merion offers a diverse playing experience for golfers of all skill levels. The recent expansion of greens has added new hole locations, making the course more challenging and engaging. The sub-air and irrigation systems installed on the course allow for better control over playing surfaces, enhancing the overall playing conditions.
Fox Chapel in Pittsburgh is a Tom Marzolf restoration that brings back the original design elements of the course, focusing on Stanley Raynor’s 1925 vision. The restoration project reintroduced iconic features such as Lion’s Mouth bunker, Double Plateau green, and Bottle hole bunkering scheme, enhancing the strategic and aesthetic appeal of the course. The firmness of the approach areas and the surrounding short grass offer players opportunities for creative recovery shots, making the golfing experience more enjoyable and challenging.
Aronimink in Newton Square is a Donald Ross masterpiece that has undergone extensive restoration over the years to preserve its original design and challenge. Led by renowned architect Gil Hanse, the restoration efforts restored Ross’s genius to the course, bringing back its larger greens and treacherous bunkers. With a reputation as a “supreme test” of golf, Aronimink offers players a strategic and challenging golfing experience that pays homage to Ross’s vision for the course.
Philadelphia Cricket – Wissahickon in Flourtown is another notable course in Pennsylvania that underwent a restoration by Keith Foster, bringing back A.W. Tillinghast’s design sparkle. The course features a variety of hole designs with open front greens and heavily defended perched greens, reflecting Tillinghast’s genius for diverse green settings. The strategic layout and challenging finisher hole make Philadelphia Cricket – Wissahickon a must-play course for golf enthusiasts looking for a unique and engaging golfing experience.
In addition to these top courses, Pennsylvania offers a diverse range of golfing experiences, from historic courses like Lancaster and CC of Scranton to modern layouts like Applebrook and Stonewall – Old. Each course has its own unique characteristics and challenges, making Pennsylvania a premier destination for golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a challenging championship course or a scenic resort course, Pennsylvania has something for every golfer to enjoy.
The rankings process for GOLF’s Top 100 U.S. and Top 100 You Can Play lists involves a panel of 127 experts from 15 nations with a keen eye for golf course architecture. The panelists have extensive experience playing courses globally, ranging from traditional links courses to modern designs. Their diverse perspectives and expertise contribute to the accuracy and relevance of the course rankings, ensuring that the final list represents the best golfing experiences across the country.
The course ranking process is intentionally simple and straightforward to produce results that are widely lauded by the golfing community. The experience and expertise of the panelists play a critical role in assessing and evaluating courses based on various criteria such as design, conditioning, challenge, and overall golfing experience. By incorporating a diverse range of opinions and experiences, the rankings reflect a meaningful consensus that highlights the best golf courses in Pennsylvania and the United States.
Overall, Pennsylvania boasts a strong golfing culture with a rich history of championship courses, picturesque landscapes, and challenging designs. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual enthusiast, there are plenty of options to explore and enjoy in Pennsylvania. From iconic courses like Oakmont and Merion to hidden gems like Fox Chapel and Philadelphia Cricket – Wissahickon, Pennsylvania offers a diverse range of golfing experiences that cater to all preferences and skill levels. Plan your next golf trip to Pennsylvania and discover why it’s a top destination for golfers from around the world.
