If you love golf and live in Pennsylvania—or plan to visit in 2025—you’re in for a treat. The Keystone State is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging public golf courses in the country. From rolling mountain views to classic parkland layouts, there’s something here for every golfer. I’ve personally rounded up 15 of the best public golf courses in Pennsylvania that anyone can play. Whether you’re a weekend golfer, a beginner, or a pro looking for a new challenge, these courses will give you an unforgettable experience.
1. Omni Bedford Springs Resort (Bedford, PA)
If you want to experience golf history combined with luxury, Omni Bedford Springs is the place to be. This 18-hole course is one of the oldest in the United States and has been beautifully restored to its original charm. Designed by legendary architects like Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast, the course features stunning mountain views and rolling fairways.
Location: Bedford, PA
Type: Public / Resort Course
What makes it special: Classic design, excellent conditioning, and a full resort experience.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for ideal weather.
Website: Omni Bedford Springs Golf
- Tip: Stay overnight at the resort for a true weekend getaway—it’s perfect for couples or a golf trip with friends.
2. Nemacolin – Mystic Rock (Farmington, PA)
Mystic Rock at Nemacolin Resort is one of the top-rated public courses in Pennsylvania. Designed by Pete Dye, this championship course has hosted PGA Tour events and offers dramatic elevation changes, stunning views, and tough greens that will test your game.
Location: Farmington, PA (Laurel Highlands area)
Type: Public / Resort Course
What makes it special: PGA-level course design and world-class resort amenities.
Best for: Golfers who want a challenge and a luxurious experience.
Website: Nemacolin Mystic Rock Golf
- Tip: If you visit, try playing both Mystic Rock and Shepherd’s Rock—they complement each other beautifully.
3. Olde Stonewall Golf Club (Ellwood City, PA)
Olde Stonewall is one of the most talked-about public golf courses near Pittsburgh. Built on rolling hills with castle-like clubhouse architecture, it offers a memorable round for golfers of all levels. The layout is scenic yet demanding, with unique holes and perfectly maintained greens.
Location: Ellwood City, PA
Type: Public Course
What makes it special: Dramatic layout, amazing facilities, and a private-club feel.
Best for: Experienced golfers who want a serious challenge.
Website: Olde Stonewall Golf Club
- Tip: Book your tee time early, especially on weekends. Twilight rounds are great for saving money and enjoying a quieter course.
4. Foxburg Country Club (Foxburg, PA)
This one is truly unique. Foxburg Country Club is recognized as America’s oldest continuously operating golf course. Established in 1887, it offers a short, classic layout that feels like stepping back in time. It’s a must-play for golf history fans and anyone who enjoys a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Location: Foxburg, PA
Type: Public Course
What makes it special: The oldest course in the U.S. with timeless charm.
Best for: Beginners, history lovers, and casual players.
Website: Foxburg Country Club
- Tip: Stop by the small golf museum next to the course—it’s full of fascinating old golf artifacts.
5. Skytop Lodge Golf Course (Skytop, PA)
Located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, Skytop Lodge Golf Course is perfect for golfers who love scenic mountain views and a peaceful setting. The course is surrounded by forests and lakes, making every hole a pleasure to play. It’s not too long or intimidating, so golfers of all levels can enjoy it.
Location: Skytop, PA
Type: Public / Resort Course
What makes it special: Scenic Pocono views and family-friendly atmosphere.
Best for: Couples, families, and casual golfers.
Website: Skytop Lodge Golf
- Tip: Pair your round with hiking or a lakeside lunch at the resort—perfect for a summer weekend escape.
6. Hershey Country Club – East Course (Hershey, PA)
If you love golf and chocolate, you can’t skip Hershey Country Club. While the East Course is part of the Hershey Resort, it’s open to the public through stay-and-play packages. The course was designed by George Fazio and offers rolling fairways, mature trees, and beautiful views of Hershey’s countryside.
Location: Hershey, PA
Type: Resort / Public Access
What makes it special: PGA-quality greens, classic design, and Hershey’s signature hospitality.
Best for: Golfers visiting central PA who want a polished, scenic round.
Website: Hershey Country Club Golf
- Tip: Stay at the Hershey Lodge or The Hotel Hershey to access both East and West courses.
7. Wyncote Golf Club (Oxford, PA)
Wyncote Golf Club, located in southern Chester County, is one of the top-rated public courses in the state. It’s a links-style course designed by Brian Ault, known for wide fairways, thick rough, and challenging bunkers that make you feel like you’re playing in Scotland.
Location: Oxford, PA
Type: Public Course
What makes it special: Scottish-inspired design and immaculate course conditions.
Best for: Golfers who enjoy open, wind-swept layouts.
Website: Wyncote Golf Club
- Tip: Bring your best wedge game—tight lies and firm greens demand precision.
8. Broad Run Golfer’s Club (West Chester, PA)
Set among the rolling hills of Chester County, Broad Run offers a fun but challenging layout with dramatic elevation changes and excellent conditions year-round. Designed by Rees Jones, it’s one of those hidden gems that regulars rave about but visitors often overlook.
Location: West Chester, PA
Type: Public Course
What makes it special: Rees Jones design with a mix of forgiving holes and risk-reward shots.
Best for: Intermediate to advanced players.
Website: Broad Run Golfer’s Club
- Tip: Afternoon rounds often come with discounted rates—check the website for twilight deals.
9. Lancaster Country Club – Highlands Nine (Lancaster, PA)
While the main championship course is private, the Highlands Nine at Lancaster Country Club is open to the public. It’s beautifully maintained and offers a chance to experience the same attention to detail and conditions as the private course that hosted the U.S. Women’s Open.
Location: Lancaster, PA
Type: Semi-Public
What makes it special: World-class maintenance and access to a famous venue.
Best for: Golfers looking for a high-end experience at public rates.
Website: Lancaster Country Club
- Tip: Call ahead or check their online booking calendar—tee times for the Highlands Nine can fill fast.
10. Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club (Mountain Top, PA)
If you’re looking for 27 holes of scenic mountain golf, Blue Ridge Trail is one of the best public options in northeastern Pennsylvania. It’s carved into the mountains, offering breathtaking views, lush fairways, and well-designed holes that reward both distance and accuracy.
Location: Mountain Top, PA (near Wilkes-Barre)
Type: Public Course
What makes it special: 27-hole layout, beautiful mountain scenery, and consistent conditioning.
Best for: Golf trips with friends or family—great for playing multiple rounds in one day.
- Tip: Each of the three nines offers a different experience—try them all if you can!
11. Totteridge Golf Club (Greensburg, PA)
Totteridge Golf Club, designed by Rees Jones, is one of western Pennsylvania’s best-kept secrets. The course features wide fairways, undulating greens, and breathtaking views of the Laurel Highlands. It’s a true test for all skill levels and offers that “private club” feel at public rates.
Location: Greensburg, PA (near Pittsburgh)
Type: Public Course
What makes it special: Rees Jones design with links-style features and amazing scenery.
Best for: Golfers who enjoy elevation changes and open, rolling layouts.
- Tip: Early morning rounds are spectacular here — the sunrise views across the ridges are worth the early alarm.
12. Sand Springs Country Club (Drums, PA)
Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, Sand Springs is known for its friendly atmosphere and scenic design. The course has a great mix of holes — some short and strategic, others long and open — making it enjoyable for all players. It’s also one of the most affordable and well-maintained public courses in the area.
Location: Drums, PA
Type: Public Course
What makes it special: Great value, beautiful Pocono foothill views, and consistent conditioning.
Best for: Families, casual golfers, and budget-friendly rounds.
Website: Sand Springs Country Club
- Tip: Grab lunch at their clubhouse restaurant — locals love the food almost as much as the golf.
13. Glenmaura National Golf Club (Moosic, PA)
Although technically semi-private, Glenmaura allows limited public access and is often ranked among Pennsylvania’s top modern layouts. The course is carved through the hills near Scranton and challenges golfers with dramatic elevation changes and scenic panoramas.
Location: Moosic, PA
Type: Semi-Public / Limited Access
What makes it special: Championship-level design, impeccable conditioning, and stunning views.
Best for: A high-end, “private club” experience without membership.
- Tip: Call ahead for availability — tee times for non-members are limited, but worth the effort.
14. Cranberry Highlands Golf Course (Cranberry Township, PA)
Just north of Pittsburgh, Cranberry Highlands is a local favorite and one of the top-rated municipal golf courses in the state. The course blends open fairways with wooded holes and wetlands, offering a fun challenge that’s accessible to everyone.
Location: Cranberry Township, PA
Type: Public / Municipal
What makes it special: Beautiful, affordable, and consistently ranked as one of PA’s best muni courses.
Best for: Locals, beginners, and golfers looking for a solid value.
- Tip: It’s a popular spot — reserve your tee time a few days in advance, especially on weekends.
15. Iron Valley Golf Club (Lebanon, PA)
Iron Valley is a must-play for anyone serious about golf in Pennsylvania. Designed by P.B. Dye, the course sits on an old iron ore mining site and features dramatic elevation drops, wide fairways, and panoramic countryside views. The layout is visually stunning and fun from start to finish.
Location: Lebanon, PA
Type: Public Course
What makes it special: Dye design, elevation changes, and incredible vistas.
Best for: Golfers seeking challenge and beauty in one round.
Website: Iron Valley Golf Club
- Tip: Bring a camera — some holes overlook rolling hills that look straight out of a postcard.
Final Thoughts
From the rolling hills of Totteridge to the mountain views at Iron Valley, Pennsylvania’s public golf scene in 2025 is more exciting than ever. These additional five courses prove that you don’t need a private membership to experience world-class golf. Whether you’re near Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, or the Poconos, there’s a top-tier course waiting for you to tee it up.
So grab your clubs, plan your next weekend round, and see why Pennsylvania deserves a place on every golfer’s bucket list.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are these courses beginner-friendly?
Yes. Courses like Sand Springs and Cranberry Highlands are great for all skill levels.
2. What are typical green fees?
They range from $50–$150, depending on the season and course prestige.
3. Which course offers the best scenery?
Iron Valley and Totteridge both have unforgettable mountain views.
4. Can I walk these courses?
Most of them allow walking, though hilly layouts like Glenmaura and Iron Valley are easier with a cart.
5. Do these courses offer golf lessons or practice ranges?
Yes — nearly all of them have teaching pros and full practice facilities.
