Best Public Golf Courses in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
You don't need a membership to play great golf in Pittsburgh. From resort courses to municipal gems, here are the best public and semi-private courses in the area — ranked by design quality, conditioning, and value.
Midway, Pennsylvania · Arnold Palmer Design (2004) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,120 yards
An Arnold Palmer design west of Pittsburgh, Quicksilver has hosted the Champions Tour's Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship. The rolling layout through western Pennsylvania ridges features Palmer's aggressive, challenging style with strategic water hazards and panoramic mountain views.
Ellwood City, Pennsylvania · Michael Hurdzan & Dana Fry (2002) · 18 holes · Par 70 · 6,514 yards
A Hurdzan-Fry design north of Pittsburgh, Olde Stonewall is consistently ranked the top public course in the Pittsburgh area. The dramatic layout on 250 acres of Connoquenessing Creek valley features 200 feet of elevation change, natural stone outcroppings, waterfall features, and stunning fall foliage.
Farmington, Pennsylvania · Pete Dye (1995) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,514 yards
A Pete Dye design at the Nemacolin resort in the Laurel Highlands, Mystic Rock is a championship mountain course that hosted the PGA Tour's 84 Lumber Classic. The dramatic 7,514-yard layout through dense Appalachian forest features Dye's bold design elements with significant elevation changes and stunning mountain scenery.
Best Time to Play
May through October, with June and September offering the best conditions. Fall foliage in the Laurel Highlands (October) is spectacular. Western Pennsylvania summers are warm but rarely excessive, making midday rounds comfortable.
Booking Tips
For the best rates, book tee times midweek or during shoulder seasons. Many courses offer twilight rates for afternoon rounds. Resort courses often bundle with hotel stays for significant savings.
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is 25 minutes from downtown. Oakmont is 15 minutes northeast. Laurel Valley in Ligonier is about 60 minutes east in the Laurel Highlands. The city's revitalized food scene and craft breweries make it an excellent golf trip base.
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