Golf courses in the Pittsburgh suburbs looking good this summer
This is part one of the Cranberry Journal's list of area golf courses. Players can use this as a quick reference guide to find their favorite places to play or look for a new challenge.
Pittsburgh North 3800 Bakerstown Road, Gibsonia 724-443-3800 pittsburghnorthgolf.com
This course has 27 holes stretched over 7,008 yards, 2,800 of which are knows as the Fox Nine.
The hilly terrain, sand traps and water hazards make for a challenging round of play.
The cost to walk 18 holes during the week is $19.50 and to ride is $32.
On the weekend, the price is $38 for 18 holes (riding only, in season). After 4 p.m., weekday prices take effect.
Monday through Friday, the senior discount is $15 to walk 18 and $22 to ride.
Pull carts are $2 for 18 holes and $1.50 for nine holes. Rental clubs are $10 for 18 holes.
The Price family owns the course, and Patricia Price and her brother, Jack, are the pros on the course. Patricia gives golf lessons.
There are eating facilities at the course and a driving range within a mile of the course.
Rittswood Golf Course 239 Sheldon Road, Valencia 724-586-2721
Owned by the Ritts family, this course is a par-72, 6,531-yard course (from the blue tees) composed of rolling hills, wide fairways and thick rough.
A straight hitter has the opportunity to score very well, and management says this is a very playable course.
During the week, the cost for 18 holes is $18 for walkers and $27.75 to use a cart ($16.75 for senior citizens to walk and $25.50 to ride).
On the weekend, the cost is $23 for walkers and $36 to take a cart.
Club rentals are available for $5 for nine holes and $10 for 18.
After 2 p.m. on Sundays, children ages 7 to 18 play for free with a paid adult. After 3 p.m. on weekends, a player may walk nine holes for $9 and ride nine for $15.50 or walk 18 holes for $14 or ride 18 for $23.50.
The course was built in 1966.
Soft spikes are recommended but not required.
A driving range and putting green are available, and there is a snack bar on the premises.
According to those who have been playing this year, the course is in beautiful condition, some say in the best shape ever.
Cranberry Highlands Golf Course 5601 Freshcorn Road, Cranberry 724-776-7372 www.cranberryhighlands.com
This 6,513-yard course is highlighted by 90 sculpted bunkers, fescue rough and silky-smooth greens and a championship tee.
Owned by Cranberry Township and opened in 2002, this par-70 course was constructed for $6.8 million and was built on an old farm that had been formerly used as a location to dispose of sludge from a nearby municipal waste facility.
The transformation has been nothing short of miraculous as it instantly became one of the top courses in the area and is a member of the West Penn Golf Association.
For Cranberry residents, the cost Monday through Thursday is $40 for 18 holes and $35 after 2 p.m.
For nine holes the cost is $23 for residents. Non-Cranberry residents can play for $53 for 18 holes Mondays through Thursdays, and $29 for nine holes, after 2 p.m. the rates are $46 for non-residents.
There is a holiday and weekend rate of $36 for non residents for nine holes.
All golf rates include a shared riding cart.
On weekends for residents, the cost is $53 for 18 holes and $43 after 3 p.m.
For nine holes, it is $28.
For nonresidents, the weekend daily fee is $69 for 18 holes, and after 3 p.m., it is $58.
Resident seniors (55 and older) can play 18 holes for $36 and nine holes for $21.
Jody Barrett is the club professional on hand to give lessons and tips.
Strawberry Ridge Golf Course and Driving Range 135 McNulty Lane, Harmony 724-452-4022
In 2000, Strawberry Ridge opened as a nine-hole course, but in 2002, officials added a second nine as this young course continues to gain popularity among area enthusiasts.
Carved into the countryside, this course offers spectacular views and boasts the largest greens in Western Pennsylvania. This course was converted from farmland by owners Tim and Ann McNulty, and plans to grow are in the works.
Tom Donaldson is Hank Haney certified.
“We have PGA lessons available on our natural-turf driving range,” Tim McNulty said.
During the week, the cost for 18 holes is $25 for walkers and $35 for riders.
On the weekend, the cost is $29 for walkers and $39 for riders. Before 3 p.m. during the week, senior citizens and ladies can play nine holes for $15 to walk and 25 with a cart or 18 holes for $25 walking or $35 with a cart and get a hot dog or drink at the turn.
Soft spikes are required, and collared shirts and proper golf attire is preferred.
The course now includes the Ridge Pub, where golfers can enjoy a draft beer and a meal after their round.
The pro shop also is open for business.
There are two new tee boxes on holes 3 and 17, and a short-range practice facility will be open soon.
Hartmann's Deep Valley Golf Course
169 Hartmann Road, Harmony
724-452-8021
This 18-hole course was built by the Hartmann family in 1955. With few hills, Hartmann's is a dream for players who enjoy walking the course.
The total yardage of the course is 6,310, and the back nine is riddled with water hazards, providing a challenging round.
During the week, the greens fees are $16.50 for 18 holes walking and $29.50 with a cart. Weekend greens fees are $20.50 for 18 holes walking and $33.50 with a cart.
Pull-carts are available for $1 and club rental is $5 per nine holes.
There is a discount for seniors before 3 p.m. on weekdays. That rate is $14.50 to walk and $27.50 to ride.
There is an early bird special before 9 a.m. on Monday through Thursday where a golfer may walk 18 holes for $12 and $24 to ride 18.
Two practice greens are available for players to work on their game, and there is a restaurant on the premises that was rebuilt after a devastating fire destroyed the original facility in 2001.
There are picnic pavilions available.
Conley Resort
740 Pittsburgh Road, Butler
800-344-7303
An 18-hole championship course, complete with four sets of tees, water hazards on four holes and 40 sand traps, awaits golfers at Conley Resort.
The signature hole is No. 18, a 180-yard par-3 over water that will test any linksman.
Tee times are required daily, as are soft spikes and shirts with sleeves.
Green fees are $34 Monday through Thursday and $44 Friday through Sunday. A senior rate of $30 is available Monday through Thursday, and lower rates take effect after 4 p.m. and drop again after 6 p.m. Coupons and green fee specials are available.
From the blue tees, the course is 6,475 yards with a par of 70 for the course.
Golfers also can take advantage of custom golf packages, including overnight stays on the resort. There are banquet and conferencing facilities, plus a lounge and indoor water park available.
Buffalo Golf Course
201 Monroe Road, Sarver
724-353-2440
Buffalo Golf Course is flat, easy to walk and presents a challenge to golfers with a low handicap while maintaining fun for middle-to-high handicaps, as well.
There are water hazards on five holes, and a complete irrigation system always has the course in tip-top shape.
In 1967, Marge and Harry Waldron had a dream to build an exceptional golf course on a pristine dairy farm. Today, in its second generation ownership, Buffalo Golf Course is family owned and takes great pride in offering a premium golfing experience at an affordable price.
Weekday rates are $12 for nine holes and $20 for 18 holes. A senior (age 62 and older) and student rate of $10 and $17 respectively applies during weekdays only. Weekend and holiday rates are $14 for nine holes and $25 for 18. Carts (per person) are available for $7 for nine and $13 for 18. Golfers must be at least 18 years old to rent a cart.
Children ages 6 to 17 pay half price (one child per parent) when accompanied by a parent after 5 p.m. during the week and after 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Lessons are available with instructor Scott Koontz. For information on lessons, call the course.
Tee times are available seven days a week, but weekend tee times need to be made a week in advance.
Club rental is offered at the rate of $5 for nine holes and $9 for 18.
Golf outings also are accommodated.
North Park Golf Course
Kummer Road, Allison Park
724-935-1967
This course, owned by Allegheny County, is 6,805 yards in length. The cost Monday through Thursday is $18 walking and $26.75 to ride 18 holes. To play nine holes on a weekday, the cost is $12 to walk and $18.50 to ride.
On weekends, nine holes cost $13 to walk and $19.50 to ride. During the weekend, 18 holes cost $20 walking and $29.75 to ride.
Monday through Thursday, senior citizens with a senior pass can walk 18 holes for $8 or ride for $17.75. Seniors can walk nine holes for $5 and ride for $11.50.
Monday through Thursday, for players younger than 18, the cost is $12 for 18 holes and $8 for nine holes (walking only).
Pull carts are available at a cost of $1 for nine holes and $2 for 18. Rental clubs are available at the cost of $3.25 for nine holes and $5.50 for 18.
The course also has a full-service pro shop, and a restaurant is available.
Clover Hill Golf Course
2200 Reis Run Road, Pittsburgh
412-364-2447
This is a nine-hole, 2,040-yard, tree-lined course owned by Franklin Park Borough.
Built in 1990, it is highlighted by rolling fairways that are very walker-friendly.
This course consists of par 4s and par 5s, putting a premium on accuracy rather than length. The course is completely irrigated from the first tee to the ninth green , keeping the course lush and green at all times.
The cost for Franklin Park residents to play at Clover Hill is $9.50 walking ($8.50 for senior citizens). There is a loyalty program for residents where after five paid rounds, there is a free sixth round.
On weekends, it is $10.50 for residents to walk, $12 for non-residents, and $9.50 for seniors. Carts cost $14 per twosome.
Youths and seniors can play during the week for $10 for nine holes and $15 for 18. Adults can play $12 for nine holes during the week or $17 for 18 and the weekend fees are $13 for nine holes and $18 for 18 holes.
Recently the course has added new golf carts, a new deck and additions to the clubhouse.
The management says the greens are well-kept, and the fairways are as good as any country club.
Pittsburgh National Golf Club
287 Monier Road, Gibsonia
724-265-4800
This 6,933-yard, par-72 course located in Gibsonia (formerly known as Deer Run), was opened in 1994.
The course is spread across 189 rolling and wooded acres and is a semi-private golf course and dining facility.
Monday through Thursday, it is $32 to walk and $40 to ride for 18 holes and for nine holes it is $25 to walk and $29 to ride. On the weekend and holidays it costs $40 for nine holes and $55 for 18. That rate drops to $45 for 18 holes and $30 for nine after 2:30 p.m.
Carts are required on weekends and holidays until 4 p.m.
Senior rates are $29 from Monday through Friday. To walk 18 holes, the cost is $25 to and $32 to ride.
The club also offers a full-service grill room known as Dunwoody's Irish Pub.
Rates are subject to change this month, as new ownership will be taking over.
For more details on the course, visit www.pittsburghnationalgolfclub.com.
Woodlawn Golf Course
917 Bull Creek Road, Tarentum
724-224-4730
Woodlawn is a nine-hole, par-32 public course.
The course opened in 1962 and was designed by Ira Woods.
Weekday rates are $11 to walk nine holes and $18 to walk 18. Weekend rates are a dollar more per round.
Carts are available for $6 for nine holes and $10 for 18 holes.
This year a junior rate for players age 15 and under has been added every day. That rate is $9 for nine holes to walk and $15 to ride and for 18 holes, it is $14 to walk and $24 to ride. A senior rate also is available for those golfers $62 and over. That rate is $14 to walk 18 holes and $24 to ride.
Woodlawn is scenic, as it is surrounded by woods and a creek runs throughout parts of the course.
The course is owned and managed by Robyn S. Ramley.
