In early May a couple of friends and me are going to Pittsburgh then Philadelphia on our way to NY. We are spending a couple days in both towns and are looking at finding the best public courses that we can. Price not much of an issue, obviously would prefer a good deal, but we just want to play as enjoyable a round of golf that we can find.

In my limited internet research, I've been looking at Olde Stonewall in Pittsburgh and Glen Mills in Philly, but would love any input from those on WRX who are familiar with the areas and get their recommendations.

If price is no object then Old Stonewall is a good choice but be prepared for rates at least $150.00 , about a hour from Pittsburgh is Mystic Rock at Nemocoilin Woodlands which is a Pete Dye course where Pga tour events were played for about the same price , you also might consider Quicksilver that used to hold senior tour events that relatively easily accessed from the downtown area also there is whats now called Pittsburgh National that used to be Deer Run that is good also , also just to let you know there is NO good courses inside the City you will have to travel to the suburbs to get to the better courses , good luck .

I second sandwedge's recommendations. Quicksilver again this year is holding the US Open Local Qualifyer. It's a decent track...long from the tips. Hilly.

-mini

Unfortunately, there is not a ton of public courses around Pittsburgh. I played Northeast of Pittsburgh back in Septmeber at Birdsfoot. NICE COURSE. here are the pics I took:

http://www.hetzelfamily.org/golf/BirdsfootGC/

The suggestions are spot on. I would add The Madison Club to the list of cheaper alternatives (east of PIttsburgh).

Man....Was that rough as thick as it looks in the picture. If so Oakmont had nothing on that course Pretty gloomy day, but it looked like a pretty nice course.

As far as Philly area courses that you can play (including South Jersey): Glen Mills, Pine Hill, Scotland Run and if you're up for a short diversion, Bulle Rock is only about an hour away in northern Maryland. Shouldn't fail to mention my home course, Lederach Golf Club. But if money is no object see the first ones listed.

good call here. and actually, you probably should really consider south jersey as you'll have more options and can jump right on the turnpike north and not be going out of your way or anything. pine hill and scotland run would be the closest and best. not sure the shape of riverwinds these days, but that's only right across the river. if you're feeling even more ambitious, hit the AC area for Twisted Dune or ACCC, among many others. you can just jump up the parkway north from there as well.

Yes, consider Twisted Dune at the (south) Jersey shore if you find yourself in that neck of the woods, and Glen Mills if you are, in fact, near Philly.

Just played Glen Mills on Sunday, and it's in great shape already. I can't say enough good things about GM. It's really a fantastic course. (Just play the blues, and the whites are a bit too short to be as fun/interesting.)

I echo the thoughts on Jersey's Pine Hill or Scotland Run. Also I second the Bulle Rock mention. It is maybe an hour and half south of downtown Philly, so probably only an hour from the turnpike. It is really worth it, the LPGA McDonalds Championship will be played there in ealry June. Also it is right across the street from a great minor league baseball stadium if you want to catch a Minor League A game at Ripken Stadium.

Thanks so much for the input guys. Bulle Rock certainly sounds great, will look into it here shortly. Again the help is really appreciated.

No problem. And just to give you a heads up when you're talking about it Bulle Rock is pronouced Bully Rock. I called it Bull Rock for the first year it was open

Just played Riverwinds on Saturday. Weekend after 1 = $29!!. Ron Jaworski bought the course and it is in phenomenal condition, bunkers are cut and have sand, cart paths fixed, fairways are beautiful, rough is cut, greens are good. The cart attendant tolkd us Ron is there with the GM every Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday to check on conditions. So far it is great.

But you can not go wrong with Pine Hill, Scotland Run, Twisted Dune, Bulle Rock, Glen Mills, also try Atlantic City Country Club if you got the funds.

Any other questions just ask.