Pennsylvania Golf Course Statistics
- Total Golf Courses: 702 golf courses.
- Oldest Golf Course: Foxburg Country Club, founded in 1887.
- Longest Golf Course: Mystic Rock at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, stretching to 7,550 yards.
- Easiest Golf Course: Willowbrook Golf Club, is perfect for beginners as its a public golf course with a forgiving layout.
- Hardest Golf Course: Oakmont Country Club, with a course rating of 75.8, one of the most challenging in the country.
Public vs. Private Golf Courses
Pennsylvania has a great balance between public and private courses, giving golfers plenty of options no matter their budget or skill level:- Public Courses: With around 400 public golf courses, Pennsylvania makes golf accessible to everyone. Courses like Rich Valley Golf Course are popular for their affordability and fun layouts, with tee time discounts available starting at $24 including a cart.
- Private Courses: For those seeking a more exclusive experience, there are about 300 private courses in the state. Clubs like Oakmont and Merion are known for their pristine conditions and top-tier amenities, but memberships can be pricey.
Unique Pennsylvania Golf Course Holes
Pennsylvania golf courses are not only beautiful but also unique in their design and history. Here are a few standout features:- Galen Hall Golf Club’s Moat Hole: One of the first island greens ever created, this hole remains a challenge and a piece of golf history.
- Pine Valley Golf Club: Located in Clementon, this course consistently ranks among the best in the U.S. Its signature 5th hole, a stunning par-3 over water, will test your nerves and your swing.
- Merion Golf Club (East Course): Known for its historic significance, Merion features dramatic elevation changes, particularly on the 11th hole, which tests even the best golfers.
The 5 Hardest Golf Holes in Pennsylvania
If you’re up for a challenge, Pennsylvania offers some tough courses. Here are five of the hardest holes in the state:
- Hole 18 at Merion Golf Club (East Course, PA), Ardmore: This par-4 is notorious for its length and difficulty.
- Hole 14 at Moselem Springs Golf Club: A tight layout that requires pinpoint accuracy.
- Hole 13 at French Creek Golf Club, (Elverson, PA): A long and winding hole that can quickly turn your scorecard upside down.
- Hole 18 at Radley Run Country Club, (West Chester, PA): A challenging finishing hole that tests both distance and precision.
- Hole 11 at The Golf Club at Glen Mills: A tricky par-3 with an elevation drop that can throw off even the most experienced golfers.
Top Historical Golf Course Events
Pennsylvania has a rich history in the golfing world, hosting some of the most prestigious tournaments:
- Oakmont Country Club: One of the most famous courses in the world, Oakmont has hosted numerous U.S. Opens and continues to be a staple in the sport’s history.
- Merion Golf Club: This historic venue has hosted multiple major championships, including the U.S. Open, and is revered for its challenging layout and storied past.
Golfer Statistics in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania boasts a thriving golfing community, with over 1 million people hitting the links each year. Many of these golfers can save using their TeeTime Golf Pass to access tee time discounts.
On average, golfers in the state play around 20 million rounds annually, making it one of the most popular recreational activities.
- Male vs Female Participation: Nationally, around 77% of golfers are male, and 23% are female.
- Average Handicap: Men’s average handicap is around 14.2, while women’s is 27.5.
- Youth and Senior Participation: Golf is a lifetime sport, and in Pennsylvania, youth programs and senior leagues are thriving, with about 30% of golfers over the age of 50.
Famous Golfers from Pennsylvania
When it comes to golfing legends, Pennsylvania is home to one of the biggest names in the sport:
- Arnold Palmer (Latrobe, PA): Known as “The King,” Palmer’s legacy transcends golf, and he remains one of the most beloved figures in the game.
- Jim Furyk (West Chester, PA): Known for his distinctive swing and consistent play, Furyk has carved out a remarkable career on the PGA Tour.
Economic Impact of Golf in Pennsylvania
Golf isn’t just a game in Pennsylvania; it’s an economic engine. The industry supports thousands of jobs and contributes significantly to local economies through golf tourism and major events.
- Number of Jobs: The golf industry in Pennsylvania supports approximately 11,582 jobs within the Golf Courses & Country Clubs sector alone. This is part of the broader tourism industry, which supports 486,871 jobs in the state.
- Golf Tourism: Golf tourism significantly contributes to Pennsylvania’s economy, with major events like the U.S. Open drawing large crowds and boosting local economies. The state has invested $5 million through the Sports Marketing and Tourism Program to attract such events, which are expected to have a substantial economic impact.
- Revenue and Growth Trends: The golf industry contributes a total of $6.3 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy. This includes $4.4 billion in direct economic activity from golf facilities and related businesses. Additionally, the Golf Courses & Country Clubs industry in Pennsylvania is valued at $1.3 billion.
- Golf Businesses: There are 473 golf-related businesses in Pennsylvania, encompassing a range of services from course management to equipment sales and hospitality services. These businesses play a crucial role in supporting the state’s golf infrastructure and economy.
Golf Courses By City
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to questions about the golf courses on TeeTime Golf Pass below:
Oakmont Country Club holds the title for the hardest course, with a course rating of 75.8.
Foxburg Country Club, founded in 1887, is the oldest golf course in continuous use in the U.S.
Popular public courses include Blue Mountain Golf Course and Pine Meadows Golf Complex, known for their accessibility and enjoyable layouts.
Green fees range from $30 to $60 at public courses, depending on location and time of day.
Yes, Arnold Palmer and Jim Furyk both hail from Pennsylvania.
Yes, our Mid-Atlantic golf pass includes a ton of Pennsylvania golf courses and tee time deals and discounts.