Best Public Golf Course Pittsburgh: Top 10 Courses to Play
Pittsburgh is a vast array of golf courses that offer a variety of experiences for all types of golfers.
Whether it’s a pleasant summer morning or a crisp autumn day, there’s no better feeling than hitting the links on an excellent course. But the challenge is that many of the courses are private and require a membership to play. However, you can still enjoy the top-tier courses in Pittsburgh.
We’ve curated a list of Pittsburgh’s best golf courses open to the public that are good and affordable.
10 Best Golf Courses in Pittsburgh
Here is a list of the top 10 golf courses in Pittsburgh where you can play a great round without breaking the bank.
1. Riverview Golf Course
Riverview Golf Course is a spectacular public golf course located in the charming hills of South Western Pennsylvania, just a short distance from Pittsburgh in the serene community of Bunola.
The 18-hole course sprawls over 150 acres of breathtaking tree-lined fairways and enormous undulating tournament-style greens, making it a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf for all skill levels.
The welcoming atmosphere of Riverview Golf Course encourages you to spend the day and experience all they have to offer. The only slight drawback is that the course can become congested on weekends, so plan accordingly.
- Holes: 18-holes
- Par: 71
- Length: 6382 yards
- Tee times: 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM
- Location: Elizabeth, Pennsylvania
- Website: Riverview Golf Course
2. Grand View Golf Club
Grand View Golf Club is an 18-hole course located in Braddock, just 17 minutes from the city center of Pittsburgh. The course offers a unique, challenging layout that caters to both experienced and average golfers.
The 160-acre course is set atop a mature woodland hilltop, offering panoramic views of the Mon Valley, including the Edgar Thompson steel mill. With its tree-lined fairways and undulating greens, the course offers a challenging experience that highlights its unique topography and terrain variation.
- Holes:18-holes
- Par: 70
- Length: 6096 yards
- Tee times: 7 AM to 7PM
- Location: Braddock, Pittsburgh
- Website: Grand View Golf Club
3. Olde Stonewall
Olde Stonewall Golf Club, located in the Ellwood City area of Beaver County, is an acclaimed golf course that has won numerous awards and accolades since its opening in 1999. It has been listed as the best public course in the state.
Designed by world-renowned course architects Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, the course blends Scottish links and American target golf with forced carries off the tee and into some greens. The course features elevation changes, forests, hazards, deep bunkers, and expansive, undulating greens.
The clubhouse, designed to resemble a castle from the British Isles, is one of the largest in the country. Olde Stonewall Golf Club offers a unique, challenging golf experience in a stunning setting.
- Holes:18-holes
- Par: 70
- Length: 7103 yards
- Tee times: 5.00 AM to 7.00 PM
- Location: Ellwood City, PA
- Website: Olde Stonewall
4. Cranberry Highlands Golf Course
Cranberry Highlands, designed by Bill Love, is a newer golf course in Western Pennsylvania that opened in 2002. The 170-acre course was voted “Pennsylvania’s Best Municipal Course” in 2009 and features a balanced mix of short and long holes, elevation changes, and water.
Solid ball striking and sound course management is key to scoring well on this par-70 course. The course offers multiple tees, ample fairways, rolling greens, two putting greens, a grass tee driving range, and a practice bunker.
- Holes:18-holes
- Par: 70
- Length: 6564 yards
- Tee times: 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM
- Location: Cranberry, PA
- Website: Cranberry Highlands
5. Meadowink Golf Course
Meadowink Golf Course is located in Westmoreland County, just off the I-376 East and about 40 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. This par-72 course offers strategically placed bunkers and water hazards, providing a unique mix of short and long holes that offer chances for birdies and require skill to make par.
The course is bordered by a beautiful deciduous forest that adds to the scenic experience, especially in the fall when the leaves change colors. The design is minimalist, with fewer bunkers and water hazards than most other courses, making it an enjoyable test for players of all skill levels.
- Holes:18-holes
- Par: 72
- Length: 6139 yards
- Tee times: 5.00 AM to 7.00 PM
- Location: Murrysville, PA
- Website: Meadowink
6. Quicksilver Golf Club
Located in Western Pennsylvania’s rolling hills, Quicksilver Golf Club is a locals’ favorite and a top-rated course in the region. The award-winning course has hosted Senior PGA Tour and Ben Hogan Tour events and offers generous fairways and fast, true greens that are impeccably maintained.
Despite the old-school layout, the course requires precision on approach shots that involve elevation changes and well-protected greens. Quicksilver Golf Club is also affordable, making it a great choice for golf enthusiasts.
The course has been voted the Best Public Golf Course in Western Pennsylvania by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and is ranked among the top 15 courses in Pennsylvania by Golf Week Magazine.
- Holes:18-holes
- Par: 72
- Length: 7012 yards
- Tee times: 9.00 AM to 3.00 PM
- Location: McDonald, PA
- Website: Quicksilver Golf Club
7. Totteridge Golf Course
Totteridge Golf Course aims to create a community where friends can enjoy living and playing golf. The course offers panoramic views of Western Pennsylvania and is considered one of Pittsburgh’s best public golf courses.
Rees Jones and Tom Tanto designed the links-style layout, taking advantage of the rolling hills and scenic vistas. The course has elevated tee boxes, natural fairway mounding, selective bunkering, and fast greens, providing an enjoyable challenge.
- Holes:18-holes
- Par: 72
- Length: 7154 yards
- Tee times: 9.30 AM to 5.00 PM
- Location: Greensburg, PA
- Website: Totteridge Golf Course
8. Hickory Heights Golf Club
Hickory Heights Golf Club in Bridgeville, just 20 minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh, boasts a classic American eastern seaboard design that fits seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The course’s maintenance is regularly upgraded, delivering a country club experience at a reasonable price.
Small greens, narrow fairways, and subtle breaks challenge players from tee to green, demanding their best performance.
The course’s traditional design and challenging layout make it a must-play for golfers in the Pittsburgh area, and it is available for play almost all day long. Golfers can book tee times until late in the day, providing flexibility to suit their schedules.
- Holes:18-holes
- Par: 72
- Length: 6451 yards
- Tee times: 12.00 AM to 10.00 PM
- Location: Bridgeville, PA
- Website: Hickory Heights
9. Lindenwood Golf Club
Lindenwood Golf Club is a public golf course located in Canonsburg, south of Pittsburgh. Designed by Harold Paddock, it has a classic parkland layout with tree-lined fairways and strategic bunkers.
Over the years, the course has undergone various renovations, including updates to its greens and bunkers. The well-maintained course and convenient location make Lindenwood Golf Club a popular choice for both local and visiting golfers.
- Holes: 9, 18 and 27-holes
- Par: 72
- Length: 6872 yards
- Tee times: 9.30 AM to 3.48 PM
- Location: Canonsburg, PA
- Website: Lindenwood
10. Mystic Rock
Mystic Rock is a golf course located in Farmington, Pennsylvania, USA. It is part of the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and was designed by the golf course architect Pete Dye. The course opened for play in 1995 and has since become one of the top golf courses in Pennsylvania.
Mystic Rock features 18 holes, and it is known for its challenging layout and scenic views. The course is set in the Allegheny Mountains and features dramatic elevation changes, deep bunkers, and water hazards. The signature hole of Mystic Rock is the 13th, which is a par-3 hole that requires a shot over a large rock formation.
- Holes:18-holes
- Par: 72
- Length: 7526 yards
- Location: Farmington, PA
- Website: Mystic Rock
Other popular public courses in Pittsburgh
Other than the top 10 public golf courses listed above, there are a few other noteworthy public golf courses located in Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas. Here is a list:
- The Pittsburgh Golf Club
- Indian Run Golf Club
- Conley Resort and Golf Club
Famous Golfers from Pittsburgh
Here are some of the most famous golfers from Pittsburgh you can look up to for inspiration:
- Arnold Palmer
- Jim Simons
- Sam Parks Jr.
- Brendon Todd
- Davidson Herron
- Scott Dunlap
- Anya Alvarez
- Missie Berteotti
Our Take
Pittsburgh is home to a variety of public golf courses, each with its unique features and challenges. From classic designs to modern layouts, there is something for everyone in this city.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find a course that suits your skill level and preferences. So grab your clubs, book a tee time, and experience the best golf courses that Pittsburgh has to offer. With beautiful scenery, top-notch facilities, and friendly service, you’re sure to have a memorable and enjoyable round of golf.
