2010

2010
Butler Cabin, Augusta National (c) Burgh Golfer

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Olde Stonewall Golf Club

I recently had the opportunity to play Olde Stonewall Golf Club in Ellwood City, PA. Olde Stonewall is located about forty miles northwest of downtown Pittsburgh. I have always wanted to play this golf course because I've heard so many good things about it. It has also received industry recognition by Golf Magazine and Golf Digest as one of the best public courses. Needless to say, the golf course and facility did not disappoint.

The course is very challenging ,offering five sets of tees ranging from 5,241 to 7,103 yards. It is set up for every level of player from the beginner to a championship golfer. It suits the eye off the tee and offers some very challenging approach shots into well protected greens. The player will have to contend with sand, water, trees and streams. If you are a beginner player this is a course where you will want to bring a few extra balls because there are many chances to lose them.

The golf course itself sits on a very large piece of property and covers a lot of ground. It is not a golf course one could walk because there are great elevation changes, as well as long distance between greens and tees on a number of holes. This adds to the charm of the property because you have access to some great views and vistas. While the front nine is mainly at lower elevations, the back nine is entirely different. That back nine winds up and down the hillsides and back into the valleys. Many of the tee boxes sit on top of ridges and into the hillsides, providing great opportunities to snap photos. A number of our playing partners commented on how beautiful the course must be in the fall as the leaves change color. I would agree it would be a fantastic course to play in early to mid September. In this part of the country, late September to early October is typically the peak season for fall foliage.

The course was in beautiful condition, with nicely manicured fairways and greens. In addition, the greens rolled very true and the putts held their lines. To me, that is always a good sign of a great golf course.

They also have an adequate locker room facility should you wish to take a shower, clean up after the round or store your attire in case you want to change before dinner.

Finally, we had an opportunity have dinner in their restaurant Shakespeare’s. The food was fantastic and the service was very first rate. They had an extensive menu of food and drink that you do not typically find at a Golf Club. So, when you leave the property, you will not have only had a fantastic round of golf on a beautiful course, you will also enjoyed a great meal in a fine dining facility.

So, if you ever have the opportunity to play Olde Stonewall, take advantage of it. You will be hard pressed to find many courses more beautiful to play in Western Pennsylvania.



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