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Summer - 2011
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Also inside: Tank w/ Jack Regional Golf Map WIN FREE GOLF!
Opening this summer!
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER Fore! It’s been an exciting golf year so far with all the rain, rain, rain! Most of the local golf courses have been hit really hard. They count on rounds played starting in March. But this darn rain just won’t seem to go away! For you the golfer instead of hitting the links and enjoying the company of good friends, loosing some balls and having fun; you have been forced to twiddle your thumbs or head South to get in a round of golf! Well, this issue doesn’t disappoint for travel! Mr. Uncle John headed to Mexico in February; so what the heck I let him write a story about it! South Carolina and Myrtle are always a treat and you will find three great courses: The Witch, The Wizard, and Man O War; I know I did when I hit them after Masters week.
and don’t forget to check out my website at www.golfingaround.com to view our new interactive map! Golfers always ask; “Hey where’s that golf course located”? Well, now you have our map in our magazine and online too! Plus, local golf course phone numbers as well! Send us your pictures for our “Golfin’ Around People-PlacesEvents” picture page and we just may put you in! Log onto our website and email them to me! Hit’em straight! Randy “the tank” Tantlinger
To contact “Golfin’ Around”: www.golfingaround.com PO Box 13114 Pgh, Pa 15243 412-734-8980
But locally, the big news is the Phoenix at Buffalo Valley Golf Course opening up in Freeport, Pa! She sat closed for many years; but now new ownership has popped the bottle of Champagne and re-christened her with a new name and did some design layout changes! Also, in this issue is my interview with Jack Nicklaus I did down in Mexico while filming my Nationally syndicated TV show, “HOT GOLF”! I also had the pleasure to sit down and interview Mr. Palmer this Spring and will have that interview in our next issue! So enjoy the Summer Issue of Golfin’ Around Magazine
Named One of America’s Best Short Courses « Historic course built in 1897 registered to be an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Golf Course « Convenient to Oakland, Shadyside, and Sq Hill « Magnificent views of Oakland and the city « Lockers and club storage available « Plentiful free parking for golfers
Three high definition full swing golf simulators are available! Shane Rice, PGA Head Pro Pro Shop 412-622-6959 The Bob O'Connor Golf Course in Schenley Park Corner of Forbes Avenue and Schenley Drive
$10 for 18 holes for all students, police, fire, EMS, and active military $15 for 18 holes; $10 for nine holes - walking only Club rentals for only $10 Ideal for after work
The New Kid On The Block The Phoenix at Buffalo Valley
Phoenix
Make the Phoenix #1 on your “have to play list in 2011”! Trust me, if you wait you will be kicking yourself and saying, “Why the heck didn’t we come play here before!” From the ashes has risen the Phoenix at Buffalo Valley in Freeport, Pa! Formally the Buffalo Valley CC, the facility is under new management with the Nese Family who also owns Glengarry Golf Links in Latrobe taking over ownership in partnership with the Dargenzio Family. An easy ride up Route 28 from Pittsburgh or only 30 minutes from Westmoreland and Beaver Counties, even closer from Butler County. In the past, she hosted the “U.S. Amateur Qualifiers”; today she’s re-opening this summer and will be ready for you! By far the most drastic change occurs right off the bat with the original #1 tee box being demolished and being moved back and towards the trees to make the fairway green and a previously hidden lake visible on this dramatic and lengthy par 5 from the white Buffalo tees. The clearing of the tree line on the left side of the fairway revealed this 2nd water feature to accompany the lake near the green on this opening hole. No two holes are alike at the Phoenix. Her layout goes from wide open fairways to bottle necked greens. She moves from the floor of the Allegheny Valley to the back nine providing vistas from high atop the ridge line. Each hole is distinctly different and challenging. The newly trimmed hole # 9 has you firing from deep out of the woods from the tees and trying to cut the left side of the more open fairway. Then you have to fire up hill and onto the Scottish style green with two newly added bunkers in the front. This is one of the best greens in our region. She is fast and an errant shot will have you rolling off the green. Just when you thought it could not get any better; welcome to one of the best back nines in the TriState. Again it’s the layout and use of the natural topography that is paramount on this nine’s delight. Hole # 10, previously a par 5, has been changed into
a brilliant par 4 in at 458yds. Off the tees beware of the fescued pond to your left. Then suddenly the fairway drops off into a hillside on the left. Now you are set for your third shot into “The Devil’s Green”, as I call her. She is encircled by trees, is narrow, skinny, and long. Your shot must play into the center of the green or you will find yourself rolling off into one of the sand traps that guards her on the right. Simply a great hole! # 11 will have you mesmerized and thinking you are in the high country of Colorado! This Par 3, 161 yd dandy has an elevated green with a lovely rock formation and 100 ft. high pine trees surrounding it. Nature abounds here. Lovely hole and tough too! Any real course has you fighting right until the very last swing and # 18 will make you tighten your chin strap. Originally a par 4, #18 has been expanded with new tee boxes to a par 5 playing 520 yards from the back Phoenix tees. Teeing off into a gradually inclining fairway that dog legs left is your first task. Risk/Reward is a way of life here at the Phoenix. The green is fronted by a mammoth sand trap. Go for it and you just might win. Come up short and get ready to add strokes to your card. Afterwards enjoy a post round drink and beverage in the clubhouse or on the awesome deck that overlooks the 9th green and provides a spectacular view of the mountains, valley, and skyline. I can’t say enough about the Phoenix. Go play her and enjoy her and I know she will be on your, “I gotta play here again” list!
www.thephoniexbv.com
or call Head Pro Brian Klocek or Director of Golf Jamie Costic at 724-295-4001 499 Freeport Road Freeport, Pa. 16229
Be sure to visit www.thephoenixbv.com
You have to see it to believe it! Boulder Creek, located in Streetboro, Ohio, is a must play! It’s ranked the 2nd best public course in Ohio by Golfweek Magazine for a reason. Is it because it’s affordable? Of course! Do the well manicured green and fairways make it special? Absolutely! Does the breathtaking natural beauty combined with boulders and water seem like a painting? Yes! Perhaps it’s the incredible layout and design? Now you got it! Boulder Creek is built on 200 acres of spectacular land that was the end result of the ice age. With over 100 feet of elevation changes and the unique contour of the property make it one of the most beautiful golf courses in, Ohio. Each hole was painstakingly built to the natural topography utilizing the natural features of the property to their fullest advantage. Boulder Creek is an all bent grass, championship caliber golf course. The greens feature G2 Bent Grass, developed at Penn State University from green samples taken from Augusta National in the 1980’s. The island green on #17 is worthy of a place on the cover of Golf Digest! The numerous waterfalls, elevated tee boxes and rolling fairways all combine to create a tapestry of golf splendor and majesty! This is one great golf course. Their “frequent player card” combined with affordable rates; makes it the best golf deal in the Tri-State!
Log onto www.bouldercreekohio.com or call 330-626-2828 to reserve your tee times! Text GolfNow to 313131 For Tee Time Specials!
RT: “The pressure of Championship Sunday at the Masters has made men melt under that pressure; but you embraced it”. JN: “That’s what we live for. Everyone says what about the
It’s not often that you get a one on one interview with a golf legend; but twice in a lifetime? The golf gods came beckoning again last year when some old friends invited me down to Mexico for the opening of their new “Yucatan C.C.” and I found myself wrestling the “Golden Bear” again.
pressure? Why do we practice all the time to get ourselves to
As the camera began to roll to film the interview for my “Hot Golf” TV show, some 300 people looked on as I began my “talk with Jack”.
RT: “OK, this last picture”.
RT: “Wanna Wrestle”? JN: “What”? RT:”Wanna wrestle”? JN:”Randy you the only one here with a bigger tummy than me; so no I don’t want to wrestle”. RT: “Good I win!” Jack I want to show you some pictures and ask you what your thoughts are and were”. JN: ”That’s me on the Swilcan Bridge at St. Andrews saying ‘Good Bye’ to the game of golf”. RT: “Why ‘Good Bye’? JN: “Well, I haven’t played a competitive round of golf since that day”. RT: “I’ll play you for twenty bucks right now”! JN: He laughs. “Well, you’ll be in good shape. I need 3 aside”. RT: “I’ll need twenty aside. I win”. JN: “That’s the 17th hole at the 86 Masters.” RT: “What are you feeling there”? JN: “I’m feeling the ball went in the hole. And I’m excited that the ball went in the hole and that put me in the lead for the first time all week”.
be in that situation and be under pressure? That’s what we like. That’s where we want to be. That’s the fun and excitement of it! RT: “Not to fold up baby”! JN: “Nah, that’s no good”. JN: “That’s Arnold and me at Palm Springs. We both went to the men’s room and we brushed by this poor lady in the hallway and it knocked her wig right off onto the floor. I picked it up and put it on Arnold’s head. Then Arnie put it onto my head an we went out and danced. RT: “Did the lady ever get the wig back”? JN: “She got it back, but I promise you she was mortified.
Later in the day he opened his new Nicklaus academy and spent some time with the kids. In a day and age when superstar athletes could give a damn about you the fan and more about their public image so they can sell more “Tiger-ade”; thank God that both Jack and Arnie are still around for your children to learn from. If you look at “Jack the Golfer” and “Jack the Man”; they are one in the same even when no one is looking. He is the greatest golfer ever and off the course he is a gentleman. As he was heading out the door I was leaning against the wall taking it all in as he said his goodbyes. He caught a glimpse of me as he headed out the door and yelled over “Take it easy Ran”. My cameraman didn’t understand why I had a tear in my eye.
RT: “Jack, you shot a 30 on the back nine at Augusta. You play a different game of mental golf than a hacker such as myself; can you describe where you were mentally during that back nine”. JN: “Nobody was expecting me to win the tournament including myself; but once I started doing somethings; I remembered what I needed to do. I had my son Jack with me. I birdied 9, 10, 11, messed up 12 and maybe that got me going cause I birdied 13, eagled 15, birdied 16 and 17, and Par on 18. The whole thing was exciting. I remembered what to do and how to do it.
www.golfingaround.com to watch the complete interview.
The First Tee of Pittsburgh’s 10th Year Celebration by Marc Fields
This spring the First Tee of Pittsburgh proudly celebrated ten years of teaching young people positive life values and the great game of golf by expanding its award-winning program to area golf courses. The first-ever The First Tee of Pittsburgh Junior Golf Weekend in Western Pennsylvania, April 29 – May 1, promoted The First Tee’s code of conduct among all junior golfers – “Respect Yourself; Respect Others; and Respect Your Surroundings” – as well as showcasing special skills clinics for all youth golfers. Arnold Palmer and Carol Semple Thompson were honorary co-chairs of the event. “The First Tee of Pittsburgh has a positive impact on youth in Western Pennsylvania developing life skills and character values that lead to successful lives,” says golf legend Arnold Palmer. “Please join me in supporting their Junior Golf Weekend to help grow the game and promote respect on and off the golf course.”
Golf Course Superintendents Association, and an interactive rule clinic presented by Terry Teasdale of the West Penn Golf Association. The First Tee of Pittsburgh (TFTP) is a nonprofit youth development organization that reaches more than 2000 local youth every year. Part of a 200-chapter initiative of the World Golf Foundation, TFTP’s mission is: To impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. To accomplish this goal TFTP works with numerous schools, social service organizations, youth serving groups, faith groups, neighbors, families, community groups and more to schedule clinics for children ages 5 – 18. The clinics use golf instruction as a vehicle to teach life skills based on nine core values inherent in the game of golf: confidence, respect, judgment, responsibility, sportsmanship, courtesy, honesty, integrity, and perseverance. Through written lesson plans and practical application, participants learn about and develop hands-on experience with interpersonal communication, self-management, goal setting and resilience skills.
TFTP selected young golfers and TFTP has been designated an ACE coaches to serve as ambassadors Chapter by the home office for the See the pixture page for more photos! to the participating golf courses on fourth year, the highest national rankthis special weekend. These included ing. In addition it is a network leader in Oakmont, Diamond Run, Nevillewood, having Pittsburgh participants selected for national Edgewood, Green Oaks, Nemacolin, River Forest, opportunities. This includes: Treesdale, Moon Run and The Bob O’Connor Golf Course in Schenley Park. In addition, the courses ofNathan Fedzen, Mercedes Epondulan – 2011 Hank Haney International fered youth clinics and programs that promote junior Junior Golf Academy golf, course etiquette and respect for the game. Donnie Black – RBS Achiever of the Year in New York City “Golf is the perfect environment for young people to learn respect for everything in their lives,” says Pittsburgh’s Carol Semple Thompson. “The First Tee of Pittsburgh Junior Golf Weekend will be yet another great learning opportunity for young golfers. Congratulations to The First Tee of Pittsburgh on a wonderful first ten years.” Area clubs and organizations such as The Greater Pittsburgh Golf Course Superintendent’s Association, West Penn Golf Association, Tri-State PGA, Executive Women’s Golf Association, Club Managers Association, and Pennsylvania Golf Owners Association, all participated including weekend spokesperson Pittsburgh Steeler great L.C. Greenwood. Weekend programs included golf skills clinics hosted by World Golf Hall of Famer Carol Semple Thompson and the Tri- State PGA, a “Care of the Course” workshop by Eric Wygant from The Greater Pittsburgh
Mallory Stack – Life Skills Academy at Arizona State University Mike Kinney – Toro Future Leaders Forum in Orlando, FL Joey Manzinger – First Tee Open in Pebble Beach, CA
As the organization that manages The Bob O’Connor Golf Course in Schenley Park TFTP has worked to upgrade the facility as a public golf course, reduce green fees, and plant seven new trees along Northumberland Avenue, fifty-three trees along Schenley Drive and thirty-two trees along Darlington Road. TFTP has recently formally registered to become an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Goff Course and is working with neighbors and groups to achieve this goal. For information about either volunteering as a TFTP coach, enrolling a child ages 5 – 18 in a clinic, or donating gently used golf equipment please call:
412-622-0108 or visit www.thefirstteepittsburgh.org
GOLF COURSE LISTINGS LOG ONTO WWW.GOLFINGAROUND.COM TO WATCH VIDEOS OF SELECT COURSES! 3 Lakes Golf Course 6700 Saltsburg Rd Pittsburgh, PA 15235-2130 (412) 793-7111
Diamond Run Golf Club 132 Laurel Oak Dr Sewickley, PA 15143-9385 (412) 741-3002
7 Springs Country Club 357 Pineview Dr Elizabeth, PA 15037-9406 (412) 384-7730
Duck Hollow Golf Club 374 Duck Hollow Rd, Uniontown PA 15401 (724) 439-3150
Aubreys Dubbs Dred Golf Course 124 Aubrey Dr Butler, PA 16001-1834 (724) 287-4832
Frosty Valley Golf Link 2652 Hidden Valley Rd Pittsburgh, PA 15241-3915 (724) 941-5003
Black Hawk 644 Blackhawk Rd Beaver Falls, PA 15010-1464 (724) 843-5512
Glengarry Golf Links 168 Lentz Rd Latrobe, PA 15650-3978 (724) 423-4653
Bedford Springs Resort 2138 Business 220 Bedford, PA 15522-2026 (814) 624-5637
Greensburg Country Club 309 Pleasant Valley Road Greensburg, PA 15601 (724) 837-1810
Beaver Lakes Country Club 2000 Beaver Lakes Blvd Aliquippa, PA 15001-1169 (724) 375-5511 Birdsfoot Golf Club 225 Furnace Run Rd Freeport, PA 16229-1710 (724) 295-3656 Blackthorne Golf Club 1028 Blackthorne Dr Jeannette, PA 15644-4727 (724) 325-2052 Bob O’Conner Golf Course 5370 Schenley Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15217 (412) 622-6959 Butlers GC and Rock Run GC 800 Rock Run Road Elizebeth, PA 15037 (412) 751-9121 Buffalo Golf Course 201 Monroe Rd Sarver, PA 16055-9324 (724) 353-2440 Cabin Greens Golf Course 361 Ford City Rd Freeport, PA 16229-2013 (724) 295-3744 Cerderbrook 215 State Route 981 Belle Vernon, PA 15012-3321 (724) 929-8300 Conleys Resort Inn 740 Pittsburgh Rd Butler, PA 16002-4024 (724) 586-7711 Chestnut Ridge 132 Pine Ridge Rd Blairsville, PA 15717-7898 (724) 459-7180 Champion Lakes Golf Club 4743 Route 711 Ligonier , PA 15923-2424 (724) 238-5440 x 35 Cranberry Highlands Golf Course 5601 Freshcorn Rd Cranberry Twp, PA 16066 (724) 776-7372 Cherry Creek Golf Club 1000 Spyglass Hl Greensburg, PA 15601 (724) 925-8665
Hannastown Golf Club 441 Blank School Rd Greensburg, PA 15601 (724) 836-8643 Hershey Resort Hershey, PA (717) 533-2171 www.thehotelhershey.com Hickory Heights Golf Club 116 Hickory Heights Dr Bridgeville, PA 15017-1076 (412) 257-0300 Hidden Valley Resort 1 Craighead Dr Hidden Valley, PA 15502 (814) 443-8000 Highland Country Club 450 Highland Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15229-1599 (412) 761-3556 Hiland Golf Course 106 Saint Wendelin Rd Butler, PA 16002-0056 (724) 287-8814 Hunter Station Golf Course Rt 62 S Tionesta, PA 16353 (814) 755-4558 Indian Run Golf Club 1975 Avella Rd Avella, PA 15312-2371 (724) 587-0330 Kittanning Country Club 218 Bell Top Dr Kittanning, PA 16201-8772 (724) 543-2014 Lake Arthur Country Club 255 Isle Rd Butler, PA 16001-8548 (724) 865-2765 Lakevue North Golf Course 591 Pittsburgh Rd Butler, PA 16002-7659 (724) 586-7097 Lenape Heights Golf Course 950 Golf Course Rd Ford City, PA 16226-9224 (724) 763-2201 Lindenwood Golf Course - Blue Course 360 Galley Rd Canonsburg, PA 15317 (724) 745-9889
Cherry Wood Golf Course 212 Truxall Rd Apollo, PA 15613-9005 (724) 727-2546
Linden Hall Golf Course 432 Linden Hall Rd Dawson, PA 15428-1046 (724) 529-2366 (724) 327-8243
Donegal Highlands Golf Course Route 31 West Donegal, PA 15628 (724) 423-7888
The Links At Spring Church 3257 Balsiger Rd Apollo, PA 15613-8957 (724) 478-5478
Luray Caverns Resort 540-743-6551 www.luraycaverns.com The Madison Club 519 Yukon Road Madison, PA 15663 (724) 446-4000 Mannitto Golf Club 491 Bush Rd New Alexandria, PA 15670 (724) 668-8150 Meadowink Golf Course 4076 Bulltown Rd Murrysville, PA 15668-9501 (724) 327-8243 Moon Golf Club 505 McCormick Rd Moon Township, PA 15108 (412) 262-2992 Mount Odin Park Golf Course 247 Toll Gate Hill Greensburg, PA 15601 (724) 834-2640 Mt. Lebanon Golf Course 1000 Pine Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15234-2124 (412) 561-9761 Murrysville Golf Club 3804 Sardis Rd Murrysville, PA 15668-9547 (724) 327-0726 Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa 1001 Lafayette Dr Farmington, PA 15437-9754 (724) 329-8555 North Park Golf Course 303 Pearce Mill Rd Allison Park, PA 15101 (724) 935-1967 Norvelt Golf Club - Norvelt 2 Course 168 Holly Pl Mount Pleasant, PA 15666-2453 (724) 423-5400 Oak Tree Country Club 48 State Line Rd West Middlesex, PA 16159-2236 Oakland Beach Golf Course 11866 Oakland Beach Rd Conneaut Lake, PA 16316 (814) 382-5665 Oakview Golf Club 160 Ralston Rd Slippery Rock, PA 16057 (724) 794-1173 Pheasant Ridge Golf Club 6065 Rittman Road Gibsonia, PA 15044-7776 (724) 443-1908 The Phoniex Golf Course 499 Freeport Road Freeport, PA 16229 (724) 295-4001 Pine Grove Golf Course, Inc. 38 Fairway Dr Grove City, PA 16127-4860 (724) 458-8394 Pittsburgh National Golf Club 287 Monier Rd Gibsonia, PA 15044-7722 (724) 265-4800 Quicksilver Golf Club 2000 Quicksilver Road Midway, PA 15060 (724) 796-1594 River Forest Country Club 130 Club House Dr Freeport, PA 16229-2308 (724) 295-2217 Rocky Gap Resort 16701 Lakeview Road Cumberland, Maryland 21530 1(800) 724-0828 Rolling Fields Golf Course Hankey Church Road Murrysville, PA 15668 (724) 335-7522
Scenic Valley Golf Course 681 Church Hill Rd Finleyville, PA 15332-9725 (412) 833-1988 Scottish Heights Golf Club 287 Scottish Heights Dr Brockport, PA 15823-3429 (814) 265-4653 Seven Oaks Country Club 132 Lisbon Rd Beaver, PA 15009-8559 (724) 495-2770 Seven Springs Mountain Resort 777 Water Wheel Dr Champion, PA 15622-4007 (814) 352-7777 Shannopin Country Club 1 Windmere Rd Pittsburgh, PA 15202-1323 (412) 761-6377 Strawberry Ridge Golf Course 135 McNulty Ln Harmony, PA 16037-8603 (724) 452-4022 St. Jude Golf Course 1215 Kittaning Pike Chicora, PA 16025 (724) 445-3784 Suncrest Golf Course 137 Brownsdale Rd Butler, PA 16002-0419 (724) 586-5508 Spring Valley Golf Club 496 Bestwick Rd Mercer, PA 16137-3006 (724) 662-1999 Sylvan Heights Golf Course 2711 Elwood Road New Castle, PA 16001 (724) 658-8021 Tam O’Shanter Golf Course 2961 Hermitage Road Hermitage, Pa. 16148 (724) 981-3552 Timber Ridge Golf Course 681 Mulberry Hill Rd Mount Pleasant, PA 15666 (724) 547-1909 Toftrees Resort @ Penn State University 1-800-252-3551 www.toftrees.com Totteridge Golf Club 325 Hannastown Rd Greensburg, PA 15601-8437 (724) 837-6700 Treasure Lake - Gold Course 13 Treasure Lk Du Bois, PA 15801-9099 (814) 375-1808 Valley Green Golf & Country Club 2249 Valley Green Rd Greensburg, PA 15601-7589 (724) 837-6366 Wisp Resort 296 Marsh Hill Rd. McHenry, MD 21541 (301) 387-4911
If your course wants listed call Randy @ 412 - 734 - 8980 YOU WIN!
EMAIL & WIN FREE GOLF! Email us at: Golfinaroundtv@yahoo.com and you could win free golf at one these courses: LENAPE, GLENGARRY, or PHOENIX!
Clark
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Mercer
19
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New Wilmington Volant
80
62
Spring Valley GC
58
Farrell Tam O’Shanter GC Wheatland
Sharon
Sharon North Sharpsville
18
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6
8
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Waterford
79
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27
38 Fairview
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Bruin
Parker
27
80
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68
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322
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36
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36
66
6
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28
119
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Sandy
322
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Brockway
Reynoldsville
219
255
Plympt
St. Marys Grandview Park
Johnsonburg
219
Ridgway
948
6
Scottish Heights GC
Kane
59
46
Mount Jewett
Make sure you visit www.golfingaround.com Lewis Run North Warren to view map and get directions! 59 Warrenour interactive
Bradford
www.golfingaround.com Listings Map
Warren South
69
Hawthorn New Bethlehem
28
Strattanville
62
Youngsville
Sugar Grove
Clarion
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Rimersburg
Shippenville
157
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66
Tidioute
Hunter Station GC
6
957
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322
62
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St. Petersburg Foxburg
208
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Oil City
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268
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77
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8
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322
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173
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322
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77 Blooming Valley
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19
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Greenville East
Greenville
Jamestown
6
Oakland Beach GC
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79
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Northwest Harborcreek
See what courses are Cambridge in your area! Springs 98 See course listing for more info. Venango
Cranesville Albion
Platea
Springboro
18
90
Lake City Girard
Fairview
Avonia
Erie
Lawrence Park
20
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West Mayfield Black Beaver Hawk Falls Eastvale
Darlington
65
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New Galilee Koppel Homewood Big Beaver
Enon Valley
Wampum
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68 Cranberry Highlands
Zelienople
Dred GC
18
70
21
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Rock Run GC
Pittsburgh
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Youngwood
Shelocta
Black Lick
Ligonier
56 Armagh
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Lucerne Mines
Indiana
Seward
Wilmore
Houston
Wisp Resort
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19
79
19
7 Springs CC
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Suterville
Smithton
79
Duck Hollow GC
76
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Timber Ridge GC
381
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Norvelt GC
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119 Point Marion
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Dunbar
381
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Ohiopyle
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40
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88
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Clarksville Rices Landing
40
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Luray Caverns Resort
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Marianna
70
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New Eagle
Ellsworth
Ursina Addison
Confluence
30
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Casselman
Rockwood
Garrett
Somerset
219
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Callimont
Berlin
Boswell
30
96
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B
St.
Rains
Manns Choice
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New Paris
56
Dunc
Tunnelhill
Gallitzin
Cresson
869
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Indian Lake
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Friedens
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985
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Coalport
Ashville
Chest Springs
Post and Pin challenge! Hang map and pin all the 220 Hyndman Meyersdale Challege yourself to play all! courses you have played.
281
76 New Centerville
Hidden Valley Resort
Seven Springs Mountain Resort
711
Donegal Highlands GC North Belle Vernon Scottdale Donegal Lynnwood-Pricedale Fayette City Long Branch Everson Perryopolis Stockdale Newell Linden hall GC Coal Center California Dawson Centerville West Brownsville North Connellsville Beallsville Deemston Vanderbilt Brownsville Connellsville Fredericktown Hiller South Connellsville
Lindenwood GC
Hickory Heights GC Mount Lebanon Mt. Lebanon GC
Patton Carrolltown
Hastings
Westover
Irvona
Gle
Curwen
Lumber City
Grampian
Newburg New Washington
219 Toftrees Resort
Spangler
Colver
Barnesboro
Nanty-Glo Vintondale Beaverdale-Lloydell
Clymer
Cherry Tree
219 Mahaffey
36
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36
Big Run
286
Punxsutawney
Marion Center
119
Creekside Ernest Chevy Chase Heights
Plumville
Smicksburg
Chestnut Ridge
Blairsville
Jacksonville
Saltsburg
85
Dayton
Atwood
Rural Valley
Elderton
Glengarry Golf Links
Mannitto GC
Avonmore
Cherry Wood GC
The Links At Orchard Hills Spring Church
28
422
Lenape Heights GC
Lenape Heights
North Apollo
Hyde Park
Rolling Fields GC Meadowink GC Murrysville GC Export Delmont
Penn Hills
Oakmont Verona
Lower Burrell New Kensington
Ford City Cabin GreensFord GC Cliff
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River Forest CC
Freeport
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Applewold
Kittanning Kittanning CC Manorville
West Kittanning
Worthington
Birdsfoot GC
Buffalo GC
Springdale
Arnold
Tarentum
PA National GC
Cheswick
Russellton
Curtisville
3 Lakes GC Bob O’Conner GC
Mount Oliver
Dormont
Crafton
Ingram
Saxonburg
356
422
East Brady
New Alexandria Bolivar Blackthorne GC Trafford Munhall New Florence Ehrenfeld North Versailles Cassandra South Fork Duquesne Totteridge GC East Conemaugh Castle Shannon McKeesport Franklin St. Michael-Sidman Brownstown Whitehall Hannastown GC West Derry Derry North Irwin Portage Westwood Pleasant Hills Jeannette Liberty Greensburg CC Champion Lakes GC Latrobe Upper St.Scenic ClairValley GC Johnstown Irwin Westmont McChesneytown-Loyalhanna Park Mount Odin ParkGreensburg GC Versailles Frosty Valley GolfBethel Link Adamsburg Dale Lorain Elim Lawson Heights Cokeburg Clairton Jefferson Southwest Greensburg Geistown Valley Green Ferndale Youngstown Belmont Spring Hill West Elizabeth Arona Club Butlers GC The Madison South Greensburg Canonsburg Elizabeth 271 Finleyville Scalp Level
Carnegie
Pennsbury Village
Millvale
Butler
Pheasant Ridge GC
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WestCCView Highland Aspinwall Shannopin CC
Bellevue
Thornburg
East Washington
Green Hills Bentleyville
Washington
79
McDonald
Glenfield
North Park GC
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Burgettstown
Langeloth
West Middletown West Alexander
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Carnot-Moon
Imperial-Enlow
Bell Acres
Edgeworth Diamond Run GC Sewickley Heights Sewickley Haysville
Ambridge South Heights Leetsdale
Beaver Lakes CC
Midway GC Quicksilver
Frankfort Springs
844Indian Run GC
30
Hookstown
68
St. Jude GC
Chicora
East Butler Hiland GC Meadowood
Conleys Resort Inn Suncrest GC
Nixon
Lakevue North GC
Connoquenessing
Meridian
Homeacre-Lyndora
Evans City
Strawberry Ridge GC Harmony
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Prospect Aubrey’s Dubbs
Lake Arthur CC Portersville
New Brighton Callery Patterson Heights Fallston Seven Oaks CC Rochester East Rochester Mars Fernway Freedom Vanport Valencia Ohioville Monaca Conway Industry Glasgow Economy Baden Midland Bradfordwoods Georgetown Aliquippa Shippingport
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Bessemer
Riviera Maya By John Ehle A mid-winter sojourn to the Riviera Maya in Mexico is exactly what a vitamin D-deprived golfer needs to escape the dreary, snowy landscape of the Midwest.
Grand Coral El Camaleon Mayan Palace Bahia Principe Playacar Playa Paraiso
The Yucatan peninsula has seen a constant process of development since my first trip there in 1976. Back then, Cancun and Playa del Carmen were arrivistes in the array of travel destinations and the ancient archaeological sites of Tulum, Coba and Chichen Itza were places which required a sense of adventure. Walking onto one of these sites early or late in a day, the intrepid traveler was virtually alone. The profundity of the history was overwhelming. There were no ticket booths, gates or shops; no distractions. Just Mayan pyramids, cenotes, columns and the occasional native working the land and tending cattle. And, of course, there was the Caribbean.
Golf in those days was something you left behind. There were no golf courses on the Yucatan peninsula. Today, the east coast is home to myriad resorts and a burgeoning collection of world-class golf courses which are as challenging and beautiful as anything available anywhere. The finest golf course architects in the world are plying their trade here; Jack Nicklaus, Nick Price, Greg Norman, Robert Trent Jones ll and PB Dye, to name a few. The advent of grasses which thrive on salt water is a large piece of the development as fresh water is an issue in this ecosystem. Yes, these hardy, resistant grasses not only endure the occasional 100 degrees day but do it while being irrigated with salt water from the nearby Caribbean. Early in the development of this cultivar (seashore paspalum) a fairway on a seaside course was flooded with salt water from a tropical storm. When the water receded, the fairway flourished; with only the weeds in decline. Fairways wind through the jungle and greens jut out onto Caribbean vistas which are stunning enough to distract even the most focused of players. The
courses are populated with an abundance of tropical birds, iguanas, and monkey squirrels which have adapted to the golfing traffic. This is a tropical paradise replete with golf. First up was at the Nick Price design, Grand Coral. With nine of 18 holes completed, this 6,995 yard golf course is a gem in progress. Ample fairways and a set of tees for golfers of every skill level the course reflects Mr. Price’s design philosophy. Price says, “Golf is two games. One is played in the air and another on the ground. Having the ability to run the ball onto a green requires as much skill as flying the ball to the hole�. The hospitality was as good as the golf. Returning to play the completed 18 will be on my bucket list. The destination on day 2 was El Camaleon Golf Course at Mayakoba. We arrived amidst a flurry of activity and preparation for the Mayakoba Classic, a new PGA Tour stop which played opposite the Accenture Match Play event. We were the last group to play the golf course prior to the tournament so to say that it was in fine fettle and with an attendant buzz would understate the ambience. This course was designed by the legendary Greg Norman. The 7,000 yard layout is on piece of property which may be unique to the entire golfing kingdom. As its name suggests, El Cameleon is ever changing. This stunning Playa del Carmen golf course wends its way through three distinct landscapes: dense jungle, mangrove forests and dramatic oceanfront stretches of sand. Perhaps most unique are the limestone canals which create natural design elements which could not possibly be duplicated anywhere. Several cenotes, underground cavern systems, are incorporated into the golf course as well; giving it heartstopping visual highlights. Peek into a large cenote and you will sense what Mayans felt as they stood on these precipices just prior to their last moments on earth. The Mayan Palace is an all-inclusive resort which of-
El Camaleon
fers golf on-site with an 18 hole Jack Nicklaus-designed par 54 executive course. We followed up our morning round by playing this testy par 3 and we had all we could handle. With several holes in excess of 200 yards, this golf challenge is not an afterthought. With water, sand and native vegetation on nearly all holes, this golf course will require every club in your bag.....especially your wedges and your putter. This is where you can either play off existing bets or press and start afresh. It’s a great golf experience which is perfect to either begin or end a golfing day. The Bahia Principe Golf Course is a 36 hole track which includes a 9 hole par 3 of 1300+ yards. The outgoing 18 can be played at 7,843 yards. Designed by Robert Trent Jones ll, the course is set within the Mayan jungle, natural lakes and freshwater wells. The grasses on these holes are velvety and exquisitely groomed with fairways and greens which are fair, challenging and absolutely gorgeous. Nature lovers, here you are!
greens, take a hard look....they’re subtle and fast. The final chapter of our Riviera Maya golf experience took place at Playa Paraiso GC at Iberostar. This P.B. Dye design is incredibly routed onto 90 acres of land. You would never know it. The transitional areas between fairways are subtle...and very effective. Mounding and treelines set each hole apart and the result is a golf experience armed with diverse features. The placement of water hazards and waste areas permits the inclusion of short 4 pars of under 300 yards which require thoughtful club selections and precise approaches. Greenside swales collect errant shots and give the golfer an opportunity to demonstrate deft touch. Wedges get a workout on this challenging, beautiful course.
Nature lovers paradise! Make Mexico your next golf destination!
Bahia Principe Playacar is the oldest of the Riviera Maya courses and it is quite likely the most difficult. Designed by Robert Von Hagge, Playacar is routed around a large plot of Mayan jungle and a series of lakes which create diverse challenges on this course which is the closest to Playa del Carmen. With the tightest fairways we had seen all week and the most abundant iguana population, Playacar has diversions galore. The slope rating of the 7,144 yard course approaches the industry top of 150 and only the longest, most accurate drivers of the golf ball should wander to the back tees. Greenside bunkers are placed in very challenging locations and once you’re on the
Amazing all-inclusive resorts, courses designed by such legends as Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus, and breath-taking courses, await you in Mexico!
People - Places - Events
Family Guidence Golf Outing 2011
Blackhawk Golf Course
Pittsburgh Builders Exchange Golf Outing
First Tee of Pittsburgh 10th Year Celebration
Hole#10 is a Winner! You will need 235 yds to carry the lake in front of the back tees and goodness don’t push it left into the OB. The green will be above your feet; so loft it nice and high onto this two tier gem. Shucks, you really banged that one; now it’s in the bunkers behind the green! Hole#11 is unlike any other hole in the region! It’s a Par 4 from the back tees and a Par 5 from the others. Your elevated tee shot gives you a tremendous vista of the lake running alongside the right side of the fairway and up to the green. The left of the fairway is lined with trees. Easy-Peasy baby, smack it down the middle for no worries! Wait one second; there’s that darn green to deal with now. There’s water in play in the front and back of the green and that deep bunker on the right. What a golf hole!!!!!!
Glengarry Old Latrobe’s Finest! by Tank Tantlinger These are my mountains; I grew up here. As a kid I roamed from Ligonier to Latrobe. As an adult I have traveled form Thailand to Saint Andrews; but it is the Laurel Valley & Latrobe where my heart is. I’m still shocked how many people have not discovered Latrobe and its charm. Do yourself a favor; jump on the turnpike get off at the Donegal Exit and make your way down the mountain, onto Route 30 through Ligonier and to Glengarry Golf Course; a great day is in store for you!
Hole#18 is lovely! You’ll be standing on top of the world as you can see the vistas and skyline of the mountains, the clubhouse, and restaurant! Once you have popped it into the fairway; watch out for the lake in front of the green! Don’t mind the gathered crowd on the deck overlooking the green area; they are well into their pints by now! Afterward, the rustic charm and atmosphere of the renovated barn has an awesome menu of burgers, wings, and cold beer! Sit and relax on the outside deck and enjoy yourself!
The flavor of a Scottish links track waits you here. Pleasant elevation changes giveaway to even lies. The majesty of the Laurel Valley is all around you. Let’s take a look at some of the signature holes! Hole#2 is a par 3/201 yards. Buckle up boys! Downhill and downwind doesn’t make this any easier. It’s the #1 Ranked hardest hole here. The green is guarded with water front & left! Throw in a bunker on the left as well!! Ha-Ha! Put it in the cup and you have no worries! Hole#3 is a short Par4. Your drive is uphill, then your approach shot into the amphitheater green is uphill. The two tiered green has a short bunker left and fescure as well. Fun hole!
Discover Glengarry and the charm of old Latrobe soon!
Hole#5 is a par 3. Water and more water! Your downhill tee shot had better be “spot on” and not fade right of the green or that “SPLASH” you hear will be your brand new Pro-V1 sinking to the bottom!
www.golfglengarry.com or call 724-423-4653 to book your tee time!
Located in the scenic Laurel Mountains!
One of the most unique upscale courses you can play!
Scottish Links style 18-hole layout!
www.afitspa.com
100 ROESLLER RD. PITTSBURGH PA, 15220
412 - 341 - 3033
Located near Zelienople/Cranberry Log onto: www.strawberryridegolfcourse.com or call (724) 452-4022 to book your tee time!
By Randy Tantlinger
in Myrtle Beach
Rain, Rain, Rain go away! With the endless bad weather and lack of “funshine”’ there was only one place to head for me; Myrtle Beach! I hit the road stopped into “Beach-Bumz” for a few beers and then hit the links and played The Witch, Man-O-War and The Wizard golf courses! The Witch sits on 500 acres of tranquil cypress groves and wetlands teeming with flora and fauna. Tactical play is rewarded on the par-71, 6,702-yard layout. With 4,000 feet of bridges wending through swamps (front nine) and rolling hills (back nine), golfers may spy cranes, bald eagles, alligators and black bears.
Reminiscent of classic, wind-swept links courses in Scotland and Ireland, The Wizard presents deep bunkers, mound-framed fairways and dramatic elevation changes. Trademark stone bridges and an Old-World, castle-style clubhouse add character to the par-72, 6,721-yard shot-maker’s course. I love Myrtle Beach. SPIRIT airlines is now getting you there ASAP and for me a couple of old Army buddies live in driving distance; so to hook up with them and play some great golf courses and enjoy the crystal blue skies and warm salt air was a treat!
Man-O-War is revered for its back-to-back island greens and water features touching every hole. With a commanding 141 slope rating, the par-72, 6,967yard layout is offset by straight-forward shots and excellent, bent-grass greens.
For stay-and-play package information: www.mysticalgolf.com or call 843.282.2977 to play all three courses!