Father’s Day is only a few weeks away, and I don’t know about anyone else, but I used to dread that day. Not for any logical reason, only because I never knew what to get my dad. The guy who single-handedly raised my sister and me. I always wanted to try and get him the perfect gift; the gift I thought he deserved for being such a great dad. The thing is, he always gets himself what he wants, when he wants it, so that doesn’t leave many options. I would rack my brain for weeks trying to figure it out to no avail. Finally, I figured out the best thing to get him. We spend the day together and play a round of golf. It’s personal, we get to spend time together, and it’s doing something we both love. It’s a win-win!
If your father or husband is a golfer, a round of golf is the perfect gift. You can go together, or if you aren’t a golfer you can grab them a gift card to their favorite course or give them a new one to try. I want to share the places I have gone golfing in and around Pittsburgh. I hope to give you an idea of some courses to try out based on the level of your game.
I will list them out by those that I will actively play and enjoy. The ones I have played and would play again if someone asked or my go to options didn’t have tee times available. And finally, the ones that I don’t like at all and would not recommend. These are obviously just my opinions so you should make your own judgment on the courses. I also want to share an idea of the weekend price range for 18 holes (with cart when applicable) for each course as of spring 2022.
$ = Under $40
$$ = $40 – $55$
$$$ = $55+
My Favorite Courses and Those I Highly Recommend
- Rittswood ($$) – North – My favorite course; Cheap and very open. No sand and only one water hole. Staff is wonderful. Get what you pay for, but if you don’t play often, this is a great course to still enjoy yourself.
- Pittsburgh National ($$) – North – Tight course, but only one water hole, and the course setup is nice. Hole 13 is currently under construction.
- Hickory Heights ($$$) – South – Nice course, on the expensive side, but nice scenery and they have a concession cart.
- North Park (Residents: $$/ Non-residents: $$) – North – No Tee times, walk-up only. Can get backed up, and a good beginner course.
- Cranberry Highlands (Residents: $$$/Non-residents: $$$) – Very expensive for non-residents, but a decent course otherwise.
- Strawberry Ridge ($$) – North – Pretty far north, but a nice open course.
Other Good Courses I Would Play
- Suncrest ($$) – North – Extremely tight course. Most holes are lined with trees.
- LakeVue North ($$) – North – Open course, very long. One of the longest holes in Pittsburgh (600+ yard par 5).
- Bob O’Connor ($) – In the City – Walking only. Basically, a par 3 course, but a nice course for short game practice.
- Butler’s ($$) – Southeast – Decent course for the money.
- Cedarbrook ($$) – Southeast – Two separate course, open and not a bad course. Also, a decent way out of the city.
- Grandview ($$) – East – Recommend playing at least once, AMAZING views of Braddock/West Mifflin (Can see Kennywood). Tight and most holes have a sever drop-off on one side. One hole is a straight drop down a hill. It is a very short par 3.
- Pheasant Ridge ($$$) – North – Very tight course with several doglegs.
- Westwood ($$) – East – Historic course (used to be Duquesne Country Club, but not in great condition currently.
- Rolling Fields ($$) – East – Pretty open, but a decent way away from the city.
Courses I Won’t Play or Recommend
- 3 Lakes ($$) – East – Was not a fan. The course was not in good shape and it’s not worth the money in my eyes.
- Pittsburgh North ($$) – North – My least favorite course in all of Pittsburgh. The course is situated on a hill and almost every fairway is at an angle, where you will be playing those shots above or below your feet.
Any course options you agree or disagree with? What are some courses in the Pittsburgh area that I didn’t mention? I am always looking to try out new courses.