Russell Kirk
Russell Kirk
Russell Kirk
Russell Kirk
Russell Kirk
Russell Kirk
Fox Chapel Golf Club
Pittsburgh, PA•Private
Awards
Panelists Score
Fox Chapel Golf Club
426 Fox Chapel Rd
Pittsburgh, PA 15238-2298
United States
Overview
When Fox Chapel hosted the 1985 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship (won by Michiko Hattori), some observers were disappointed that its Seth Raynor design seemed so ordinary. Greens had become circular, many bunkers were overgrown and those that still existed bore fancy modern shapes. Most alarming, the Fox’s 17th, originally a Biarritz hole, had the front portion of the green and trench mowed as fairway. In the early 1990s, architect Brian Silva was called in to restore Raynor’s features. He reclaimed green dimensions, including the Biarritz, and recaptured original bunkers, particularly the necklace wrapped around the front of the 11th (“Short”) green. Tom Marzolf, of Tom Fazio Design, has continued to refine and draw forth more Raynor-inspired shaping and bunkering; this latest work debuted in the fall of 2020 with profound enhancements to the Punchbowl second (a par 5), Redan sixth, the Lions Mouth green complex at nine, Bottle 16th and the Redan.
About
Golf Digest Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 Greatest / Best In State Scores
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“one of the most enjoyable Raynor courses you will play. Solid tee to green with excellent routing. Some of the best template examples I can recall - especially the 17th hole Biarritz. Golf is fun here from any of the tees."
Read More2026
Review
“Seth Raynor/Charles Banks design that opened in 1925 and recently restored by Tom Marzolf. Beautiful piece of property where the template holes appear to have there forever. Don't let the yardage fool you as the course plays longer than the scorecard indicates. The predominantly uphill approach shots combined with the large, undulating greens require precise iron play. The par 3 holes are surely the most memorable holes on a course full of memorable holes. Always say "yes" if offered the opportunity to play a round at this timeless classic."
Read More2026
Review
“After Oakmont, Fox Chapel is the finest golf course in the Pittsburgh area. It combines the usual Raynor template holes with a nice property. The 17th may be Raynor's best Biarritz in terms of playability as it offers many ways to play the par 3."
Read More2025
Review
“Classic Seth Raynor design situated in a valley in Western PA jsut outside Pittsburgh. The recent restoration brought back some strategic options that were lost - classic example is the fairway cross bunker on hole 16 that makes the golfer make a bold decision with driver. The classic designs such as the Redan par 3 6th and the long Barritz par 17 provide multiple shot options to get to the pins. Golfers can use the green contours to get to the various pins like the Punchbowl 2nd or the strong dogleg right par 4 8th. The fairways and greens were firm and fast but still very recpetive to well struck shots. Holes 15-18 are one of the better finishing stretches of holes in the Northeast if not the country. The only questionable hole is the par 4 13th where only a hard fade can hold a fairway that cants right to left. One of Raynors best - The Par 7 Alps hole is a great short par 4. Definitely worth a visit."
Read More2025
Review
“Classis Seth Raynor with some great template holes. The greens were big, sloped and fast. You had to be precise with your second shots."
Read More2024
Review
“A Raynor course that has been modernized to such an extent that it looks like it hasn't been touch. A good variety of holes and several template ones also. Firm fairways and quick receptive greens. A fun course to play."
Read More2023
Review
“The greens and architecture requires the best from all levels of golfers. Greens are the shining gem. Variety of distances on par 4s and 3s. Good layout to give fair play to prevailing winds. Good variety of forces Carrie’s with other good variety of run up options."
Read More2022
Review
“The gently undulating topography offers a perfect canvas for the classic Raynor template holes. Hole 9 Lion’s Mouth is a beast of an approach shot and Hole 17 Biarritz is one of the best Biarritz’s in America. The course offers variety at every tee. If you have an opportunity to play Fox Chapel, take it."
Read More2022
Review
“The best course in Pittsburgh."
Read More2021
Review
“Classic Seth Raynor layout with lots of interesting design features. They have a punch bowl, a redan, and many other classic hole designs. The Biarritz green on number 17 is about 6-feet deep and hard to avoid. Huge clubhouse and nice ambience."
Read More2021
