Laurel Valley Golf Club
Ligonier, PA • Private


Courtesy of Stonehouse Golf

Courtesy of Stonehouse Golf

Overview
Considered by some to be Dick Wilson’s consummate design, Laurel Valley Golf Club was founded by a group that included Arnold Palmer, who lived a few miles from the site. In fact, the group tried to persuade Arnie to quit the PGA Tour and become the club’s head professional and manager. Palmer reportedly mulled over the prospect for a time before rejecting it. Imagine how different the tour would have been had Arnie not become the dashing head of Arnie’s Army in the early 1960s. Instead, Palmer won seven majors, 52 titles overall and founded a golf design company that thrice remodeled the lovely Laurel Valley for major events.
About
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked since 2019.
2023-'24 ranking: 123rd.
Previous ranking: 122nd.
100 Greatest: Ranked 1966-2018.
Highest ranking: 22nd, 1989-1990.
Best in State: Ranked inside top 10 since 1977.
Current ranking: 4th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
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Challenge
Layout Variety
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Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Very special place. Was able to play with club president who gave a great description of every hole and the numerous changes over the years and upcoming. This old course continues to evolve and evokes a great sense of history, as you could imagine. The layout is amazing. The ability to see very unique holes on same course was also fun."
Read More2024
Review
“A private club with fast fairways, speedy greens, and good views of the mountain foothills."
Read More2023
Review
“This is a really great place to go as it is modelled after the Augusta and Muirfield Village models...great accomodations and dining to go along with a very nice golf course."
Read More2023
Review
“Absolute must play if in the Pittsburg area!"
Read More2023
Review
“A gorgeous setting for a golf course."
Read More2022
Review
“A beautiful piece of property. A wonderful, classic-looking layout in a serene setting. The only downside is the greens are usually a little on the slow side because of all the corporate outings they have here. Other than that it's an absolute joy to play."
Read More2021
Review
“This is a pretty special place with great lodging and clubhouse. The course is excellent but generally pretty wet conditions prevail."
Read More2018
Review
“This is a great old traditional layout. Lots of tree lined fairways with a good deal of design variety. The clubhouse is also a classic. Not easy to get to, but worth the trip."
Read More2018
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