Olde Stonewall Golf Club
About
Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
---|---|---|---|---|
Epic/Gray | 70 | 7103 yards | 74.3 | 149 |
Medieval/Black | 70 | 6681 yards | 72.4 | 146 |
Medieval/Black (W) | 70 | 6681 yards | 79.0 | 144 |
Stonewall/White | 70 | 6200 yards | 70.1 | 143 |
Stonewall/White (W) | 70 | 6200 yards | 76.1 | 137 |
Feudal/Gold | 70 | 5708 yards | 67.4 | 132 |
Feudal/Gold (W) | 70 | 5708 yards | 73.3 | 131 |
Rustic/Red | 70 | 5241 yards | 65.4 | 127 |
Rustic/Red (W) | 70 | 5241 yards | 70.6 | 126 |
Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Epic M: 74.3/149 | 569 | 426 | 399 | 434 | 188 | 450 | 174 | 425 | 516 | 3581 | 463 | 436 | 436 | 400 | 202 | 241 | 474 | 389 | 481 | 3522 | 7103 |
Medieval M: 72.4/146 W: 79.0/144 | 546 | 392 | 365 | 414 | 174 | 436 | 162 | 374 | 502 | 3365 | 445 | 412 | 406 | 374 | 180 | 217 | 447 | 371 | 464 | 3316 | 6681 |
Stonewall M: 70.0/143 W: 76.1/137 | 518 | 365 | 344 | 375 | 159 | 406 | 150 | 352 | 481 | 3150 | 427 | 384 | 387 | 334 | 164 | 190 | 387 | 348 | 429 | 3050 | 6200 |
Feudal M: 67.4/132 W: 73.3/131 | 489 | 332 | 307 | 336 | 129 | 393 | 123 | 328 | 454 | 2891 | 403 | 343 | 338 | 311 | 137 | 170 | 379 | 325 | 411 | 2817 | 5708 |
Red M: 65.4/127 W: 70.6/126 | 454 | 312 | 281 | 299 | 118 | 368 | 110 | 290 | 429 | 2661 | 375 | 300 | 302 | 291 | 129 | 159 | 355 | 290 | 379 | 2580 | 5241 |
Handicap | 10 | 14 | 6 | 4 | 16 | 2 | 18 | 8 | 12 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 5 | 17 | 7 | |||
Par | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 36 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 34 | 70 |
Course Details
Rentals/Services
Practice/Instruction
Food & Beverage
RestaurantAvailable Facilities
Banquet Facilities, Locker RoomsReviews
Reviewer Photos
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Par-4 13th hole Photo submitted by BrandonWebb on 11/09/2018
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Par-3 fifth hole Photo submitted by BrandonWebb on 11/09/2018
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From behind par-4 18th green Photo submitted by BrandonWebb on 11/09/2018
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From behind par-3 15th hole Photo submitted by BrandonWebb on 11/09/2018
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Par-4 10th hole Photo submitted by BrandonWebb on 11/09/2018
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Par-4 third hole Photo submitted by BrandonWebb on 11/09/2018
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Photo submitted by NEPAGolfer05 on 05/22/2018
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Photo submitted by NEPAGolfer05 on 05/22/2018
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Photo submitted by NEPAGolfer05 on 05/22/2018
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Photo submitted by NEPAGolfer05 on 05/22/2018
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Photo submitted by NEPAGolfer05 on 05/22/2018
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Photo submitted by sorenj on 05/24/2017
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Photo submitted by sorenj on 05/24/2017
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Photo submitted by sorenj on 05/24/2017
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Photo submitted by sorenj on 05/24/2017
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Photo submitted by sorenj on 05/24/2017
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Photo submitted by sorenj on 05/24/2017
Sometimes, it's okay to judge a book by its cover...
Sometimes, a course just knows how to appeal to you at a very simple level. The back tees at Olde Stonewall are called the “Epic” tees; they are also rated a 74.3 and carry a 149 slope; so, as much primal appeal as they may have had, I stayed away. Which didn’t mean I didn’t get to play from “cool” tees, it was the medieval’s for me (still a knee-knocking 72.4/146). Beyond the names of the tees, there’s the castle (yes a castle!) clubhouse and a staggering amount of rock work throughout the course. Visually, Olde Stonewall hits all the marks.
You can play some golf here as well, and the 140+ slope on all of the first three sets of tees is no joke. Even the front-most tees play to a 127 and 132 respectively; so there is challenge no matter what tees you choose to play. Elevation change, water, well planned landing areas, and forest lined fairways are hallmarks of most holes on this robust track which can play from 5241 all the way out to 7103. Once holding the #50 spot on golf Digests “top 100 courses you can play” list and a “top ten best new courses” winner in 1999 “Epic” seems appropriate.
There are multiple high vista holes throughout the course with fantastic views of the surrounding areas and really elevated tee boxes; for example, the Epic tee box on the 474 yard par four 16th (which I played because once you stand there, there’s no way you are walking back down to the Medieval tees) turned my 220-230 yard 3 wood into a 281 yard “driver.” However, for my money, the best golf hole is the far more sedate number four. This 414 treat plays to water on the right and has a small pine perfectly placed at the edge of the opposite side of the fairway providing just enough to think about on a challenging yet scoreable hole.
In general I found the holes to be a good golf test while still being playable. There weren’t many “gimmick” holes (unless you consider very elevated tee boxes a gimmick); and while most of the golf was straightforward, there were some “target golf” holes for fans of more extensive “game management” as well. The course uses its bunkers, and to a lesser degree water hazards, judiciously to defend landing areas and greens without being overly excessive or punitive. The bent grass greens are also in great shape and play true (which means really paying attention to not just the break of the green but also the flow of the grain or your putting pace could be a real issue).
Olde Stonewall was in fantastic condition and since I was first out, pace of play wasn’t an issue either. When I finished and observed the other groups going out and making the turn, there were no signs that anything had changed in that area after I got on the course. Both the club pro and the starter were engaging and helpful with course information (including an interesting history on how the course came into being), and the grounds crew was attentive and courteous as well.
Oh, one last thing... this is *NOT* a walking course. Tons of elevation change and some pretty long commutes from green to the next tee box. Even if you are up for the hike, there is no way you can walk it without effecting pace of play unless you are the last person on the course for the day.
I really enjoyed my experience at Olde Stonewall and look forward to visiting again.
Staff is terrible
I can say the course is very nice. The starters not so much. Went out of our way to come to this $150 plus course after our RTJ/Cog Hill trip. Upon arrival. Bag drop with my gallon of water. As I always brought to numerous courses with zero issues. Tpc sawgrass Jacksonville and a number of other high end courses. Not to mention it’s been downright hot with heat indexes in the 100s. First thing you say to me is laugh and say you can’t bring that on here? Don’t let the pro see you. I said what? He says my water. I’m paying $175, going out of my way. If I can’t bring my water I’m leaving. Definitely not giving you my money. Busting me about water. We also didn’t see the cart girl until the 17th hole. But don’t bring that water, please dehydrate yourself. Ridiculous in so many ways. Add the actual starter, having a hissy, to explain a couple things about the course since it was our first time.
Course A
Staff except gal inside D
Get staff that makes players feel welcomed. Worse staff I’ve dealt with in 9 years of playing.
Amazing trip
First time golfing here. Milo at the front desk was great and extremely helpful. This course was nothing shy of incrinkulent.
Beautiful course
Traveling in from NC and played a round with my brother. They have a nice military discount for those who served. Course was in excellent condition, pace was excellent, newer carts and super friendly staff. Course had some challenging greens, small and lots of contours. Bunkers were in great shape as i found myself playing from a few. Will definitely book another round when I’m back in the area.
Put It On Your List
Beautiful course in excellent condition. Amazing restaurant & bar was not open (Monday) so check and play a day restaurant is open. It’s worth planning that way. Put Olde Stone Wall on your must play list. You won’t be disappointed but you need to eat at Shakespeare’s after!
Amazing course.
The hills and the trees and the brooks are so beautiful. This course is something so different than anything I have ever played. This course is difficult but yet so amazing to see and play I would highly recommend if you are anywhere near the area. The staff was great and so was the amenities as well as the food. Ty for a great day.
Amazing, challenging but fair
Course in great conditions. Very friendly and helpful stuff. The course is challenging but fair. If your drive is in a fairway, the second shot is from a flat area. With exception of hole number 8, every green is visible. This is my favorite golf course.
Pace of Play
I usually play Olde Stonewall at least once a year. My most recent experience I found the course in great shape as the grounds crew does a magnificent job. However, the pace of play has slowed down considerably in recent years. There is no ranger to be found in order to move play along. There was an instance where there 9 groups on 3 holes. This is extremely disheartening as I really enjoy the course and look forward to playing it every year.
Worth the drive from Pittsburgh
I am quickly becoming a big fan of Hurdzan and Fry’s work because of layouts like Olde Stonewall, roughly 30 minutes northwest of Pittsburgh.
They made great use of the land they were given. The front nine rises from the banks of the Connoquenessing Creek and is relatively flat, compared to the inward half, which rises up over wooded hills to a breathtaking ridge.
Autumn golf in this part of the country was better than expected. Though there was a brief frost delay before temps crept into the lower 40s, it never felt that cold. Course conditions were also exceptional, allowing for carts off path on most of the holes.
After easing in with an opening par 5, the course really takes shape. The holes around the small lake, hard against the creek, are very memorable. Thousands of huge grey stones shape the course, giving it a unique feel.
Holes 11-18 are a roller coaster ride. Nos. 12-16 are as visually stimulating as they are challenging, and provide a stellar finish to the round.
The back-to-back par 3s at 14 and 15 are unique and play quite differently, though both require longer shots than it appears. Has anyone else seen the fake rhino in the reeds in front of the 14th green? Stumbled upon it searching for my ball and startled me before I realized what it was!
The maintenance crew does an outstanding job not only with keeping the general aesthetics of the course in great condition, but also do a notable job of clearing the falling leaves. Never once lost a ball in the fallen leaves. I could not say the same about the course I played the day before. Great job!
Though I may be in the minority, I wasn’t crazy about the clubhouse. It is in the style of a medieval castle, and I’m sure it was in keeping with the club’s name, but I felt it a bit out of place. I don’t think a course of this caliber needs a hokey clubhouse. Pro shop was tremendous though, with much more to offer than standard ones.
The staff was very attentive and helpful at every turn. GPS on the carts were accurate.
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Par-4 13th hole Photo submitted by BrandonWebb on 11/09/2018
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Par-3 fifth hole Photo submitted by BrandonWebb on 11/09/2018
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From behind par-4 18th green Photo submitted by BrandonWebb on 11/09/2018
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From behind par-3 15th hole Photo submitted by BrandonWebb on 11/09/2018
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Par-4 10th hole Photo submitted by BrandonWebb on 11/09/2018
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Par-4 third hole Photo submitted by BrandonWebb on 11/09/2018
Great all around experience
We were about fifteen minutes early to our tee time at Olde Stonewall but wanted to hit some balls. So we asked if we could warm up and push us back on the tee sheet. Not a problem at all. Extremely accommodating. The starter then came to get us on the range when we were next on the tee, about twenty minutes after our initial tee time.
The conditions were fantastic considering the time of the year. I can imagine I would've given it five stars if it were earlier in the season so I almost feel guilty about not giving it five stars.
Pace was great and the starters ensure that groups are spread out enough so we won't be playing up behind anyone or have anyone playing up on us (even though the group behind us did but that's a long story).
I love the clubhouse that's designed like a castle. Truly one of a kind. To make a long story short, this place was fantastic and on par with every other high end public course that I have been to.
#1 Overpriced Course in PA
This is a beautiful course. Well maintained, well manicured, and always in good shape. Nice interesting and unique layout, never too crowded that I've seen.
Several holes are on the slide of a mountain, which are a little sketchy, but easily overlooked on an overall basis.
Plain truth is it's a nice track, and everything is positive except that it is ridiculously overpriced. It's not a $150+ course.
Some articles rate it as Pennsylvania's #1 Public Course. I respectfully disagree. It might be top 10, but no way #1. If you are looking for #1, try Mystic Rock or Bedford Springs? Both Public and closer to worth the large sum of $.
Sorry, again, nice layout and well maintained, but it's just not a $150 course.
Cool Course, Steep Price
I played Olde Stonewall last summer when I was passing through Western PA. The course had been on my bucket list for a few years prior to playing it. The course is littered with memorable holes and the facilities in general are outstanding. Even the locker room was really nice!
Overall, I liked the front 9 a little better than the back. I thought the hole layouts were more traditional. The back 9 is more visually appealing but there's 3 or 4 holes that seemed a bit forced. The two consecutive par 3's on back were very tough imo. The 2nd of which is one of the hardest par 3's I've played (and i've played a ton) given the awkward angle, forced carry and trouble surrounding the green.
While it's a great course and an awesome overall experience I'm not sure it's worth the $150-$175 regular rate given it's location. I paid the $100 twilight fee which I felt was "ok". With all that said, I'd play it again. Just not a peak $$$....