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Best Golf Courses In Pittsburgh

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In connection with National Golf Month, aspiring golfers and seasoned veterans may explore all the amenities and natural beauty of the terrain and landscapes in the Pittsburgh area. With hundreds of courses to play golf and the rich, historical background of links in and around Pittsburgh, golfers will find a vast array of well maintained courses which have stood out as the area's best for many years. To make it more appealing to the golfing community, the courses offer special coupons and affordable rates for members, seniors and children, including arranged tee boxes to fit within each ability level. There are driving ranges, putting greens and sand bunkers for practice sessions, or check with the host professional for a quick lesson or a series of lessons if needed. In many cases, it's not about the golf, but the camaraderie with friends and family, a nature walk for exercise, or a cart ride to enjoy the expertise of the course architect. Here are five of the best golf courses in and around Pittsburgh.

Birdsfoot Golf Club
225 Furnace Run Road
Freeport, PA 16229
1(877) 295-3656
www.birdsfoot.com

When you first arrive at Birdsfoot Golf Club in Freeport, it appears you are in for a unique golf experience and this natural masterpiece. In fact, Birdsfoot received a 4 and 1/2 star rating from the prestigious Golf Digest magazine. Once the golfer appraises the beautiful views of the course, it is apparent that there is something special. That memory will be a reminder of the hard work, pride and determination of the maintenance and professional staff. There is a driving range and putting green available to hone some practice for the challenging layout, but it is set up with several tee boxes to match a player's level of skill. Memberships are available along with discounted rates, coupons and daily specials during various times of the day, which expands the possibility to play at this highly-rated golf course. The elevation changes, rolling fairways, exquisite greens and picturesque vistas at each hole make for a challenging yet perfect day to experience all that Birdsfoot has to offer.

Cedarbrook Golf Course
215 State Route 981
Belle Vernon, PA 15012
(724) 929-8300
www.cedarbrookgolfcourse.com

Once you start your round of golf, it isn't difficult to get lost as the carts have a GPS system to guide you around the two 18-hole courses; both of which have hosted professional and amateur events. If your looking for a bargain, try Flat Rate Golf for affordable golf rates for golfers of all types who need the thrill of playing at a 4 and 1/2 star rated course from Golf Digest. There is an opportunity to practice at the driving range and putting greens, or ask for assistance from the pro for individual or package lessons. The feel of Cedarbrook is similar to a well-maintained country club and the courses are a public layout with fantastic greens and fairways that would make a master gardener envious. Try it out and experience the challenge and the beauty of two courses and make a day of it; or come back to the Clubhouse Grille for delicious food and refreshments.

Related: Best Spots To Spend A Summer Day With Your Family In Pittsburgh

Madison Golf Club
519 Yukon Road
Madison, PA 15663
(724) 446-4000
www.themadisonclub.com

Trek on down to the Madison Club, located 45 minutes from Pittsburgh and near the New Stanton Exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The affordable rates are worth the visit and the overall value and course conditions are maintained along with the greens. The course is set up as a challenge for both skilled and recreational golfers and the deterrent of the lakes and rolling terrain will serve as a constant memory that the Madison Club is worth playing. The greens are in fabulous condition and you can't be bored after viewing the course from the elevated tee boxes. After taking a peek at the remarkable scenery, it just may call for a return visit. Make sure to try out the practice facilities at the driving range or tidy up with some short-shot practice.

Lindenwood Golf Club
360 Galley Road
Canonsburg, PA 15317
(724) 745-9889
www.lindenwoodgolf.com

Lindenwood Golf Club is the best of both worlds for new golfers and experienced players, as the 27 hole layout offers a challenging course and an Executive course. The rates are affordable for all ages, just make sure to call for a tee time reservation. Before you tee off, head over to the well-appointed driving range, chipping green, putting green and then out of the sand bunkers. Be aware that the course has a mesmerizing effect on the players and the best way to explain the course conditions is lush. The layout has just about everything that pleases the eye with trees, manicured fairways, water hazards and sand bunkers that rival any beach vacation. If you need a helping hand from a professional instructor, ask and you shall receive the skills needed to improve your game.

Butler's Golf Course & Rock Run Inn
800 Rock Run Road
Elizabeth Township, PA 15037
(412) 751-9121
www.butlersgolf.com

Butler's has two courses, Lakeside and Woodside, to accommodate a large quantity of players. Neither course disappoints with the scheduled rates that are affordable for families; the kids play free with a paying adult. Butler's offers a rewards program and a practice program that will save more money on return visits, and that is a deal. The good news is that Butler's has a family concept and interest in saving golf and the benefits of playing, which has seen a decline in play around the country in recent years. The putting green is a great meeting place to gather friends before the round, or try out the four-hole practice area and a driving range to prepare for the rolling fairways, elevation changes, sand bunkers and well-manicured greens. Butler's is a fun place to play and the various tee boxes evens the challenge for all ability levels.

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Gerry Cernicky is a retired health and physical education teacher with 36 years of experience. He is a former teacher of the year and a sports writer for the Vandergrift News. He delivers podcasts, and maintains a website and blog. He currently resides in Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
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