credit: http://www.nemacolin.com

Golf can be a frustrating game; but serious golfers enjoy the challenge of a tough course. From water hazards to the bunkers, these are a few of the most challenging holes in the area that are sure to put your patience to the test!

Mystic Rock

1001 Lafayette Drive
Farmington, Pa 15437
724-329-6470
www.nemacolin.com/golf/mystic-rock

Located at Nemacolin Woodlands, Mystic Rock is a part 72, 7526-yard course designed by Pete Dye. Among its recent recognition, the course website boasts “top honors from Golf Magazine and Golf Digest,” having recently been named “one of the ‘Best Courses You Can Play’ in Pennsylvania by Golfweek. A bit on the pricey side, one of our insiders says of this challenging course: “Save up and give it a go!”

Cranberry Highlands Golf Course

5601 Freshcorn Road
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
724-776-7372
www.cranberryhighlands.com

Its website boasts that Cranberry Highlands Golf Course was recently “voted Pennsylvania’s best municipal golf course” by Golf Digest; and golfers looking for a good challenge will find one here! The demanding layout of this 186-acre, par 70 course will surely put their skills to the test.

Hartmann’s Resort Deep Valley Golf Course

169 Hartmann Road
Harmony, PA 16037
724-452-8021
www.hartmannsresort.com

With the front nine “very enclosed by trees” and “a lot of water” surrounding the back nine, golfers are sure to face some daunting holes at Deep Valley Golf Course in Harmony. “Not forgiving” was how one local golfer characterized the narrow fairways and rolling terrain of this 18-hole course!

Birdsfoot Golf Club

225 Furnace Run Road
Freeport, PA
724-295-3656
www.birdsfoot.com

Birdsfoot Golf Club in Freeport is another local course with quite the challenging layout. In fact, this 18-hole course boasts “four of the area’s toughest par 3s” sure to “challenge every club in the bag!”

Olde Stonewall

1495 Mercer Road
Ellwood City, PA 16117
724-752-4653, ext. 103
www.oldestonewall.com

Located in Ellwood City, “Olde Stonewall” boasts a number of top honors, including “best public course in the state.” Aside from its excellent condition and gorgeous layout, players may find this Beaver County course to be among the most frustrating due to its very difficult layout. If you’re up for the challenge, though, it’s worth the trip!