Bedford Springs Course
Bedford, PA, USA
Bedford Springs' golf course, nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, whispers tales of championship play dating back to the late 19th century. The original design, a product of Spencer Oldham, meanders through the valley floor, a classic parkland layout punctuated by the ever-present springs and streams that give the resort its name. A later, masterful renovation by Donald Ross introduced his trademark bunkering and subtle green complexes, demanding strategic play over sheer power. The course favors players who can shape shots and navigate the rolling terrain, rewarding thoughtful approaches over brute force. This is no bomber's paradise; precision trumps distance. While not a regular stop on professional tours, Bedford Springs has played host to numerous state and regional championships, solidifying its place as a competitive test. Post-round, players often gather at the resort's iconic spring, rumored to possess healing properties, a fitting end to a round steeped in history.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Public: #119
Best in USA
Public: #52
Best in PA
Public: #1
Golfers say this historic course stands out as one of the best public tracks available, praising its impeccable conditioning, traditional strategic design, and memorable routing shaped by multiple architects including Tillinghast and Ross between 1895 and 1923. Most reviewers highlight the excellent practice facilities, challenging greens with subtle breaks, and a strong set of holes across all pars, with several calling the opening hole and par-3s particularly noteworthy. Some find the architectural variety creates a mix where about half the holes feel exceptional while others seem more forgettable, and a few note quirky design relics—including an infamous feature golfers describe as both brutal and charming—that add unique character. Reviewers consistently describe the course as fair yet challenging, with minimal water or woods but demanding green complexes that provide the primary defense.
8.6
57 players
First rate
Like a time capsule or museum of architecture. Different styles of holes designed by different architects 1895-1923 (Spencer Oldham, A.W. Tillinghast and Donald Ross). I found about half the holes to be excellent and half very forgettable.
One of the best public courses there is, simply stated. Multiple fantastic holes and cool layout. Very traditional course with strategic holes. Beautiful range and club house. Dedicated chipping and putting area. Fair but still challenging
UNIQUE, fun, hidden gem. Chaotic in the best way — course has some design relics you won’t see often, some extremely short 3s, some extremely long 5s, fast greens with fun slopes, and probably the best opening hole I’ve played. The volcano is brutal and frustrating — but it’s been frustrating for ~100yrs for better players than I. I take some solace in that. Tis the beauty of it. Go play it.
While technically a resort course if given the chance to snag a public tee time this is a must play track. Always impeccably maintained with a routing done with help from both AW Tilly and Donny Ross there isn’t a bad hole on the property. 5 memorable par 3s an excellent set of par 5s and yet the par 4s are arguably the strongest aspect of the course. Relatively little danger (very little water or woods) the course’s main defense is challenging greens complexes full of subtle breaks. Paired with an exactly practice facility and a quaint proshop, there’s a reason many consider this the best public course in PA and is personal favorite.
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Bedford Springs has a Course Vaults score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 31 explicit golfer ratings.
Bedford Springs was designed by A .W. Tillinghast.
Yes. Bedford Springs is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Bedford Springs is 72.
Bedford Springs plays 6,785 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Bedford Springs is 140.
