Donegal Highlands Golf Course

Donegal Highlands Golf Course sits in the Laurel Highlands region of southwestern Pennsylvania, approximately an hour southeast of Pittsburgh. Designed by Ron Forse and opened in the mid-1990s, the course occupies rolling terrain characteristic of this part of the Allegheny Plateau, where elevation changes and wooded corridors define the playing experience. Forse, known for his restoration work on classic Golden Age courses and his adherence to strategic design principles, brought a traditional sensibility to this daily-fee facility. The layout moves through a mix of open meadowland and forested sections, with several holes playing along or across natural contours that create both visual interest and strategic variety. Forse's design emphasizes width off the tee and rewards thoughtful positioning, with green complexes that feature subtle internal contours and surrounds that allow for ground-game approaches. The property's natural topography provides occasional views across the surrounding hills and valleys, particularly on the higher points of the routing. Donegal Highlands serves as an accessible public course in a region better known for its resort properties and private clubs. The facility caters to local golfers and visitors exploring the Laurel Highlands, offering a straightforward golf experience without extensive resort amenities. The course represents Forse's design philosophy applied to a modest scale, prioritizing playability and strategic interest over dramatic features or extreme difficulty.