Highlands of Donegal

The Highlands of Donegal sits in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, a region of rolling farmland in Lancaster County. Designed by Ed Bedell, the course occupies terrain characteristic of southeastern Pennsylvania's piedmont landscape, where gentle elevation changes and open agricultural land provide the canvas for golf architecture. Bedell, a regional architect active in the Mid-Atlantic, worked to incorporate the natural contours of the property into the routing. The layout moves across varied topography, with holes that rise and fall through the property's natural ridges and valleys. The design takes advantage of elevation changes to create visual interest and strategic variety, asking players to manage uphill and downhill approaches as well as shots across sloping fairways. Mature trees frame many holes, and water features come into play on several, adding both aesthetic definition and tactical considerations to the round. The Highlands of Donegal operates as a semi-private facility, welcoming both members and daily-fee play. The club serves the local golfing community in Lancaster County and draws visitors from the broader Pennsylvania region. Its accessibility and setting in Pennsylvania Dutch Country make it a practical option for golfers seeking a round in the area, and the clubhouse provides standard amenities typical of courses in this market segment.