Laurel Valley at Laurel Valley Golf Club

Laurel Valley, a bastion of Western Pennsylvania golf, stands as a testament to a bygone era where walking was paramount and shot-making was king. Built in the late 1950s within the rolling, wooded landscape near Ligonier, this largely untouched Dick Wilson design demands strategic play rather than brute force. Favoring precise iron shots and a deft touch around the greens, the course’s subtle doglegs and deceptively contoured fairways reward thoughtful approaches while penalizing the careless swing. Laurel Valley is a course where careful thinking is rewarded more than length.

Robert Trent Jones Sr. lent his expertise to a 1965 redesign, but the layout's core character has remained remarkably true to Wilson's original vision. The club welcomed the 1965 PGA Championship, won by Dave Marr, marking a significant moment in its history and solidifying its place on the national stage. Its membership is known to value traditional golf values and a quiet reverence for the game's history, and continues to host premier amateur events that foster the legacy of the game.

While perhaps not as globally celebrated as some of its contemporaries, Laurel Valley enjoys a reputation as a respected and challenging test of golf, treasured by those fortunate enough to experience its understated charm. The club’s commitment to preserving the walking-only tradition further distinguishes it, offering a purist’s experience reminiscent of golf’s golden age.

And while the golf may command your attention, don't overlook the halfway house. Its legendary homemade chili is a well known staple and the perfect way to warm up on a chilly Laurel Valley afternoon.