Pennsylvania, January 28, 2026
Golf Digest has released its ranking of Pennsylvania’s top golf courses for 2026, featuring renowned institutions such as Pine Valley Golf Club, Merion Golf Club – East Course, and Oakmont Country Club. The rankings highlight the unique challenges and scenic beauty of each course, celebrating the rich golf heritage of the state. Other notable mentions include Laurel Valley Golf Club and Rolling Green Golf Club, reflecting the diverse offerings available for golfers. These evaluations are based on expert assessments considering design, challenge, and overall experience.
Philadelphia, PA – Golf Digest has released its 2026 rankings of the top golf courses in Pennsylvania, showcasing the finest golfing destinations in the state.
The list is led by Pine Valley Golf Club, renowned for its challenging layout and stunning natural scenery. Following closely are Merion Golf Club – East Course and Oakmont Country Club, both celebrated for their rich history and demanding designs. The complete rankings highlight a total of ten premier golf courses that golfers can explore.
The top 10 golf courses in Pennsylvania are:
1. Pine Valley Golf Club
2. Merion Golf Club – East Course
3. Oakmont Country Club
4. Laurel Valley Golf Club
5. Rolling Green Golf Club
6. Huntingdon Valley Country Club
7. Applebrook Golf Club
8. Philadelphia Cricket Club – Wissahickon Course
9. Fox Chapel Golf Club
10. Gulph Mills Golf Club
Among the highlighted courses, Pine Valley Golf Club, located in Pine Hill, New Jersey, has consistently topped the rankings for its challenging play and scenic beauty. Merion Golf Club – East Course, located in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, is known for hosting multiple U.S. Opens, with a celebrated strategic design. Oakmont Country Club, in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, has a reputation for its fast greens and has hosted the U.S. Open ten times, most recently in 2025.
Other notable courses include Laurel Valley Golf Club, famous for its scenic beauty and challenging course design, and Rolling Green Golf Club, recognized for its classic design and history of hosting major events like the 1976 U.S. Women’s Open.
Golf Digest’s rankings are based on expert evaluations considering various factors, including design, challenge, aesthetics, and course conditioning, representing the ongoing appreciation for Pennsylvania’s golf heritage.
For golfers looking to experience the best of what Pennsylvania has to offer, these golf courses provide a diverse range of options, each with unique challenges and attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 10 golf courses in Pennsylvania according to Golf Digest’s 2026 rankings?
The top 10 golf courses in Pennsylvania are:
- Pine Valley Golf Club
- Merion Golf Club – East Course
- Oakmont Country Club
- Laurel Valley Golf Club
- Rolling Green Golf Club
- Huntingdon Valley Country Club
- Applebrook Golf Club
- Philadelphia Cricket Club – Wissahickon Course
- Fox Chapel Golf Club
- Gulph Mills Golf Club
What criteria does Golf Digest use to rank golf courses?
Golf Digest’s rankings are based on evaluations from a panel of experts who assess courses on various criteria, including design, challenge, aesthetics, and conditioning.
Which golf course in Pennsylvania has hosted the most U.S. Opens?
Oakmont Country Club has hosted the U.S. Open ten times, most recently in 2025.
Where is Pine Valley Golf Club located?
Pine Valley Golf Club is located in Pine Hill, New Jersey, just southeast of Philadelphia.
Which golf course in Pennsylvania is known for its classic design and well-maintained fairways?
Rolling Green Golf Club is recognized for its classic design and well-maintained fairways. It hosted the 1976 U.S. Women’s Open.
Key Features of Pennsylvania’s Top Golf Courses
| Course Name | Location | Notable Features | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pine Valley Golf Club | Pine Hill, NJ | Challenging layout, natural beauty | 1 |
| Merion Golf Club – East Course | Ardmore, PA | Rich history, strategic design | 2 |
| Oakmont Country Club | Oakmont, PA | Demanding layout, fast greens | 3 |
| Laurel Valley Golf Club | Ligonier, PA | Scenic beauty, challenging design | 4 |
| Rolling Green Golf Club | Springfield, PA | Classic design, well-maintained fairways | 5 |
| Huntingdon Valley Country Club | Huntingdon Valley, PA | Well-maintained fairways, challenging design | 6 |
| Applebrook Golf Club | Malvern, PA | Natural beauty, challenging design | 7 |
| Philadelphia Cricket Club – Wissahickon Course | Flourtown, PA | Classic design, well-maintained fairways | 8 |
| Fox Chapel Golf Club | Pittsburgh, PA | Scenic beauty, challenging design | 9 |
| Gulph Mills Golf Club | King of Prussia, PA | Classic design, well-maintained fairways | 10 |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
