Mercer County, Pennsylvania, offers a wide range of golf experiences—from full 18-hole championship layouts to more relaxed 9-hole courses and beginner-friendly options. Many of the region’s courses participate in Stay & Play packages, which bundle accommodations, tee times, and sometimes meals, making it easy to plan a golf outing in Mercer County!
Here’s a closer look at some of the area’s most visited and highest-rated golf courses, including a featured hole from each and a few details to help you plan your next round.
Located in Mercer, Spring Valley Golf & Lodge combines on-site lodging and dining with a scenic 18-hole course, offering a convenient option for overnight golf trips.
This course offers a range of fun and challenging holes for all golfers. A favorite is Hole 9, a demanding shot that presents a great challenge for beginners and pros alike. Your tee shot will hopefully go over a ravine to a green that will likely give up some pars.
Oak Tree, located in West Middlesex, is a public course with a varied layout that includes both open and narrow holes.
The 18th hole at Oak Tree Country Club is a 407-yard par-4 that begins with a tee shot framed by two fairway bunkers and finishes with an approach over a lake. It’s a closing hole that rewards careful shot planning. While it presents a challenge, the course overall remains playable and enjoyable for beginners.
Tam O’Shanter in Hermitage is a long-standing, family-owned course known for its well-maintained conditions and welcoming atmosphere.
One of its most talked-about holes is the 14th, often referred to as “Death Valley.” This par-4 features a gulch that comes into play near the green, making it easy for a solid round to take a sudden turn. It’s a hole that rewards careful execution and punishes missteps.
A private club in Grove City, this course has a traditional design with tree-lined fairways and a consistent layout. It may be available through select Stay & Play packages.
Hole 12 is a strategic par-4 that features a straightforward fairway leading to a well-positioned green. Success on this hole depends on precise approach shots, making it a solid test of mid-iron accuracy.
Pine Lakes in Hubbard, OH, is just across the state line and is a regular part of golf travel packages. The 4-1/2-star course features a mix of open layouts and more technical holes.
Hole 16 is a two-tier “Cup and Saucer” style hole featuring over 9,000 square feet of putting surface. The expansive green is protected by both water and sand bunkers, offering a visually striking and technically demanding approach.
This Brookfield, OH, course dates back to the 1930s and maintains a traditional layout with consistent playability.
This scenic par-3 offers a short but strategic challenge. A two-tiered green flanked by bunkers and fronted by water requires precision. It’s a memorable stop for golfers looking to test their short game in a beautiful, tree-lined setting.
Located in Hermitage, Avalon at Buhl Park is part of the Avalon Golf & Country Club network. This 18-hole course stretches 6,369 yards and offers a private club atmosphere with public access via Stay & Play partnerships and packages.
The 18th hole on this course presents a unique challenge. This demanding hole starts with a tee shot up the left-center of the fairway to steer clear of the cluster of bunkers on the right. Even with a solid drive, players are often left with a long iron or fairway wood into the green. The safest miss on the approach is to the left—anything to the right risks landing in one of four deep bunkers.
Located in Greenville, Pine Hill Golf Club is a solid option for golfers seeking a more relaxed, low-pressure round. The course features wide fairways, minimal hazards, and a quiet, rural setting that allows players to focus on their game without the distractions of a busier venue. It’s an excellent pick for casual golfers, seniors, or anyone looking for a peaceful day on the course.
Buhl Farm Park in Hermitage is home to the only free public golf course in the country, making it a unique destination for both locals and visitors. This 9-hole layout is designed to be approachable for all skill levels, especially beginners and families. The course offers golf cart and pull cart rentals, adding comfort and ease to the experience. Its location within a public park also means guests can enjoy walking trails, picnic areas, and other amenities before or after their round.
Willow Hills in Grove City is a nine-hole executive par-3 course designed to offer something for every level of golfer. More experienced players will find it a great place to fine-tune their short game, while beginners can enjoy a welcoming and manageable layout to learn the basics. In addition to the main golf course, the facility includes an 18-hole Putt-Putt course and a driving range, making it a fun and versatile stop for families, solo golfers, or groups looking for a relaxed outing.
Mercer County’s Stay & Play packages help simplify golfers’ travel planning. Available through VisitMercerCountyPA.com, these packages include hotel stays, tee times, and sometimes dining or local discounts.
Courses like Spring Valley Golf & Lodge, Tam O’Shanter, Oak Tree Country Club, Pine Lakes, and Avalon at Buhl Park are frequent participants.
Whether you’re planning a solo trip, a couples weekend, or a larger group outing, these packages can be adjusted to meet different needs and playing preferences. Visit our golf page to plan your golf getaway today!
