Representative image Photo: Stuart Logan · CC BY-SA 2.0
Laurel Valley Golf Club
Ligonier, Pennsylvania, United States
18 Holes · Private club — no published green fee; play is by member invitation · Parkland
— About
About Laurel Valley Golf Club
Laurel Valley Golf Club is a private 18-hole parkland course at Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Dick Wilson designed it, and it opened in 1959. The setting is more rolling than rugged: streams and ponds run through the property, specimen deciduous trees line the holes, and stone culverts and walls tie the course into the landscape. The routing has gentle doglegs rather than forced shapes, so the challenge comes from the water, the bunkering and the length of the one-shot holes. Arnold Palmer's design team, working with Ed Seay, has renovated Wilson's layout, and Palmer himself helped found the club. The club sits in the Pittsburgh area.
- The 1975 Ryder Cup was played here, with Arnold Palmer as captain and the United States winning 21 points to 11.
- Laurel Valley hosted the 1989 U.S. Senior Open and the 2005 Senior PGA Championship.
- The 2001 Marconi Pennsylvania Classic was held on the course.
- Several of the par 3s are long and demanding, which makes the one-shot holes a real test.
History of Laurel Valley Golf Club
Laurel Valley opened in 1959 with Arnold Palmer among its founders. It reached the national stage within six years, when it hosted the 1965 PGA Championship, and Dave Marr won that tournament. Palmer's design firm later updated Wilson's layout as the course prepared for larger events, keeping the club tied to its co-founder. The Ryder Cup arrived in 1975, and the Senior Tour majors followed. The club has stayed private, with play by invitation.
When to play Laurel Valley Golf Club
Laurel Valley has no public season or tee sheet, so the best time is whenever your host can get you onto the course. Ask which dates the club has open and whether any member events or maintenance days affect the schedule.
Playing Laurel Valley Golf Club: tips
Laurel Valley is a private, invitation-only club, so a round means playing as a member's guest. It does not publish a green fee or sell public tee times. Ask your host about caddies, arrival time and dress, since the club publishes no visitor guidance. Ligonier is in the Pittsburgh area, and Pittsburgh International is the closest major airport.
— FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Laurel Valley Golf Club
Who designed Laurel Valley Golf Club?
Dick Wilson designed the course, which opened in 1959. Arnold Palmer's design team and Ed Seay later renovated it, and Palmer was one of the founders.
Which major championships has Laurel Valley hosted?
The 1965 PGA Championship, won by Dave Marr, was played here, along with the 1989 U.S. Senior Open and the 2005 Senior PGA Championship.
Can the public play Laurel Valley?
No. It is a private club and play is by member invitation only; there is no public booking.