Philadelphia is such a central city in the development of golf course architecture in the U.S. there's a subset of design history known as the "Philadelphia School of Architecture." Even though it's not an actual school and there's no unified, transferrable philosophy behind it, it does denote an impressive collection of architects who all have roots here and built courses thoughout the surrounding region: George Thomas, William Flynn, Hugh Wilson and A.W. Tillinghast, namely.
There's no Pittsburgh School of Architecture, but it, too, is an important and golf-rich metropolis. Oakmont, the state's top course and the fifth-ranked course on America's 100 Greatest Courses, is there, as are Fox Chapel and Longue Vue. Laurel Valley in Ligonier is just 60 miles east, and the top public courses in the state, Mystic Rock and Shepherd's Rock, are found 60 miiles south.
More from Golf Digest
The best golf courses in New Jersey
The best golf courses in New York
The best golf courses in Delaware
Below you'll find our 2025-'26 ranking of the Best Golf Courses in Pennsylvania.
Scroll on for the complete list of the best courses in Pennsylvania. Be sure to click through to each individual course page for bonus photography and reviews from our course panelists. We also encourage you to Privacy & Cookies Notice
2025-2026 ranking
The best golf courses in Pennsylvania
May 29, 2025
Philadelphia is such a central city in the development of golf course architecture in the U.S. there's a subset of design history known as the "Philadelphia School of Architecture." Even though it's not an actual school and there's no unified, transferrable philosophy behind it, it does denote an impressive collection of architects who all have roots here and built courses thoughout the surrounding region: George Thomas, William Flynn, Hugh Wilson and A.W. Tillinghast, namely.
There's no Pittsburgh School of Architecture, but it, too, is an important and golf-rich metropolis. Oakmont, the state's top course and the fifth-ranked course on America's 100 Greatest Courses, is there, as are Fox Chapel and Longue Vue. Laurel Valley in Ligonier is just 60 miles east, and the top public courses in the state, Mystic Rock and Shepherd's Rock, are found 60 miiles south.
More from Golf Digest
The best golf courses in New Jersey The best golf courses in New York The best golf courses in Delaware Below you'll find our 2025-'26 ranking of the Best Golf Courses in Pennsylvania.
Scroll on for the complete list of the best courses in Pennsylvania. Be sure to click through to each individual course page for bonus photography and reviews from our course panelists. We also encourage you to leave your own ratings … so you can make your case for (or against) any course that you've played.
Russell Kirk Private
Malvern, PA 7 Panelists Previous rank: NR White Manor Country Club, located in the western suburbs of Philadelphia, is set largely within a valley, that has a creek diagonally bisecting the property. Each nine begins by playing down into the base of the valley, where you then traverse up, across, and down the other side of the ridge, before returning to the clubhouse by climbing back up the slope to complete both nines. The creek and several ponds feature prominently on multiple holes on both nines. As you would expect with the topography, elevation changes factor into several shots throughout the course. White Manor is full of risk/reward scenarios, and often within different points on the hole; from the tee, fairway, and also green. The constant decision making on each hole makes for a very fun round of golf. A good collection of varied par 3s are waiting for the player; calling for length, shot shaping and accuracy to give yourself a good chance at hitting the green.
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Ardmore, PA 3 Panelists Previous rank: NR
View Course LC Lambrecht Public
Glen Mills, PA 13 Panelists Previous rank: NR The Golf Course at Glen Mills sits about 40 minutes from downtown Philadelphia, but the tumbling topography make this public course one of the best options in the Philly area. “A beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of Philly,” one panelist says. There is a nice mix of open holes and ones that require more precise ball-striking. The course is cut into a valley and presents a lot of elevation change. Sprawling bunkers add uncertainty to many shots, as the bunkers and elevation change can make depth perception difficult.
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Fleetwood, PA 12 Panelists Previous rank: 39 Moselem Springs Golf Club in Fleetwood is ranked as one of the best golf courses in Pennsylvania. Discover our experts reviews and tee time information … so you can make your case for (or against) any course that you've played.