Laurel Valley Golf Club in Ligonier, Pennsylvania is a world class golf course with a fascinating history. In the late 1950’s, the titans of Pittsburgh industry (in essence, the titans of industry, period) hatched the then unique notion of an exclusive golf retreat in a secluded setting easily reachable by car from downtown Pittsburgh but yet far from the real world. The founders of Laurel Valley Golf Club were George Love, Ben Fairless, Dick Mellon, Fred Gwinner, George Wycroff and Arnold Palmer. These men represented the top of the Fortune 500 and there is no need for a biography of Mr. Palmer.
The “Laurel Valley six” acquired a long term lease from the Mellon family on a hidden tract of perfect parkland in Ligonier, Pa. and engaged Dick Wilson to design the course. The result is a fantastic course with terrific routing that maintains a pleasant vibe throughout the round. The original layout has been greatly modified, but only holes 10, 11 and 18 have undergone major transformations. The talk around the Club is that the 11 hole will be again changed, but this time to restore the original routing.
Starting with the 1965 PGA, Laurel Valley Golf Club has hosted the Pennsylvania Open, the National 2-Ball (a Tour event better ball of partners won twice by Jack and Arnie), the 1975 Ryder Cup, the 1989 US Senior Open, the Pennsylvania Classic and the Senior PGA, among other championships. In keeping with the Club, an impressive, but fairly quiet tournament history.
Despite the tinkering with the design by Mr. Palmer and the ever expanding Clubhouse and luxurious “pavilions”, Laurel remains a laid back club with a challenging test of golf with loads of charm. Dick Wilson’s mastery of subtlety while exposing all the natural features is on display throughout the round. Streams, ponds, specimen deciduous trees, waterfalls, sweeping vistas, gentle doglegs framed by indigenous flora and short walks from greens to tees are used to perfection. The frequent use of stone culverts and walls also blends naturally as these materials were no doubt quarried nearby.
Laurel Valley remains a top notch golf course and golf experience. Ignore the Club’s drop in the rankings and Tom Doak’s Confidential Guide (should be Tom Doak’s Cursory Guide) and find a way to play Laurel Valley Golf Club. I firmly believe it will become one of your favorite courses.
Ben