Probably didn’t expect to see a fellow OATW gui here (hi Colin!) but I grew up in Pittsburgh so still lurk on this thread.
Depends on where you are staying and how far you’re willing to travel. Birdsfoot up in Freeport (about 30 minutes up Route 28 from Oakmont) is a solid course. I think the Incline Club hosted a Roost event there a few years back. I also remember Pheasant Ridge in Gibsonia being decent but that was 15 years ago. Pittsburgh isn’t as great for public golf as Cleveland but then again most places aren’t. Could always hit up somewhere like Mill Creek in Youngstown on the way back.
Re: Fox Chapel…I caddied there growing up from 2005-2012 and US Open week ‘07 was the busiest I’ve seen it. I know you’re joking about getting out there that week but FCGC is the top draw for OCC members and their guests while their course is closed, not to mention the out of town C-suite crowd.
Be sure to hit up Primanti Brothers for a legit sammich. OG location is in the Strip; plenty of satellite locations in the burbs including Harmarville right across the river from OCC. Pamela’s P&G Diner in the Strip if you want to bring on the (plate-sized) pancakes. Glen’s Custard in Springdale (across the river and 10 minutes from OCC) is my all time fave. And I am prepared to die on this hill…Oakmont Bakery is way overrated. It is a massive airplane hangar of a space with TSA style cordoned lines. Baked goods mediocre at best. Bakery equivalent of one of those golf courses where they reconstruct 18 different holes from 18 major championship courses from around the world. Check out Jean-Marc in Millvale or Prantl’s in Shadyside instead.
Definitely depends on where you’re staying. If you scroll this thread you’ll get the same couple recommended:
Cranberry Highlands
Quicksilver
Birdsfoot
Totteridge
Madison Club
Lindenwood
All are solid but are in very different parts of western PA so where you play is probably gonna be dictated by your schedule and where you’re staying.
Old Stonewall is farther out and not worth the price for peak season but I maintain that it’s fun and unique so if you don’t care about the price go for it.
North and South Park, courses run by Allegheny County, are decent and good value but can get backed up.
I only played Pheasant Ridge once when I first moved to Pittsburgh and don’t remember much.
Skip Pittsburgh National, Grandview, and do not, under any circumstances, play Hickory Heights
We’re staying in Mt. Washington but planning on playing somewhere on the drive down from Cleveland. Agreed, Olde Stonewall is a fine course but rates during peak season are absurd. Cranberry Highlands looks appealing.
For anyone interested! The Incline Club Roost (Pittsburgh and Western PA) is transitioning from WhatsApp to Discord! Welcome to the Future! Come on in!
**We did just have a scheduling conflict with Shannopin so Location is likely to change, trying to keep that Sunday 6/8 (looking at other Clubs around the area)
but FCGC is the top draw for OCC members and their guests while their course is closed, not to mention the out of town C-suite crowd.