Mystic Rock Golf Course- Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, PA
Usually, I would review the actual resort and include a couple of golf course pictures for good measure. However, Nemacolin as a resort didn’t do much for me. Our room in the Lodge Annex was pretty standard and devoid of character, and the common areas reminded me of a Vegas hotel. The resort does offer a myriad of family activities, so those with kids to entertain surely would have a different perspective. However, the golf course was outstanding. Rated as the top public course in Pennsylvania, it is stunningly beautiful, fun to play, and absolutely worth sharing.
Debuting in 1995, this Pete Dye design is as fun as it is challenging. It is everything a resort golf course should be- absolutely beautiful and difficult without being punishing. Morning tee times are obscenely expensive, but do include a caddy. Which is required, or so they claim. This requirement is relaxed in the afternoon, so while still expensive, later tee times are more reasonable. I am not one who enjoys golfing with a caddy, and had no problem navigating this course without one. Although there are several blind shots, I only lost one ball.
The course was designed to host PGA tournaments, and from 2003-2006 was the host course of the now defunct 84 Lumber Classic. Although the tournament attracted several big name players such as Phil Mickelson, John Daly and Vijay Singh, low attendance and 84 lumber business concerns led to the end of the tournament in 2006. It was also suggested that low tournament scores indicated the course was too easy for professional play. However, I can assure all you other non professionals it is sufficiently challenging. With a slope rating of 149, and a length of 7526 yards, most should steer clear of the Championship tees, but there are four other options that should cover just about everyone.
The course itself winds through the woods of the Laurel Highlands, with several rock outcroppings enhancing the aesthetics of the course. Fortunately these largely do not come into play. Water figures into 7 holes, so that will affect your game far more than the rocky terrain. Course conditions were excellent, so you will have little to blame other than your skill for your score.
If you are going to stay at Nemacolin, stay at Falling Rock. Located on the 18th green at Mystic Rock, it is the newest lodging option, and has been designed to channel the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, who designed several nearby houses. Home to the pro shop, a steakhouse, and patio bar, it feels like its own resort. The infinity edge pool set overlooking the course is dreamy, and is perfect for post-round relaxing.
Located a few hours southeast of Pittsburgh, in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, the course will likely be a good drive for most. It is absolutely worth it, and can be combined with other area activities such as white water rafting. This summer the resort is also debuting a second Pete Dye course, Shepherd’s Rock, which will no doubt give Mystic Rock a run for its money, and make the resort more attractive for golf vacations.
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