Spring/Summer 2011

As you round the final bend in the road en route to Pennsylvania’s Omni Bedford Springs Resort, the first wing of the sprawling country estate slips into view. Then, like so many carefully placed dominos, the resort reveals itself, section by section, in the distance. And where the Omni ends, the golf course begins — a rolling, quiet sweep of green grass and golden scrub aglow in the summer sun.

The hotel underwent a top-to-toe $120 million renovation in the mid- 2000s. Rooms were restored to the original splendor of the resort’s glory days in the 1800s, when it was famous for the surrounding springs. Today, those springs supply the water for a gorgeous, full-service spa, as well as for the indoor pool (enclosed within a historic two-story salon).

The stunning landscape sets the scene for the Old Course, renovated under the direction of architect Ron Forse and designed to echo the course’s original format, a creation of legendary designers A.W. Tillinghast, Donald Ross and Spencer Oldham.

The public course dates to 1895, making it one of the oldest in the country. Playing here is special, says head pro Ron Leporati.

“The history, the classic design, really parallels our property,” he explains. “It has a very historical feel.”

He points to the second hole, which has remained untouched since the course was first created at the close of the 19th century, and the signature 14th hole, called “Tiny Tim.” Tillinghast was so enamored of his creation — a short par-three with bunker-protected greens and “mini Alps” — that he went on to recreate Tiny Tim at dozens of other courses throughout his career.

The Old Course was named the 2010 number one Resort Golf Course in Pennsylvania by Golfweek magazine, and noted by Zagat as one of America’s best courses for 2009–2010. Tucked away in the shadows of the Allegheny Mountains, the Old Course is definitely worth the drive. 

- State - Pennsylvania

- Type - Golf

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