Mystic Rock Golf Course
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, Pa.
Nestled in the Allegheny Highlands, 70 miles southwest of Pittsburgh, is the 2,000-acre Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and its Mystic Rock course. Mystic Rock is signature Dye, a par-72 layout (once the PGA Tour stop for the 84 Lumber Classic) with a rating of 77 and a slope of 149, making it one of the highest difficulties in the country. But you may just forget Dye’s challenge ahead as you take in Pennsylvania’s mountain scenery.
The final three holes are Dye’s favorites of any of his courses: a par 5 with an island green, a long par 3 guarded by water the entire way, and a long, uphill par 4 where bogey awaits. It’s no surprise that Mystic Rock has been named the No. 1 public course in Pennsylvania by wwmagazine.
Until recently, Nemacolin featured another 18 holes at its Links course, which is now closed. The good news is that a portion of that course will make way for a new 18-hole Pete Dye layout, which is currently being constructed, with plans for nine holes to open sometime in 2017.
Whether you’re coming for a buddies’ trip or with the family, the AAA Five-Diamond-rated Nemacolin resort offers several distinct lodging options—hotel, townhomes, private homes, even RV camping—and 10 on-site restaurants, ranging from fine dining to pub fare. And while you are this close, take a side trip to see Fallingwater, the National Historic Landmark house built over a waterfall by America’s most famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.
Rates start at $129 with caddies; stay-and-play packages available from $249 per night, depending on season.