Country club memberships in Pittsburgh

[Spatrick89]

I’m 32 years old looking to join a country club in Pittsburgh as an intermediate member. Looking for some affordable clubs to join. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[ducky50]

Depending where you live.  In the eastern suburbs two to consider our Westmoreland Country Club & Hannastown both are first rate courses.  Youghieny in Elizabeth another nice private club in the South Hills you have both South Hills Country Club and St.Clair Country Club never have played them but they are well respected.  Diamond Run is another nice one near the airport.  Hope this helps

[bbb7979]

I was a member of Diamond Run until I left the area, no F&B minimums and the price was reasonable when I joined, I would join again if I moved back) but as the other poster said it really depends on what side of the city you live on.  Even if you live in the city itself your best bet might be different depending whether you live on the north shore or the south side or Oakland / Shadyside.

 

If you want to drive an hour north Grove City Country Club has super cheap preview option for the first year and you could basically show up and play without worrying about a tee time pretty much any time of the week except Saturday and Sunday before 11am, but that would really only work if you are handy to I79 / I279 N

Edited July 25, 2022 by bbb7979

[fillwelix]

I'm a member at Shannopin, it's in Ben Avon Heights depending on where you are. It's pretty affordable and we're getting new bunkers this season. Food minimum is only 35/month which is nice 

[Poor Mans Ty Webb]

If you're still in the market, Green Oaks in Verona is the budget CC option in the area, and has enjoyed a nice little revival (particularly amongst the 20s-30s something age) since the pandemic.  Won't get much more affordable than that for a private membership in the area.

 

The course is not my favorite track in the area, but it has its quirks and is generally very well maintained.

[Sep]

I'm going to do a little compass here for you of mid-tier pricepoint clubs in pgh:

 

North: Shannopin, Diamond Run, Wildwood

South: South Hills, Southpointe

East: Westmoreland, Edgewood

West: Chartiers, Montour Heights, Sewickley Heights

[mshills]

I just joined Nemacolin, south/southeast. I live in the South Hills and it was a good option for my situation.

 

Tremendous golf course and a real challenge. Actively recruiting new members and I’d be happy to bring anyone out if you are considering joining. PM me if interested. 

[grm24]

On 4/29/2024 at 7:48 AM, mshills said:

Tremendous golf course and a real challenge. 

Absolutely correct. In spite of a couple layout changes they made some years back that weren't needed IMO. Always play there when I have the chance. Congrats on joining! One of the best kept "secrets" amongst private clubs in Western PA.

[mshills]

 

8 hours ago, grm24 said:

Absolutely correct. In spite of a couple layout changes they made some years back that weren't needed IMO. Always play there when I have the chance. Congrats on joining! One of the best kept "secrets" amongst private clubs in Western PA.

Thanks I am enjoying it. Have not gotten to play as much as I’d like this spring but what else is new. Not sure what course changes have occurred, that would be interesting to know. 
 

It took me a while to be ok with the drive. The clubs very close to me aren’t a good option for various reasons. I decided I’m driving that far or somewhat more to play public courses I really don’t like very much so when I thought of it that way it was an easy decision. 

[grm24]

On 5/22/2024 at 7:57 AM, mshills said:

 

Thanks I am enjoying it. Have not gotten to play as much as I’d like this spring but what else is new. Not sure what course changes have occurred, that would be interesting to know. 
 

It took me a while to be ok with the drive. The clubs very close to me aren’t a good option for various reasons. I decided I’m driving that far or somewhat more to play public courses I really don’t like very much so when I thought of it that way it was an easy decision. 

Number 1 used to be a punch bowl green which was removed/changed. There used to be a sand trap/bunker to the right of and well below the 18th green which was removed. Was a fun shot! Have heard stores of them softening some traps and greens over the years. It's a bit of nitpicking but I love the course/layout.

 

Considered joinining there some time back when I was still living in the area and they were hurting for money/members. Especially after the club manager embezzled over $500k from the club in the early 2010's. The deal to join was no initiation fee and just monthly dues for a full golf membership. Heck of a deal.

[mshills]

54 minutes ago, grm24 said:

Number 1 used to be a punch bowl green which was removed/changed. There used to be a sand trap/bunker to the right of and well below the 18th green which was removed. Was a fun shot! Have heard stores of them softening some traps and greens over the years. It's a bit of nitpicking but I love the course/layout.

 

Considered joinining there some time back when I was still living in the area and they were hurting for money/members. Especially after the club manager embezzled over $500k from the club in the early 2010's. The deal to join was no initiation fee and just monthly dues for a full golf membership. Heck of a deal.

Thanks. Someone told me there was always a problem with being short of water that I guess was alleviated by putting in the big pond out behind and right of my favorite hole #15. Did not know about the GM theft, ouch! Punch bowl green on #1 would be fun, wonder why that was removed. On 18 yesterday I had to lay up after a big drive that I hit too far left as usual. That is just not a high % shot with the OB / path left and behind the green and a long club in my hand. 
 

Definitely still aggressively pursuing new members, it is just a tremendous, tough golf course in wonderful condition and the pro is an awesome guy. From the regular tees it’s 6300 yards and that is a lot of golf course for my adaptive play but I love it and could not be more pleased. 

[The Milkman]

On 4/29/2024 at 7:48 AM, mshills said:

I just joined Nemacolin, south/southeast. I live in the South Hills and it was a good option for my situation.

 

Tremendous golf course and a real challenge. Actively recruiting new members and I’d be happy to bring anyone out if you are considering joining. PM me if interested. 

I will message you. I am potentially looking at a move to Pittsburgh for work, and will likely be out that way in July for some meetings. Would love to meet up for a round if you're available. 

[h2p16]

On 4/22/2024 at 11:45 AM, Sep said:

I'm going to do a little compass here for you of mid-tier pricepoint clubs in pgh:

 

North: Shannopin, Diamond Run, Wildwood

South: South Hills, Southpointe

East: Westmoreland, Edgewood

West: Chartiers, Montour Heights, Sewickley Heights

Unless something changed recently, anytime I've inquired at Wildwood, I would not price it as mid-tier.  The monthly dues exceeded Butler (hefty initiation) and both the initiation and monthly dues exceeded Treesdale (who can really handle a lot of members given the 3 9-hole courses).  Diamond run, as an individual/intermediate is basically free.  Same with Sewickley Heights.  SH might also appeal to "North" given its proximity to 79 around Franklin Park/Ohio Twp areas.