When will Centre County’s public golf courses open? Here’s a full look at current plans, details
After a long winter, local golfers can finally breathe easy. The season is here — sort of.
Centre County’s public golf courses began opening this past week, although most are still readying their greens and fairways. But, for stir-crazy golfers in need of some recreation during the pandemic, there are at least some choices already: Mountain View Country Club in Boalsburg fully opened Wednesday, and Penn State’s White Course opened for walking golfers Friday.
Some courses don’t yet have a firm date for opening; at least one doesn’t plan to open until next month. The good news? Over the next few weeks, local golfers will have more options become available.
The following is a comprehensive list of the county’s public golf courses, when they’re opening, their rates, and more, based on interviews, social media and their respective websites. Please note that all prices are for standard non-members with a cart, unless otherwise noted, and discounts might be available for certain golfers such as senior citizens and students.
Mountain View Country Club
Opened: March 10
Location: 310 Elks Club Road, Boalsburg
Course yardage/difficulty: White tees — Par 71 (6,015 yards); 69.0 rating/126 slope; Red tees — Par 71 (4,625 yards); 66.5 rating/112 slope
18-hole rates: Through March 31 — $32, Monday through Thursday; $39, Friday through Sunday before noon and $32 Friday through Sunday after noon
To book a tee time: Call the pro shop at 466-7231, or book online at TeeOff.com
Penn State Golf Courses
Opened: March 12 (Note: Only the White Course is currently open and for walking only. It’s not yet known when the Blue Course will open or when carts will be available for both courses; a pro shop employee said more details could be available as early as this coming week.)
Location: 1523 W. College Ave., State College
Course yardage/difficulty: White Course: White tees — Par 72 (6,130 yards); 70.0 rating/131 slope; Gold tees — Par 72 (5,672 yards); 67.9 rating/126 slope. Blue Course: White tees — Par 72 (6,329 yards); 71.1 rating/131 slope; Gold tees — Par 72 (5,750 yards) 68.4 rating/128 slope
18-hole rates (White Course/walking): Temporary rate — $20 ($15 for 9 holes)
To book a tee time: Call the pro shop at 863-0257, or book online at pennstategolfcourses.com
Philipsburg Elks Country Club (Semi-Private)
Opens: By end of March (tentative depending on weather)
Location: 1 Country Club Lane, Philipsburg
Course yardage/difficulty: White tees — Par 70 (5,580 yards); 67.7 rating/129 slope; Red tees — Par 72 (4,982 yards); 69.4 rating/123 slope (Note: This is a 9-hole course with different tees for the “front” and “back” for those playing 18.)
18-hole rates: Through April 30 — $25, Monday through Friday; $35, Saturday through Sunday
To book a tee time: Call the pro shop at 342-1114 (Note: Members’ tee times take priority, although non-members are free to book any day.)
Skytop Mountain Golf Club
Opens: No firm date yet set (snow on course as of Tuesday)
Location: 350 Skytop, E. Mountain Road, Port Matilda
Course yardage/difficulty: White tees — Par 72 (5,809 yards); 69.0 rating/137 slope; Red tees — Par 72 (4,593 yards); 63.5 rating/119 slope
18-hole rates: $45, Monday through Thursday before 2 p.m., and $40 Monday through Thursday after 2 p.m.; $52 Friday through Saturday before 2 p.m. and $47 Friday through Saturday after 2 p.m.
To book a tee time: Call the clubhouse at 692-4249, or book online at skytopgolf.com
Toftrees Golf Club
Opens: March 26
Location: 1 Country Club Lane, State College
Course yardage/difficulty: White tees — Par 72 (6,378 yards); 71.7 rating/137 slope; Red tees — Par 72 (5,555 yards); 72.5 rating/125 slope
18-hole rates: Through April 30 — $45, Monday through Thursday before 3 p.m. and $30 Monday through Thursday after 3 p.m.; $55 Friday through Sunday before 3 p.m. and $40 Friday through Sunday after 3 p.m.
To book a tee time: Call the clubhouse at 238-7600, or book online at toftrees.com.
Tussey Mountain Par-3 Golf Course (9 holes)
Opens: Sometime in April (no firm date yet set, as snow is still covering many holes)
Location: 301 Bear Meadows Road, Boalsburg
Course yardage/difficulty: Par 27 (855 yards)
9-hole rates (walking): Last season’s cost was $15; this season’s rates have not yet been set
To book a tee time: Walk-up tee times are accepted and calling ahead is not necessary; office number is 466-6266
This story was originally published March 13, 2021 at 12:53 PM.
