Golf Experiences Aplenty in Centre County

For those looking to challenge themselves on the course, or just a fun way to fill an afternoon, summer golf is the answer in Centre County. With a bevy of courses to choose from, golfers at any level will be able to experience a nice, relaxing time at the tee.

Here’s just a taste of what is offered in the Centre County area:

PENN STATE COURSES

The famed Blue and White courses in the heart of State College will play host to several prestigious events in the coming months.

On May 18, some of the best 18-and-under golfers of the Philadelphia area will arrive at the course, playing a two-day tournament for the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour.

One of the biggest events on the calendar is the 23rd annual Children’s Miracle Network Tournament, which will encompass both Blue and White courses on May 23. Money raised through this all-day event will go towards medical services for ill children and support for their families.

Another event for a good cause will take place May 31 with the annual Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament taking over the courses. Beginning in 1995, Coaches vs. Cancer of Penn State has raised over $3 million to fight cancer, with the annual golf tournament acting as a major source of funding. Along with the tournament itself, the event will include a pre-tournament sponsor and captain reception as well as a post-tournament awards dinner.

The courses will play host to several other outings, including the Sigma Pi Open on June 1 and the Hurricane Junior Tour on June 8.

PHILIPSBURG ELKS LODGE AND COUNTRY CLUB

One of the area’s finest courses, the Philipsburg Elks Lodge and Country Club has several competitive tournaments for its dedicated member base.

The first major event of May is the Jack Frank Memorial, taking place May 11. That will be followed by the W. Carl Lupton Memorial, which will be held May 25 through 27.

After an outing for the Pennsylvania State Police on June 3, the club will host its biggest tournament of June with the Elks Invitational.

For July, the calendar is packed with events, including the Osceola Open July 3, the Elks Home Service Tournament July 20, the Walter Swoope Memorial July 27 and 28 as well as the Fish Open/Pro-Am event closing the course July 31.

NITTANY COUNTRY CLUB

Nittany Country Club will also be hosting exciting golf events this summer.

The season will kick off with the BJ Wetzler Memorial event on May 11, a popular outing on the club’s calendar.

On May 18, the club will be hosting the Nittany Open, a better ball partners tournament. Another better ball partners event, the Nittany Senior Open, will take place July 24.

Outside of the course itself, the club contains the Grill Room, a restaurant and bar that includes outdoor seating with a view of the course. The club also provides a banquet facility for special events, available to members and non-members alike.

SKYTOP

Skytop’s mountain course has many golf amenities available for pros and novices alike.

In addition to the course, Skytop contains several practice areas. They include two bentgrass tee areas, seven target greens as well as a 12,000-square-foot practice green.

For those looking for professional coaching, the course offers private lessons, on-course lessons as well as a long drive school.

New to the course are speedy and sturdy golfboards, an alternative to traditional carts as a mode of transportation around the holes. These motorized boards are trusty enough to carry a golfer and golf bag, and are tailor-made for the course’s mountain terrain.

TOFTREES

The Toftrees Golf Resort is one of outstanding quality and is regarded as a top course to play in Pennsylvania.

Rated at 4.5-out-of-five in Golf Digest magazine, the course that opened in 1968 is still going strong today. The course also boasts a hotel resort, optimal for weekend getaways, and The Field Burger & Tap restaurant. The establishment contains a selection of craft beers, milkshakes and was voted the best burger and fries by State College Magazine in 2018.

GOLFER MATT ADAMS prepares to hit a chip shot at Hole 9 at Toftrees Resort and Conference Center on April 23. Photo by Vincent Corso/The Gazette

MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTRY CLUB

With views of the surrounding Tussey Mountain Ridge, Mountain View County Club is an apt name for this course nestled among the hills of Boalsburg.

Built in 1963, the golf course was operated as the Elks Country Club until spring of 2012 when new ownership revitalized the facility by upgrading both the golf experience and the club house.

Over the years, the country club has hosted hundreds of golf tournaments and outings, served catered events and has made special occasions into lasting memories.

The public country club offers a private golf club experience.