Most golfers think they know mountain golf until they experience the Poconos. I thought the same until my first trip to Tobyhanna, three summers ago. What started as a simple weekend getaway turned into an annual pilgrimage. The difference? It’s not just about elevation, though at 2,000 feet, you’ll definitely notice your ball flying further. It’s about discovering courses where history whispers through century-old oak trees, where glacial lakes create both beauty and strategic nightmares, and where a single round can take you from replica holes of Augusta National to layouts designed by legends like Donald Ross.
Here’s what caught me off guard: within a 20-minute radius of this unassuming Pennsylvania town, you can play three completely different golf experiences in a single day. Start your morning on a private championship course that feels like stepping into golf’s golden age, spend your afternoon walking 27 holes of pure mountain tradition, and finish with an evening round that literally recreates famous holes from America’s greatest courses. It sounds too good to be true, but I’ve done exactly that, and I’m about to show you how.
This isn’t your typical “best courses” list filled with generic descriptions and stock photos. I’ve played every course mentioned here multiple times, in different seasons, and I’ve learned which ones are worth the drive, which offer the best value, and most importantly, which ones will leave you planning your return trip before you’ve even finished your round. Whether you’re looking to impress clients, challenge your foursome, or simply escape into some of the most beautiful golf terrain in the Northeast, Tobyhanna’s got something that will exceed your expectations.
Why Golf in Tobyhanna
There’s something truly magical about golfing in the Poconos, and Tobyhanna sits right in the sweet spot of this golfing paradise. Nestled at an elevation of approximately 2,000 feet above sea level, this area offers a unique golfing environment that you simply can’t find at lower elevations. The cool, crisp mountain air not only provides relief from summer heat but also creates ideal playing conditions that can add distance to your drives while keeping you comfortable throughout your entire round.
The natural geography of the region creates a stunning backdrop for every shot you take. Imagine playing through courses where ancient glacial lakes serve as both beautiful water hazards and scenic focal points, where towering pine and oak trees line fairways that have been carved thoughtfully through pristine mountain woodlands, and where elevation changes add strategic complexity to every hole. These aren’t just golf courses; they’re outdoor sanctuaries where nature and sport blend seamlessly together.
Accessibility is another major advantage of choosing Tobyhanna as your golfing destination. The area’s strategic location near major Pennsylvania routes, particularly PA Routes 423 and 940, makes it incredibly easy to reach multiple world-class golf facilities within a short drive. You’re not limited to just one or two options; instead, you have access to a diverse portfolio of courses that cater to every skill level, playing preference, and budget consideration.
What truly sets this region apart is the remarkable variety available within such a compact area. Within a 20-minute radius of Tobyhanna, you can experience everything from challenging championship layouts that will test every aspect of your game to more forgiving courses perfect for families and beginners. You’ll find public facilities where you can show up and play, exclusive private clubs that offer membership opportunities, and luxury resort courses where you can combine your golf with fine dining, spa services, and comfortable accommodations.
Featured Golf Courses – Detailed Profiles
1. Pocono Farms Country Club
Pocono Farms Country Club stands as one of the crown jewels of Pocono Mountains golf, offering an absolutely stunning 18-hole championship layout that showcases everything wonderful about mountain golf. This magnificent 6,163-yard course presents golfers with a perfect blend of challenge and beauty, featuring meticulously maintained fairways that wind through some of the most picturesque terrain in all of Pennsylvania. The course’s design takes full advantage of the natural topography, incorporating elevation changes, water features, and strategic bunkering that rewards thoughtful shot-making while punishing careless play.
The history of Pocono Farms Country Club is deeply rooted in the golden age of American golf course architecture. The course was designed by the legendary Art Wall Jr., a master architect who understood how to work with the natural landscape rather than against it. Since its establishment, the club has built a reputation as one of the premier golfing destinations in the Northeast, attracting players from New York, New Jersey, and throughout Pennsylvania who seek both challenging golf and stunning natural beauty.
Course Details and Layout
| Specification | Details |
| Total Yardage | 6,163 yards |
| Par | 72 |
| Number of Holes | 18 |
| Course Rating | Championship level |
| Slope Rating | Varies by tee |
| Designer | Art Wall Jr. |
The front nine holes play past Glacier Lake and through mountain woodlands, where spring flowers and fall colors make for an unforgettable golf experience. The back nine challenges golfers with well-manicured and deeply contoured greens that demand approach shots to land and stay on the same level as the flag. The course surface quality is exceptional, with bent grass greens that roll true and fast, complemented by lush fairways that provide excellent lies throughout the season.
The club offers extensive amenities that make it perfect for families and serious golfers alike. The facility features a comprehensive pro shop stocked with the latest equipment and apparel, professional instruction from PGA-certified instructors, and a beautiful clubhouse that serves as the perfect gathering place before and after your round. The dining facilities offer everything from quick snacks to full meals, and the swimming pool provides a refreshing way to cool off during hot summer days. Pocono Farms is private and requires a membership to play regular rounds of golf.
2. Buck Hill Falls Golf Club
Buck Hill Falls Golf Club represents over a century of golfing tradition in the Pocono Mountains, making it one of the most historically significant courses in all of Pennsylvania. Opening its first nine holes in 1907, Buck Hill Falls established itself as one of the premier courses in the Pocono Mountains. The course has since tripled in size, but its longstanding reputation continues. This magnificent facility offers golfers an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of legends while experiencing some of the most challenging and beautiful golf in the region.
The architectural lineage of Buck Hill Falls reads like a who’s who of golf course design. The original layout was crafted by Robert White, with later contributions from the legendary Donald Ross and modern updates by the renowned Rees Jones. This combination of classical design principles with contemporary course management techniques has created a layout that remains both timeless and thoroughly modern in its appeal to today’s golfers.
Buck Hill Falls boasts a 27-hole golf course, providing golfers with multiple routing options and ensuring that even frequent visitors can experience variety in their play. Ridgeline silhouettes, relentless undulations, and classic subtleties punctuate this golf course. The course offers multiple tee options to accommodate golfers of all skill levels, with detailed yardage and slope information available for each set of tees.
Course Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Total Holes | 27 holes |
| Layout Options | Multiple 18-hole combinations |
| Established | 1907 |
| Original Architect | Robert White |
| Restoration | Rees Jones |
| Terrain | Mountain woodland with elevation changes |
The amenities at Buck Hill Falls extend far beyond golf, making it a true resort destination. The 4500-acre property includes a tennis center with ten Har-Tru courts, an Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool, championship lawn bowling greens, and miles of nature trails. The clubhouse facilities are extensive, featuring multiple dining options, a well-appointed pro shop, and event spaces perfect for tournaments, weddings, and corporate outings.
3. Mount Airy Casino Resort Golf Club
Mount Airy Casino Resort Golf Club offers one of the most unique golfing experiences you’ll find anywhere in the world. Designed after Sports illustrated’s “Best 18 Holes in Golf,” each hole is modeled after golf’s most legendary holes from championship courses in America. This isn’t just a round of golf; it’s a journey through golf history, where you can experience recreations of famous holes from courses like Pebble Beach, Augusta National, Merion, and Oakland Hills all in one round.
Opened in 1980, Mount Airy Golf Club was designed by golf course architect Hal Purdy, who reinterpreted famous holes from such dynamic courses as Pebble Beach Golf Links, Oakland Hills CC, Merion GC, and Augusta National, to name a few. This concept has proven incredibly popular with golfers who want to test their skills against replica holes from courses they may never have the opportunity to play otherwise.
Championship Course Details
| Specification | Details |
| Total Yardage | Over 6,500 yards |
| Par | 71 |
| Course Rating | 72.4 |
| Slope Rating | 132 |
| Number of Holes | 18 |
| Architect | Hal Purdy |
| Opening Year | 1980 |
The result is over 6,500 yards of stunning fairways, picturesque views, and outstanding golf course conditions expected at private country clubs. The course maintenance standards are exceptionally high, with playing surfaces that rival the best private clubs in the region.
The resort setting provides golfers with an unparalleled variety of amenities and services. The resort features a 16,000-square-foot spa, salon and exercise facility; a luxury indoor/outdoor pool, headline entertainment, and a banquet and conference center. After your round, you can enjoy gaming at the AAA Four Diamond-rated casino with more than 1,800 slots, 80 tables, and a new sportsbook.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Course Name | Type | Distance from Tobyhanna | Notable Amenities | Best Suited For |
| Pocono Farms Country Club | Private | 5 minutes | Pro shop, dining, pool, lessons, family facilities | Members, families, serious golfers |
| Buck Hill Falls Golf Club | Resort/Semi Private | 15 minutes | 27 holes, tennis, Olympic pool, dining, nature trails | Resort guests, tournament players, traditionalists |
| Mount Airy Casino Resort | Public/Resort | 20 minutes | Casino, spa, multiple dining, entertainment, lodging | Vacation golfers, groups, entertainment seekers |
Golfing Tips for Tobyhanna Visits
Planning the perfect golf experience in the Tobyhanna area requires some insider knowledge that will help you make the most of your time on these spectacular courses.
- First and foremost, I cannot stress enough the importance of calling ahead or checking online for tee time availability, especially during peak season from May through October. Many of these courses, particularly the private and resort facilities, require advance reservations, and some may have specific policies regarding guest access or membership requirements.
- Weather preparation is crucial when golfing in the Pocono Mountains. Even during the height of summer, mountain mornings can be surprisingly cool, with temperatures often 10-15 degrees cooler than in surrounding valleys. I always recommend packing layers, starting with a light jacket or windbreaker that you can easily remove as the day warms up. Don’t forget that afternoon thunderstorms are common in mountainous areas during summer months, so keep an eye on weather forecasts and be prepared to seek shelter if needed.
- Dress codes at these facilities tend to be more formal than you might expect at municipal courses. Most private and resort courses require collared shirts and prohibit denim, while some have specific requirements regarding golf shoes and shorts length.
- When in doubt, err on the side of being overdressed rather than underdressed. Cart rules are also important to understand; many courses have specific cart path policies designed to protect the course during wet conditions, and some holes may be designated as cart paths only year-round. Take advantage of the professional instruction available at these facilities.
- Each course features PGA-certified professionals who understand the unique challenges of mountain golf and can provide valuable insights about local playing conditions, green reading, and course management strategies. Even experienced golfers often find that a quick lesson or playing lesson helps them adapt to the elevation changes and mountain conditions.
Conclusion
The Tobyhanna area truly represents some of the finest golf the Northeast has to offer. From the private club elegance of Pocono Farms Country Club to the historic charm of Buck Hill Falls and the unique concept of Mount Airy Casino Resort, each course provides its own special brand of mountain golf excellence. These aren’t just places to play golf; they’re destinations where natural beauty, challenging play, and exceptional service combine to create truly memorable experiences.
What makes this region particularly special is the diversity of experiences available within such a compact area. Whether you’re seeking the exclusivity of private club membership, the tradition of century-old layouts, or the excitement of resort-style amenities, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for within just a few minutes drive of Tobyhanna.
After a challenging day on these spectacular mountain courses, there’s nothing better than relaxing in comfort close to where you played. Consider staying in one of our carefully selected Tobyhanna vacation rentals, perfectly positioned by HolidayKeepers just minutes from these top courses. These properties feature cozy fire pits perfect for evening relaxation, fully equipped kitchens for preparing post-round meals, and spacious accommodations where your entire golfing group can unwind and replay the day’s best shots while planning tomorrow’s adventure.
Contact us for further details or booking assistance.
FAQs
Q: What’s the best time of year to golf in the Tobyhanna area?
A: The golf season in the Poconos typically runs from April through November, with peak conditions occurring from May through October. Late spring and early fall offer particularly spectacular experiences, with comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and stunning foliage. Summer months provide the longest days and warmest weather, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. Many courses offer excellent winter rates for brave golfers willing to play in cooler conditions.
Q: Do I need to be a member to play these courses?
A: It depends on the specific course. Pocono Farms Country Club is strictly private and requires membership or guest privileges with a member. Buck Hill Falls offers various access options, including resort packages and limited public access. Mount Airy Casino Resort is open to the public, though resort guests often receive preferred tee times and special rates. Always call ahead to confirm access policies and availability.
Q: What should I expect to pay for a round of golf in this area?
A: Green fees vary significantly based on the course, time of year, and day of the week. Public courses like Mount Airy typically range from $60 to $120 for 18 holes, including cart, with resort packages offering better value. Private courses require membership investment but offer unlimited play privileges. Many courses offer twilight rates, senior discounts, and seasonal packages that can provide substantial savings.
Q: Are lessons available for beginners or golfers looking to improve?
A: Absolutely! All featured courses employ PGA-certified professionals who offer individual lessons, group clinics, and playing lessons. Mountain golf presents unique challenges, including elevation changes and uneven lies that even experienced golfers need to master. I highly recommend taking at least one lesson to learn course-specific strategies and local playing conditions, especially if you’re new to mountain golf.
Q: Can I walk these courses, or are golf carts required?
A: Cart policies vary by course and season. Many mountain courses strongly encourage or require carts due to significant elevation changes and distances between holes. Buck Hill Falls and Mount Airy typically allow walking during certain times and seasons, while some private courses may have more flexible policies for members. Cart fees are usually included in green fee packages, and the carts often come equipped with GPS systems to help with course navigation and distance measuring.
