Pine Acres Golf Course (Bradford, PA)

Being the only public golf course in town, Pine Acres gets a lot of play. For many years, if people wanted to play golf, they would have to drive over to Warren PA or possibly up to Ellicotville NY, or Jamestown NY. Then finally there was a decision to build a public golf course out in Allegheny National Park. James Harrison was selected to design it. Being a protege of Donald Ross, Harrison understood how to make a playable course, how to make it challenging, and how to handle the foot traffic that comes with being the only course within many miles. 

(The short par four 10th 338 yards)

The topography for the course is atop a hill, and is not ideal, which explains several of the reverse camber holes. The large greens allow for many different pin placements, alleviates the strain of foot traffic, and more importantly, is very playable for all skill levels. 

(Accuracy off the tee is a prerequisite at 401 yard ninth) 

Most of the greens are open in the front but above pic of twelve shows a green that slopes away on all sides. It s one of my favorite holes on the course. 

The par threes are average except for the thirteenth (pic). I love how the bunkering frames the shot. Fountain on left has to go!

Fifteen and eighteen are both par fives, and are two of the better holes. 

Fifteen plays up and over a hill before rolling downhill to the green. It's reachable in two but the second shot will be from a downhill lie. 

Eighteen is a fine dogleg left. Two ponds fifty yards short of the green make the player decide between being aggressive or laying back. Above pic doesnt show water, but what is evident is the ability to knock it on if you play a confident wooden shot. 

Pine Acres does exactly what I think it was meant to do. It's an average golf course with several good holes. It doesn't demand more than most players can handle, and it is in excellent shape. All in all, a win for the people in Bradford. 

3 (average)