Venango is kept in excellent conditions and that’s the main reason why it draws golfers from Erie and throughout western Pennsylvania. The rough is maintained at a playable length, and considering most of the customers are recreational golfers, might be the most important aspect. It all adds up to a fun round of golf and an opportunity to shoot a low number.
(The 173 yard par three second is bracketed by sand but has plenty of room in front for beginners to run the ball on.)
I played here on a late Saturday afternoon, early evening. Typically during that time frame, courses are in a lull, but here, many couples and families were showing up to play. With this type of following, the course has to adhere to a less defensive form of architecture, but still keep interest. Introducing Paul Erath. Erath worked with Arnold Palmer at Latrobe and his greens are the lifeblood of Venango.
(The fourth is only 319 yards but a large tree front left adds enough interest to make par a good score.)
The course plays uphill and then back downhill to the Inn. The greens have a low profile in front but they slope with the terrain. The entire green can pitch to the side but a few ridges will make bowl areas where the putt breaks opposite of the hill. This trick gives each green multiple pin positions where the golfer will need to hit a superior shot to have a good birdie opportunity.
(The downhill 505 yard par five fifteenth is reachable in two but a creek and pond deter most from giving it a go.)
(The 325 yard par four seventeenth plays to a skyline green with a false front. Rear pins are just as precarious since the putting surface falls away in the back.)
As I was walking around, I was scribbling notes to myself. There are a few holes where a chainsaw was the suggestion, but usually I was looking to add a bunker to make a green or particular shot stand out. Sometimes I saw a bunker and thought it was not placed in a good spot. But then it occurred to me that my ideas would make it more difficult, and because it’s not, is the exact reason why it’s so popular.
(I wish all creeks looked like this. The clean lies make it aesthetically pleasing, but also entice one into trying a shot they usually wouldn’t attempt.)
People always think they’re going to shoot their best round at Venango. When a course is kept in this good of shape, and the hazards are at a minimum, people’s expectations increase. And while it’s a definite possibility they will shoot their best round here, that increases the pressure on hitting good shots, making putts, and getting off to a good start. One of the comments I read stated his golf association has their best turnout here, and I’m sure that’s true for many groups traveling here.
(The uphill 408 yard par four fourteenth is the most difficult on the course. The view of the countryside reveals just how much uphill it plays.)
The Inn was built in 1838 and houses a restaurant that is very popular with the locals. The pro shop is inside at the check in desk. The bar is quaint with photos and sketches of Hogan, Palmer, Jones, and Nicklaus. It seems like the perfect place for drinks and food afterwards.
(The 460 yard downhill par five eighteenth offers the perfect opportunity to steal a stroke back. The well bunkered green is not without defense. It seems like all popular courses close out like this.)
I imagine someone local will buy Venango and keep one of Western Pennsylvania’s best kept secrets alive. The Meadville Tribune awarded it as the best course in the area. All the memorials decorating the tee boxes reinforce the popularity and love folks have for it. It’s a first class operation and they proudly point out the excellent tee boxes they have for women. I give Venango Valley a 4 (above average)(worth driving 30-45 minutes to play).
A woodcarving statue of Arnold Palmer on the first tee.
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