GOLF recently released its latest ranking of the Top 100 Courses in the U.S. (2024-25), a list that includes 11 newcomers. Some of them you might know. Others you might not. Here, in our newcomer spotlights, we’ll introduce you to these rookie Top 100 gems.
Location: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Type: Private
Year opened: 1925
Architect: Seth Raynor, Charles Banks
This Tom Marzolf restoration was a strict return to Raynor’s 1925 vision, some of which had been lost based on advice that the club received from A.W. Tillinghast in the 1930s. Raynor fans are left with plenty to relish, including the Lion’s Mouth bunker brought back at 9, the Double Plateau green reinstated at 13 and the famous Bottle hole bunkering scheme returned at 16. All the approach areas were sand capped, with the resulting firmer surfaces allowing for short-game creativity. Additionally, short grass now surrounds the green pads, ensuring that options abound for recovery shots. Panelist Barry Doyle has suggested that Fox Chapel might now be home to Raynor’s best set of greens.
“Raynor’s principles may have been lost over the years, but they are back and better than ever. Marzolf now makes you think on the tee shots. There is strategic architectural bunkering evident on most every tee shot and every shot thereafter. The template holes are incredible. I think they are the best anywhere, except for Chicago Golf.”
“If you haven’t experienced Fox Chapel then you are missing out on a real treat.”
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