The Phoenix at Buffalo Valley
The Phoenix has a little something for everyone, from wide-open fairways to bottlenecked greens.
If you’re looking for a new challenging place to golf, there’s a hidden gem just a half hour’s drive up Route 28 from Pittsburgh in Freeport, Pa.
The Phoenix at Buffalo Valley golf course is the latest addition to western Pennsylvania’s already impressive selection of golf courses. Formally the Buffalo Valley Country Club, The Phoenix has been completely revamped under the new management of the Nese Family, which owns Glengarry Golf Links in Latrobe, along with the Dargenzio Family.
Before it reopened this summer, this scenic 18-hole public golf course was completely overhauled, with every hole seeing some level of change.
“Our goal was to create a fun yet challenging course that was more accessible for the public,” says part-owner Gary Nese. “Tees were moved back, trees were cut down, and fairways were widened to give the course a new look and feel for those who may have played here years ago.” Nese says the most challenging aspect was creating and relocating the existing gold and red tees, which previously played anywhere from a par 71 to a par 76 into more playable yardages and scores.
Nese says what attracted him to this course in the first place was the chance to renovate an exceptional private course layout into what they felt would be an even better challenge for all in a convenient and accessible location. And considering how far the course has come today, we’d say they’ve certainly met their expectations.
The Phoenix has a little something for everyone, from wide-open fairways to bottlenecked greens.
“The Phoenix is a parkland-style course,” says Nese, “with the fairways, greens, and hazards being visible from the tee. In this layout, golf shots are rewarded and not unfairly penalized according to how well they have been played.”
And if you’re talking about natural beauty alone, the course offers some of the most memorable vistas of any of the region’s courses. Many of the elevated holes on the back nine, for instance, offer splendid views of the Allegheny River Valley below.
Nese says his favorite hole is no. 2. “It not only gives a taste of the overall style of the course changes—wider fairways, rebunkering, exposing, and bringing into play the pond left of the green—it also is a fun risk/reward short par 4, with the new bunker on the left that creates a decision for the player.”
In addition to great golfing, The Phoenix at Buffalo Valley features a 4,000-square-foot restaurant with a deck that overlooks the 9th green, providing the perfect setting for weddings, banquets, and outings. “The Pub at The Phoenix serves a full menu, from breakfast to dinner,” says Nese. “We specialize in outings and parties of all sorts, from golf to wedding receptions. When you’re planning your next event, please keep us in mind. We know you’ll be satisfied.”
The Phoenix at Buffalo Valley also offers a driving range and men's and women's locker rooms. You can also take golf lessons with Head Pro Brian Klocek.
If you love golf and the excitement of discovering a new challenge, you owe it to yourself to take the short ride up along the Allegheny to this wonderful new course. You won’t be disappointed.
The Phoenix at Buffalo Valley is currently offering a Grand Opening Special. They call it the “5-5-5 Special.” With the purchase of a round of golf at the regular 18-hole rate, each golfer receives a $5 restaurant credit, a $5 Pro Shop credit, and a $5 discount on a return round of golf.
For more information, visit The Phoenix at Buffalo Valley’s website at www.thephoenixbv.com, or call them at (724) 295-4001.
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