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Oakmont is, of course, an exclusive club but, like those near Philadelphia, access is not impossible. A letter from your club secretary requesting a pre-arranged tee time would probably do the trick. But it's not a course for hackers. If you're higher than about an 18 handicap you may well hold up the field and spoil the day for others, too.
In any event if you're staying in Pittsburgh for a while you'll want to investigate other courses. There are dozens from which to choose and we saw two that are highly recommended and another, at that resort I mentioned earlier, that will add lustre to your holiday.
Quicksilver, a public course that has staged Senior and Nike Tour events, is about 30 minutes from downtown and easy to find. Set in 230 acres of rolling hills, it has won various awards since it opened 10 years ago and had been voted "best public course in Pennsylvania" by Golf Week magazine.
It's tough from the back pegs (7,083 yards, par-72) but there are three other sets of tees and you'll be invited to use those appropriate to your handicap. The club has every facility, all of the highest order: it's virtually a public country club without the expense. Quicksilver's dining room is renowned, so book lunch and have 36 holes. This is public access golf at its best.
We also had a cracking day at Deer Run GC, voted one of the best new courses in the State within a year of its opening in 1994. It's a private club but you'll find a warm welcome if you make reservations.
It too is conveniently located, in tip top order and good value with an elegant clubhouse offering all the usual facilities. As at Quicksilver the terrain is undulating and wooded so it imposes demands upon judgment of distance. It's as pretty as can be with several fine holes -- the 11th is a classic with an approach shot over water. Don't forget your camera.
Your golf tour operator will doubtless have associations with a number of courses and will recommend those to you. If you're travelling independently you'll find details of where to play at the tail-end of this feature. There's a State golf web site to give a more detailed guide and contacts with the various clubs.
One course not included belongs to that resort I mentioned. It will leave you drooling and begging for more.
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