Buck Hill Falls, Pennsylvania
Buck Hill Falls delivers a century-old test through rolling Pocono terrain, blending Donald Ross’s architectural touch with rugged mountain character. Recent restoration highlights smart, shot-maker’s golf and a historic atmosphere welcoming to everyday visitors. It’s an ideal anchor for a Northeast golf trip in the Poconos.
Be sure to walk the upstairs clubhouse balcony for panoramic mountain views before or after your round.
Buck Hill Falls Golf Club marries Donald Ross’s routing genius to rolling Pocono mountain land, with the Red nine offering Robert White’s original 1907 footprint. The 2022 restoration recaptured Ross’s challenging but playable green surrounds, faithful bunkering, and the historic blend of woodland corridors and open mountain views. Strategy, not power, is king here: golfers face elevation changes, demanding angles, and sloped lies that reward creativity and nerve. The three nines seamlessly interweave for distinctive loops that all echo a century of golf tradition.
Both Donald Ross and Robert White left lasting marks on the course, and the faithful 2022 restoration by Rees Jones and team has brought their original intent to life for modern golfers.
The sweeping par-5 4th climbs steadily along the mountain, challenging players to manage both distance and direction. Its elevation gain and length make it a demanding par, even for big hitters. An aggressively shaped layup sets up a tricky approach to a perched green.
Think three shots and prioritize fairway placement on each, especially if your drive doesn’t catch the downslope.
Steep hillside rough and challenging bunkers swallow loose approaches and force a precise third.
Well-maintained, classic Northeast conditioning with quick-recovering turf and restored greens.
A tradition-soaked, refined mountain-club atmosphere open to the public.
No jeans; change shoes in locker room; collared shirt required.
Practice uneven stances and playing from sloped fairways ahead of time.
Mountain weather can change quickly—mornings are cool and afternoons warm up fast.
The course offers three nines—confirm your loop and routing at check-in.
The mountain terrain and possible traffic in Poconos towns mean early arrival is wise.
Original course (Red 9) opened by Robert White
Donald Ross-designed Blue and White nines debut
White reworks Red to integrate with Ross nines
Full restoration of Ross nines by Rees Jones and team
Centennial celebration of Ross course opening
Donald Ross brought his signature strategic shaping to the mountain slopes, expanding Buck Hill Falls into a masterfully routed 27-hole experience. Every approach demands careful club selection and attention to angle, with mountain breezes and classic greens adding depth to every round.
Robert White, the club’s founding designer, became the very first president of the PGA of America, forever linking Buck Hill Falls to the roots of American professional golf. His influence shaped not just this club, but the standards of the sport nationwide.
After a century in play, Buck Hill Falls debuted a head-to-toe restoration in 2022, led by Rees Jones, Andrew Mutch, and NMP Golf Construction. The team revived the classic bunkering and green contours, restoring Ross’s vision for the next generation.
Designer Robert White became the first president of the PGA of America.
The Red nine’s origin makes it one of the oldest courses in continuous play in Pennsylvania.
Buck Hill Falls celebrated the Ross course's centennial in 2022 with a major restoration.
The club maintains a strict dress code rooted in its century-old traditions.
Top-tier mountain golf with public access, strong complement to Buck Hill’s classic style.
Challenging, scenic, and affordable mountain golf less than 45 minutes away.
Fun resort option with ski-area views and broad fairways.
Nicklaus design and top-ranked Poconos test for the architecturally curious.
Book lodging in the Mount Pocono, Cresco, or Stroudsburg area for short commutes to Buck Hill Falls and regional golf courses.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Arizona Biltmore – Links a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Buck Hill Falls Golf Club.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. The Links of North Dakota a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Buck Hill Falls Golf Club.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Sewanee Golf Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Buck Hill Falls Golf Club.
Host of PGA and BMW Championships
Frequent PGA Championship venue
Ross masterpiece, U.S. Open venue
Community Sentiment
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