Have Mercy, Try Mercer

Recently I had the pleasure of spending five days in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, a beautiful part of the United States, halfway between Erie, and Pittsburgh, a stone’s throw west of interstate 79.

With the assistance of local Mercer County Convention and Tourist Bureau staffers Peggy Mazyck and Carmen D’Aiello an itinerary that would leave most golfers ‘breathless’ was awaiting the arrival of myself and a golf buddy.

First stop was the Spring Valley Golf Club and Lodge, a family owned course operated by Terry and Jean Mills along with son Bob and daughter Barb.

The Mills family have carved out a wonderful 18-hole track with numerous elevation changes, gorgeous views of the Pennsylvania countryside and greens that were in immaculate condition (in fact these greens were as close to the best I can remember this in early October) and wide, inviting fairways that made for a great ‘first round’ of the trip.

The Mills Family of Spring Valley

A renovated old barn on the site now houses the pro shop, restaurant and overnight accommodations. Basic rooms, great home-style cooking and a genuine American-friendly welcome made our stay & play at Spring Valley a very pleasant experience.

Mills offers, “we need to bring golfers into our area from outside the County in order to survive. We now attract about 70% of our overnight golf business from the Toronto and Buffalo areas, a real credit to the extensive marketing that is done by the Convention and Tourist Bureau and the local businesses who support the cooperative marketing concept.”

Our first full day saw us play the full 18 at Spring Valley followed immediately by a 40 minute drive to the Greens of Greenville Golf Club and lunch at the Gallery Grille.The Greens of Greenville’s Director of Golf Dan McMillen welcomed us upon our arrival and then joined us for lunch. Over our meal he explained some of the course and restaurant’s history in addition to his own background as a PGA professional and the local High School as well as Thiel College golf coach. A very busy guy, Dan was extremely hospitable and made us feel right at home.

Greens of Greenville GC

Dinner that night was courtesy of The Hickory Grille, a well-known area restaurant and sports bar where we met at the door by Micki Giordano the Marketing Director for the seven restaurant chain and were treated ‘like kings’. Fantastic food, a fun atmosphere and great company.

Completely worn out and ready for a good night’s rest we were escorted by our gracious host Carmen to Julia’s Bed and Breakfast (which is actually across the border in Hubbard, Ohio). Owned by Teri and Paul Moser, this is a ’must-stay’ if you are in the area. Adjacent to the Pine Lakes Golf Club, Julia’s is a destination for golf packages as well as weddings and honeymooners. Six beautifully appointed rooms with fireplaces and Jacuzzi await your stay.

Tara Country Inn

Following a healthy and hearty breakfast at Julia’s we headed out to the first tee at Pine Lakes.

After our morning round at Pine Lakes we immediately headed off, did I mention an itinerary that would leave you breathless?, to our afternoon round, scheduled for Yankee Run Golf Course. Located in Brookfield, Ohio Yankee Run was a great track constructed on 150 acres of rolling terrain. Into its 77th year the course is owned by the third generation McMullin family and was recently given a 4 ½ star rating by Golf Digest.

Another full day of 36 holes and once again we were famished. On this night, Carmen took us to the original location (and largest) of the American chain, Quaker Steak and Lube. What a helping of chicken wings! My guess is you may not find them any better, anywhere.

Another day. Another Inn. Tonight we spent at ‘Tara, A Country Inn’. Once again, a small town inn with nothing but exceptional service and a room to die for. Not too difficult to get to sleep after another full day of 36.

A wake-up call at The Tara Inn and we were en route to the sister resort, the Buhl Mansion for breakfast. A quick drive through town and we were ready to eat. Laura Ackley, the affable manager of the Buhl Mansion was there to welcome us and she made us feel right at home in a facility which credibly claims, “from the moment you enter your heart will say you are in a special place”. The Mansion offers ten luxurious guest rooms, magnificent public space housing, the Winner Art Collection and an excellent spa.

Oak Tree Country Club

Day four saw golf at Tam O’Shanter in the morning and more golf at Oak Tree Country Club in the afternoon followed by dinner at The Combine Brothers (where I can pretty much guarantee that you will not finish your main course).

Once again worn out from a full day of golf it was easy to fall asleep quickly at the local Radisson Hotel in Sharon PA.

The final day we had breakfast at the Radisson and nine holes at the Pine Grove Golf Club. We were scheduled for 18 but finally experienced a little rain so we decided to heed our weary legs, pack up the clubs and head home.

In between rounds of golf we were introduced to some local tourist favourites including the massive Prime Outlet mall at Grove City (no sales tax on clothing). Great place to spend a day ‘just shopping’.

In addition we were guided by Carmen to the Worlds Largest Shoe Store – Reyers, with over 175,000 pairs of shoes on display.

Pine Lakes GC

Down the street is The Winner, the World’s Largest Off-Price Fashion Store where you can save up to 70% off famous name brand fashions every day.

And for your sweet tooth, check out Daffin’s, the World’s Largest Candy Store, home to the chocolate Kingdom and a 700 lb. chocolate rabbit and a 400 lb. chocolate turtle.

For the very best in golf, hospitality friendly people, great shopping bargains (go ahead and invite your spouse to come along) put your next package together in Mercer County.

Lots to do. Lots to see. Affordable golf and great people. Ask for Peggy or Carmen. They will absolutely spoil you.

(and it’s only a short four hour drive from the Toronto area).

Norm Woods
Editor, GolfScene