You're driving through the rolling hills of Westmoreland County, maybe just finished a sandwich in downtown Apollo, and you start seeing signs for a lodge. Most people assume it’s just a private hangout for the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. They aren’t entirely wrong, but they're missing the best part.
Apollo Elks Golf Club Apollo PA is honestly one of those courses that manages to fly under the radar despite being around since 1972. It’s tucked away on Elks Lodge Road, and if you haven't played it, you’ve probably heard conflicting things. Is it private? Is it public? Is the grass actually green?
📖 Related: Tottenham Hotspur Spurs Media Watch: Why the Mid-Table Chaos is Actually a Plan
Let’s clear the air. It’s a bit of both, and the reality of the course is a lot more nuanced than a Yelp review from five years ago might suggest.
The Identity Crisis: Public or Private?
Technically, this is the home of Apollo Elks Lodge #386. For a long time, that meant "members only." But things change. Today, it’s basically a semi-private setup. You don't need to be an Elk to book a tee time, though being one definitely saves you some cash on the greens fees.
The locals call it "the Elks," and it carries that vibe—unpretentious, a little rugged, and very welcoming. If you show up in a designer polo and expect a caddie to wipe your clubs after every shot, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want a $50 round on a Sunday morning where nobody’s breathing down your neck, this is the spot.
What the Course Actually Looks Like
Let's talk yardage. From the blue tees, you're looking at 6,123 yards. It’s a par 71. On paper, that sounds short. In reality? The hills don't care about your "short" assessment.
The layout was designed by... well, nobody really knows for sure, as most records just point back to the Lodge’s construction in the early 70s. It has a very "parkland" feel. You’ve got bent grass fairways and greens, but because it’s a non-profit lodge-run course, the conditions can fluctuate.
- The Front Nine: Mostly builds your confidence. It’s relatively open, though the 209-yard par 3 on the 9th hole is a wake-up call right before you head to the turn.
- The Back Nine: This is where the drama happens. It’s tighter, more wooded, and requires you to actually think about where you're putting the ball.
- The "Amen Corner" of Apollo: Hole 13 is a 442-yard par 4 that plays like a beast. It’s ranked as the #1 handicap for a reason. If you walk away with a par here, you've basically won the day.
The Elephant in the Room: Maintenance
I’ll be honest with you. If you check reviews from 2024 or 2025, you’ll see some people complaining about "hard dirt fairways" or "shaggy greens."
Golf in Western PA is a battle against the elements. Apollo Elks doesn't have the multi-million dollar irrigation budget of Oakmont. There are seasons where it looks like a lush emerald carpet and months where the summer heat turns the fairways a bit crispy.
But here’s the thing—the greens are almost always in better shape than the fairways. They’re surprisingly fast and have these subtle breaks that will make you look like a fool if you don't respect them. The bunkers, which used to be a bit of a disaster, have seen some real love lately. New drainage and better sand have made them actually playable.
Why You Should Actually Play Here
If you’re a high handicapper, you’ll love it because it’s not punishingly long. You aren't forced to carry 200 yards over water every three holes.
If you’re a stick, you’ll find the challenge in the elevation. Level lies are a myth here. You’re constantly hitting with the ball above or below your feet, which is the real test of a golfer's skill.
👉 See also: Virginia Tech Football Record: Why the Numbers Don't Tell the Whole Story
The Pricing Breakdown (As of 2026)
Prices have ticked up a bit everywhere, but Apollo Elks remains a value play.
| Day / Type | Non-Member (18 Holes) | Elk Member (18 Holes) |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (Walking) | $38 | $20 |
| Weekday (With Cart) | $45 | $25 |
| Weekend (Walking) | $40 | $25 |
| Weekend (With Cart) | $55 | $32 |
Note: Seniors and Juniors usually get a break, often around $35 for 18 holes with a cart during the week.
The Antler Lounge Experience
You can't talk about Apollo Elks Golf Club Apollo PA without mentioning the 19th hole. The "Antler Lounge" is exactly what you want a golf bar to be.
It’s cheap. The beer is cold. The people are real.
They do a Bar & Grill setup that’s open seven days a week. It’s not fine dining—think burgers, wings, and maybe a fish fry on Fridays—but it tastes like heaven after four hours in the sun. It’s also the heart of the community. You’ll see guys who have been members for 40 years sitting next to a group of 20-somethings who just finished their first ever round.
Practical Tips for Your First Round
- Bring your own water. The course doesn't always have those fancy iced-down stations every three holes.
- Rent a cart. I know, you want the exercise. But those hills on the back nine are no joke. Unless you’re training for a marathon, your knees will thank you.
- Watch the 13th. Don't try to be a hero. Aim for the middle of the fairway, take your medicine, and play for a bogey if you have to.
- Check the flag. They have a flag system at the entrance and by the pro shop. If the bar flag is up, the Antler Lounge is rocking.
Looking Ahead
There’s a lot of "new blood" at the club lately. You can tell they’re trying. From updating the pro shop merchandise to fixing the practice facilities (they have a chipping and putting area plus a driving range), the effort is there.
It’s a course with character. It’s not perfect, but it’s authentic. In a world where every golf experience is starting to feel like a corporate franchise, Apollo Elks feels like Western Pennsylvania.
How to get there and get started
If you’re coming from Pittsburgh, it’s about a 45-minute to an hour drive depending on how the traffic is on Route 28. Once you get off on Route 56 and head toward Apollo, you’re basically there.
- Address: 151 Elks Lodge Road, Apollo, PA 15613
- Phone: 724-478-9911
- Booking: You can usually book online via their website or just call the pro shop. They’re pretty chill about last-minute bookings on weekdays.
If you’ve been looking for a "home" course that doesn't require a $5,000 initiation fee, this is worth a look. The membership for a single person is around $1,100 a year, which is a steal if you play more than twice a month.
Your next move: Call the pro shop at 724-478-9911 to check the current course conditions. Since the weather in PA can be unpredictable, asking how the fairways are holding up this week will ensure you have the best experience possible before you make the drive.