If you’re driving through the heart of Central Pennsylvania, specifically near the Raystown Lake region, you’ve probably seen the signs. Huntingdon Country Club PA isn't some massive, corporate-owned resort with a thousand golf carts and a GPS screen in every dash. It’s different. It’s quiet. Honestly, it feels like a throwback to a time when golf was more about the walk and the company than the status symbol of a $200 green fee.
For over a century, this place has sat along Route 22. It’s tucked into the rolling hills of Huntingdon County, and if you aren't looking for it, you might just breeze right past. But that’s the charm. It’s a semi-private club, which basically means they welcome the public while still keeping that "home club" vibe for the locals. You’ve got these massive, old-growth trees and views of the surrounding ridges that make you forget you're only a few minutes from the middle of town.
Why the Layout at Huntingdon Country Club PA Is Actually Tricky
Most people see a 9-hole course and think it's going to be a "pitch and putt" kind of day. They're wrong. The course was originally designed by the legendary William Flynn. For those who aren't golf architecture nerds, Flynn is the guy responsible for Shinnecock Hills and the Country Club at Brookline. He didn't just build courses; he moved earth to create something that felt natural yet punishing. At Huntingdon, he utilized the natural topography—the side-hill lies and the sudden elevation changes—to make a short course play much longer than the scorecard suggests.
You’re playing 9 holes, but there are different sets of tees for the "back nine" if you’re doing the full 18. It changes the angles. It changes the wind. It changes your club selection entirely.
The greens are the real story here. They are small. Small targets mean you need a surgical short game. If you miss long on some of these holes, you’re looking at a chip shot that’s basically impossible to stop on the green. The turf is usually kept in great shape, but because it's a mountain-style course, the breaks are subtle. You’ll think a putt is straight, but the pull of the valley will tug it just enough to lip out. It’s frustrating. It’s brilliant. It’s exactly what Flynn intended.
The Challenge of the Terrain
Let's talk about the slopes. Pennsylvania golf is rarely flat, but Huntingdon takes it to another level. You’ll rarely have a level lie. One foot will be higher than the other, or the ball will be way below your feet. This isn't just about hitting a ball; it's about physics. You have to account for the hill. Most amateurs ignore this and wonder why they're slicing the ball into the woods.
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The fairways are narrow. You've got towering oaks and maples lining the corridors. In the autumn, it’s arguably one of the most beautiful spots in the state. The colors are vibrant. But those same leaves can hide a ball that’s only three feet off the short grass.
Beyond the Fairway: The Social Heart of the County
It’s not just about the golf. People in Huntingdon use the club as a central hub. Whether it's a high school reunion, a wedding, or just a Tuesday night dinner, the clubhouse serves as a community anchor.
- The Restaurant: It’s surprisingly good. You expect "club food"—soggy fries and a dry burger—but they actually put effort into the menu. It’s a mix of classic American pub fare and some slightly more "dressed up" options for dinner.
- The Bar: This is where the real stories are told. You’ll find guys who have been members for 50 years sitting next to tourists who just finished a day of boating at Raystown.
- The Pool: During the summer, it’s the place to be for local families. It’s a classic setup. No fancy lazy rivers, just a clean pool and plenty of sun.
Membership is actually more affordable than you’d think. In big cities, country club dues are the price of a small car. Here, they keep it accessible because they want people to actually use the facility. They want the next generation of golfers to come out of the local school systems.
What Most People Get Wrong About 9-Hole Courses
There’s this weird stigma in the golf world that 9 holes isn't "real golf." That’s nonsense. Especially at a place like Huntingdon Country Club PA, where the history is baked into the dirt. A 9-hole course allows for a faster pace of play. You can get a round in after work before the sun goes down. You can walk it without feeling like you've just completed a marathon.
The pace here is generally relaxed. You aren't going to have a ranger breathing down your neck to speed up, provided you aren't taking twenty practice swings. It’s golf as it was meant to be—social, outdoor, and challenging.
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The Raystown Connection
A lot of visitors come to the area for Raystown Lake. It’s the largest lake entirely within Pennsylvania, and it’s a massive draw for mountain bikers, boaters, and campers. If you’re staying at the lake, the Country Club is only about a 15 to 20-minute drive depending on which side of the water you're on.
It provides a great "break" from the lake life. After three days of sleeping in a tent or being on a pontoon boat, having a nice meal in a climate-controlled clubhouse feels like pure luxury. Plus, the course offers a different kind of "outdoor" experience than the rugged trails of Allegrippis.
- Location: 10305 Raystown Rd, Huntingdon, PA 16652.
- Access: Open to the public, but call ahead for tee times.
- Course Type: Semi-private, 9 holes (18-hole tee configurations).
Planning Your Visit: Actionable Steps
If you’re planning to play a round at Huntingdon Country Club PA, don't just show up and expect an open tee. While it’s rarely "packed" like a suburban Philly course, they do have leagues and tournaments that can shut down the course for a few hours.
Check the Event Calendar
Before you load the clubs, check their social media or give the pro shop a call. They host a lot of local charity scrambles. You don't want to drive out there only to find a 100-person tournament just started.
Bring Extra Balls
Seriously. The woods are thick. The slopes are steep. If you aren't a scratch golfer, the Flynn layout will eat a few of your Titleists. Don't be the person holding up play because you're searching for a ball in a ravine for ten minutes.
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Walk if You Can
The course is walkable for anyone in decent shape. Walking allows you to really appreciate the architecture. You see the mounds and the bunker placements the way they were intended to be seen. It’s a workout, sure, but the views of the Juniata Valley are worth the extra steps.
Dress the Part
It’s a country club, so skip the tank tops and gym shorts. A collared shirt and decent shorts or slacks will keep you from feeling out of place. They aren't elitist, but they do respect the traditions of the game.
Hit the Practice Green
Don't skip the warm-up. As I mentioned, these greens are tricky. Spend ten minutes getting a feel for the speed. It’ll save you at least four or five strokes on the course.
Huntingdon Country Club PA is a gem because it hasn't tried to become something it isn't. It doesn't have a 30,000-square-foot spa or a valet. It has great golf, a rich history linked to one of the best architects in the world, and a community that actually cares about the place. Whether you're a local or just passing through on your way to the lake, it’s a slice of Pennsylvania golf that shouldn't be overlooked.
Final Tactical Tip: If you're playing in the afternoon, the wind usually picks up coming off the ridges. Club up on the uphill shots more than you think you need to. The elevation change is deceptive, and the thin mountain air doesn't always help as much as people claim. Be smart, play for the center of the green, and enjoy the scenery.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Call the pro shop at least 48 hours in advance to secure a morning tee time, especially on weekends.
- If you are visiting Raystown Lake, pack a set of "nice" clothes specifically for the clubhouse to transition from the boat to dinner comfortably.
- Download a satellite GPS app on your phone; since it's an older layout, there aren't many yardage markers on the fairways.
- Check the local weather specifically for Huntingdon, as the ridge-and-valley topography can cause sudden rain showers that don't show up on broader regional forecasts.