You’re driving through Westmoreland County, past the rolling hills and the kind of quiet countryside that makes you want to roll the windows down, and then you see it. Mannitto Golf Club. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t have a massive neon sign or a corporate lobby that feels like a bank vault. Honestly, that’s exactly why people in Western PA keep coming back.
Located right in New Alexandria, about 35 miles east of Pittsburgh, Mannitto is one of those places that feels like a local secret even though it's been around for decades. It’s an 18-hole public course that manages to be both accessible for the weekend hacker and genuinely annoying—in a good way—for the low handicapper. If you’ve ever played golf in this part of the state, you know the terrain is the real boss. Mannitto doesn't fight the land; it uses it.
The Layout: What to Expect When You Tee Up at Mannitto Golf Club
Let’s talk about the grass. Specifically, the fact that they’ve got bent grass tees, fairways, and greens. For a public course that doesn't charge private club initiation fees, that's a big deal. It feels soft under your feet.
The course plays to a par 71. It isn't the longest track you’ll ever face—stretching to about 6,654 yards from the back tees—but don't let the yardage on the scorecard lie to you. Because of the elevation changes, some of those "short" holes play much longer.
You’ll start off on the front nine, which is relatively open. You can spray the ball a little bit and not lose your mind (or your sleeve of Pro V1s). But then you get to the back nine. It’s tighter. More trees. It demands that you actually think about where you’re putting the ball instead of just swinging for the fences.
Those Infamous Greens
The greens are the equalizer here. They aren't flat. If you find yourself on the wrong side of the hole at Mannitto, you’re looking at a three-putt, plain and simple. They move fast, and the breaks are often subtler than they look. Talk to anyone who plays here regularly and they’ll tell you the same thing: "Stay below the hole." It’s a cliché in golf, sure, but here it’s a survival tactic.
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Why the Location Matters for Your Game
Being in New Alexandria means you're dealing with the foothills of the Alleghenies. The wind can whip through the valley in ways that make a 150-yard shot feel like 180.
A lot of golfers overlook the "amenities" of a place like this because they’re looking for a Five-Star resort experience. Mannitto is a golf course first. The clubhouse is functional. The pro shop has what you need. The focus is on the turf and the experience of being outside. It’s a blue-collar course with a high-end feel where it counts—on the putting surface.
The Challenge of Hole 11
Ask anyone about the most memorable part of the course, and they’ll likely point to the par 4s on the back nine. Hole 11 is a beast if you aren't prepared. It’s not just about the distance; it’s about the narrowness of the corridor. You feel the trees leaning in on you. It’s a psychological test as much as a physical one. If you can walk off that green with a par, your confidence for the rest of the round is going to skyrocket.
The Financial Reality: Why It Wins on Value
Golf is getting expensive. Crazy expensive. You see courses in the Pittsburgh suburbs charging $80 or $90 for a weekend morning, and sometimes the bunkers are basically just hard-packed dirt.
Mannitto stays competitive. Their rates are notoriously reasonable for the quality of the maintenance. This isn't a "mow the weeds and call it a fairway" kind of place. Superintendent care is evident. They take pride in the drainage—which is essential in Pennsylvania where a stray thunderstorm can turn a course into a swamp in twenty minutes. Even after a heavy rain, Mannitto usually stays playable while other nearby spots are cart-path only or closed.
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Misconceptions About "Public" Golf in PA
People hear "public course" and sometimes they think of slow play, six-hour rounds, and people playing in tank tops. Mannitto isn't that. There is a respect for the game here.
- Pace of Play: While weekends are busy, the staff generally does a good job of keeping things moving. You aren't going to be stuck behind a six-some of guys drinking more than they’re swinging.
- Difficulty: Some think it’s a "birdie track" because it isn't 7,000 yards. Try playing it from the tips on a windy October afternoon. It’ll humble you.
- Accessibility: It’s right off Route 22. It’s easy to get to, but once you’re on the 4th fairway, you can’t hear the road anymore. You’re just in the woods.
Real Talk on the Amenities
If you’re looking for a locker room attendant to hand you a warm towel and a eucalyptus-scented mist, you’re in the wrong place. Mannitto is about the golf.
The snack bar has the essentials. Hot dogs, cold drinks, the kind of stuff you need at the turn. The staff is local. They know the regulars by name. It’s a community. If you’re a solo golfer looking to join a group, this is the kind of place where people actually welcome you into their foursome rather than glaring at you for slowing them down.
Maintenance and Seasonal Shifts
Western Pennsylvania golf has a specific window. April is hit or miss—mostly mud and shivering. But by late May, Mannitto really starts to pop. The green of the fairways against the darker trees is something else.
In the fall, the views are incredible. As the leaves change in Westmoreland County, the course becomes one of the most scenic spots in the area. The downside? Losing your ball in a pile of orange maple leaves right off the fairway. But hey, that's golf in the Northeast.
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Technical Specs for the Geeks
If you care about the numbers, the slope rating here is around 131 from the championship tees. That’s enough to let you know it’s got some teeth. The course was designed by George Mannitto and opened in 1964. There's a sense of history there—it doesn't feel like a modern "cookie-cutter" course where every hole looks the same. Each hole has a distinct personality.
Actionable Advice for Your First Round
Don't just show up and start swinging. Here is how you actually play Mannitto without losing your mind:
- Book early: Since the secret is out on the value, tee times on Saturday and Sunday mornings go fast. Use their online booking system or just call the shop.
- Check the wind: Look at the flags on the practice green. If it’s blowing toward the clubhouse, the back nine is going to play significantly harder.
- Range Time: They have a driving range. Use it. The first hole is a par 4 that requires a decent drive to set up a manageable approach. Going in cold is a recipe for a double-bogey start.
- Put Away the Driver: On the tighter holes of the back nine, a 3-wood or even a long iron for accuracy will save you more strokes than an extra 20 yards in the woods.
- Watch the Slope: Everything breaks toward the valley. Even if your eyes tell you a putt is straight, trust the geography of the land.
Mannitto Golf Club isn't trying to be Oakmont. It knows exactly what it is: a well-maintained, challenging, and affordable place for people who actually love the game. Whether you're a local or just passing through on Route 22, it's worth the stop. Just bring your "A" game for those back-nine greens.
Next Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of your round, check the local weather specifically for New Alexandria, as it can differ from Pittsburgh. Call the pro shop at (724) 668-2327 to confirm current course conditions, especially if there has been recent heavy rain. If you're planning a weekend trip, consider pairing the round with a visit to the nearby Historic Hanna’s Town for a full Westmoreland County experience.