Nemacolin – A Roaring Great Golf Experience
By Tim Cotroneo
Your morning wakeup call to play Nemacolin’s world-class golf courses is like no other in the world. A startling low and loud vibration shudders in your feet and works its way up to your ears.
Even though the Nemacolin resort is based in the picturesque community of Farmington, PA, this thundering pre-round sound is generated by two African lions. The lions are part of Nemacolin’s rescue animal habitat that is located a wedge shot from guests staying at the townhome residences positioned about three miles from the resort’s main Chateau entrance.
Regardless of your score at either Nemacolin’s Mystic Rock or Shepherd’s Rock Golf Courses, you’ll be able to tell friends back home that your 18 holes at Pennsylvania’s most luxurious golf resort began with a roar. You’ll also be able to share that this king of the jungle alarm clock is just one of the many surprises that are par for the course at this 2200-acre oasis perched at the top of the Laurel Highlands.
Let the Games Begin
After checking in at Nemacolin’s spectacular Falling Rock clubhouse, you turn left to warmup at a driving range offering a breathtaking elevated view. You’re also greeted with the quiet you might expect while staying at a resort that prides itself in a get away from it all ambiance.
One of the reasons many golf-loving guests choose Nemacolin is to test the legendary mettle of designer Pete Dye. This Golf Hall of Famer’s talents are on full display at Mystic Rock, the former site of the PGA tour’s 84 Lumber Classic, as well as at Shepherd’s Rock, the last course Dye worked on site before his passing in 2020.
As you stride up to Mystic Rock’s Par 4, 409-yard first hole, your caddy whispers that Nemacolin is a favorite of legendary golfer John Daly. The long-driving and hard-living Daly’s golf bag is on display in the Falling Rock men’s locker room. Daly is a beloved, frequent, and unpredictable guest at this resort that was the first to sponsor Daly’s pro career in the early 90s.
Rarified Air
An early morning tee time at Mystic could mean your initial drive contends with the twin hurdles of fog and in-your-face sun. These welcome to Mystic twin hurdles are compounded by Dye’s extended bunkers framing the right-side fairway and green on the introductory Par 4, 409-yard first hole. The good news is the Pennsylvania air is so fresh it feels like you’re breathing a double espresso adrenaline rush to start your day.
A second boost of good Mystic news is when you discover that Dye is quite generous in fairway width on most of the 18 holes at this 7500-yard slice of Pennsylvania heaven. That’s not to say that Dye’s love for bunkers isn’t also abundant at this layout earning a number one ranking in the Best Courses You Can Play in Pennsylvania.
After your round, you may wish to tune up for your morning tee time at Shepherd’s Rock by booking an appointment at Nemacolin’s Golf Academy. There’s indoor and outdoor TrackMan analysis, Swing Catalyst Balance and Dual Force Plates, GCQuad Launch Monitors, and Club Fitting.
Sheperd’s Rock of Ages
When you ask your Forecaddie what you should know about Dye’s Sheperd’s Rock Golf Course, he’s offers hope by stating that it’s 400 yards shorter than Mystic Rock. Before you can say “that’s a good thing,” he continues that Dye’s Nemacolin encore design is challenging and is also known for visually stunning golf holes.
The challenging and stunning adjectives are immediately apparent on this 7300-yard layout whose elevations deliver views of Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains, as well as vistas stretching all the way to Maryland and West Virginia. When was the last time you could stand on a putting green and gather views of three states at once?
Two holes into your round, you note that the second hole green is contoured in Roman Coliseum fashion. A sigh of relief two-putt on this rolling Dye design will have you feeling like a victorious Russell Crowe in Gladiator.
Lightning Greens
The greens at Shepherd’s Rock are lightning fast, and leaning on your Forecaddie for advice is wise. The Par 5, 589-yard, 4th hole is highlighted by split dual fairways on the way to a ski slope of a green. If you’re left with a downhill putt, one Forecaddie spewed three words on how hard to stroke this tester: “Blow on it.”
The luxury that oozes from the Nemacolin resort is a testament to the Hardy family’s ongoing investment in 5-star amenities. A glimpse into CEO Maggie Hardy’s lifestyle can be seen at the Par 4, 356-yard 6th hole. Behind the green, high on a hill, and separated by a massive expanse of lawn, are Maggie’s two homes. One is chalet style, the other uber-modern. During your stay, you’ll observe that Nemacolin’s 1200 employees think the world of the Hardys and how they treat both employees and guests.
Your Shepherd round culminates with a grand finale, the Par 4, 406-yard, 18th hole. Water hugs the length of the fairway on the right side. To the right of the green is a giant waterfall that Dye, and his right-hand man Tim Liddy, revised four times until they got it just right.
A Howling Good Nemacolin Sendoff
All good things must ultimately come to an end, and the following morning it’s time to depart Nemacolin. A shuttle arrives at your townhome to take you to the Pittsburgh International airport.
As you open the townhome door, you’re greeted by the early morning darkness and an eerie howl that makes the hair on your arms stand up. The Nemacolin shuttle driver whirls upon hearing the howl. “That’s the first time I’ve heard the two white wolves sing,” Nigel said while pointing at the habitat just beyond the lions’ den.
A lion’s roar, epic golf, and now wolves serenading you with an unforgettable capper to a golf experience for the ages. You had heard that Nemacolin promises Real Life Magic for their guests. On this trip, real life and wildlife made for golf life magic you won’t soon forget. https://www.nemacolin.com/
