The Inside Swing

Fox Chapel Golf Club

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Private Club · 18 Holes · Par 70 · 6,587 yds · Members Only · 4.5

A Seth Raynor gem in the affluent Fox Chapel borough of Pittsburgh, this intimate private club features Raynor's classic template holes including Redan, Biarritz, and Eden on a rolling wooded property. The compact par-70 rewards precision and shotmaking in a serene woodland setting along the Allegheny River.

History & Heritage

Fox Chapel Golf Club was commissioned in 1923 with Seth Raynor and Charles Banks as architects. Raynor designed template holes adapted to the rolling wooded terrain in Fox Chapel borough northeast of Pittsburgh along the Allegheny River.

The club has hosted the 1965 U.S. Senior Amateur, 1985 U.S. Women's Amateur, 2002 Curtis Cup, and 2024 U.S. Senior Women's Open.

Raynor's reputation has experienced a major revival, and Fox Chapel stands as one of his finest surviving works with classic Redan, Biarritz, and Eden template holes faithfully preserved.

Signature Holes

3
Hole 3 Par 3 · 180 yards

A classic Redan par 3 with the green angling away and a front-left bunker requiring a fade or running shot.

8
Hole 8 Par 4 · 380 yards

A strategic woodland par 4 with a Raynor green complex rewarding accurate approaches.

14
Hole 14 Par 3 · 200 yards

The Biarritz template with a long narrow green and distinctive center swale. One of the best-preserved Biarritz holes in existence.

18
Hole 18 Par 4 · 415 yards

A demanding finishing hole back toward the clubhouse through mature woodland.

What to Expect

Fox Chapel is an intimate Golden Age course through serene woodland along the Allegheny River. The par-70 plays just 6,587 yards but Raynor template holes provide tremendous strategic interest.

The club emphasizes walking golf with excellent conditioning.

Playing Tips

Understanding Raynor's templates is key. Each green has specific character from famous Scottish and English holes. Study slopes before putting.

The compact yardage is deceptive. Play position golf rather than attacking every pin.

Highlights

  • Seth Raynor template hole design
  • Intimate woodland setting along Allegheny River
  • Classic Golden Age private club in Fox Chapel

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the public play Fox Chapel?
No. It is a private club.
Who designed it?
Seth Raynor with Charles Banks, commissioned in 1923.
What USGA events has it hosted?
The 1965 U.S. Senior Amateur, 1985 U.S. Women's Amateur, 2002 Curtis Cup, and 2024 U.S. Senior Women's Open.
What are template holes?
Greens modeled after famous Scottish and English holes including Redan, Biarritz, and Eden templates.

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