In a somewhat sad statement about how much golf I actually play, I am now deferring to JohnV on most things Pittsburgh golf.
However, I will add a few things to stavros' post. Mostly I'd concur with him, differing only in saying that:
- Olde Stonewall and Mystic Rock aren't overpriced, they are WAY overpriced;
- I liked Birdsfoot, some interesting modern golf and some quirk you don't see much of anywhere;
- I really like Quicksilver, it is probably my favorite local public - interesting terrain, greens you must actually put a little thought into or you will get screwed;
- There is a tremendous amount of affordable golf in Pittsburgh, on both the public and private side. My home muni, North Park Golf Course, is a wonderful walk in the park and maxes out at $18 walking on weekends. There are a bunch of publics on the northern side of Pittsburgh, closer to Butler really, that are anywhere from $11 (last I checked) to maybe low $20s to walk anytime. Affordable golf is certainly not an issue in the 'Burgh.
In many respects, Pittsburgh is more about excellent private golf, though I haven't seen much of it.
I yammer on about Oakmont, but I truly believe there is no better course on the planet - there are quite a few Goodale 3 star courses that are in the same vaunted area, but I really don't see how any could be better, other than the views. 18 essay questions that would stand out on any course in the world, yet they all meld together into one cohesive masterpiece.
I spent a couple days at Fox Chapel a few years ago and loved what I saw. Wonderful terrain, wonderful holes, a really special place.
Field Club was less distinctive in my mind, but also a wonderful place. It remains high on most people's list of Burgh courses, justifiably so.
JohnV could share more about other Burgh privates and public, and hopefully he will look in on this thread. His home course Hannastown writeup is in the My Home Course section and well worth a read and play. Edgewood, Longue Vue (I think that's how it's spelled), St. Clair, Allegheny, Sewickley Heights, really just a lot of terrific places.
Adam, please tell your friend to feel free to contact me at any time - (412) 369-7769 work (412) 401-3747 cell - with any questions about Pittsburgh. I'm not the ogre I sometimes appear to be in the politico threads.
My favorite thing about Pittsburgh is how friendly a town it is. We still say hello to strangers on the street, in the grocery store, etc. My NYC friends make fun of me for actually talking to toll booth collectors, waiters, store register clerks, etc., but that's the way we do things here, and I for one love it. And I do hope that you call me when you come to town, either to tee it up or just grab a beer. Since you're in the design field, you might even get a kick out of my humble t shirt printing operation.
Just don't tell your friend about Burgh weather or he may not move here after all.