My goodness, Totterridge in a best of list?
Although western PA is lacking any solid public golf option I found the few courses that I did play in the Philadelphia area quite good. I was a big fan of Paxon Hollow and I feel like Jeffersonville, a Donald Ross, is one of the best public courses in the State, just ahead of Bedford Springs in my book. A handful of poor holes moves Bedford down a notch.
The fascination of Mystic Rock is understandable considering its upscale, high end resort nature. When you boil it down, the course is just average. I played it once, and I am sure that is what most people end up doing, not worth the high price and long drive.
Is Lulu Country Club considered a public course now?
I still have not seen Olde Stonewall, a $150 Hurdzan & Fry course about an hour (?) outside of Pittsburgh.