Laurel Valley Golf Club's 10th hole brings challenging start to back nine

LIGONIER TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) -- When you're discussing the best golf holes in Western Pennsylvania, you can't forget the 10th hole at Laurel Valley Golf Club, which is known for bringing a tough start to the back nine at the course.

The 10th hole is a dogleg right that can play as long as 465 yards, with middle tees playing around 430 yards.

The tee shot is critical on the 10th hole with bunkers strategically placed on both sides of the fairway.

"On the right side in particular, if you miss the bunker to the right, you're going to be in a beautiful, meandering stream, so we want to try to avoid that at all costs." said Head Golf Professional Chris McKnight.

Approach shots into the green complex may look inviting, but there is danger out there with water on the right.

"I would favor the left side with a nice little fade in there," McKnight said.

Putts on the green will tend to run downhill towards the water, leading to birdies being tough to make, but McKnight did make a birdie while playing alongside KDKA's Bob Pompeani.

Laurel Valley Golf Club

Founded: 1959

Public or Private: Private

Location: 175 Palmer Drive, Ligonier, PA 15658

Phone Number : 724-238-9555

Course Designer: Dick Wilson

Par: 72

Yardages, Course Rating, and Slope Rating:

• Pink - 7,366 yards - 76.2/141
• Black - 6,973 yards - 74.3/139
• Blue - 6,754 yards - 73.5/136
• White - 6,326 yards - 71.5/131
• Green - 5,807 yards - 69.7/125
• Red - 5,257 yards - 72.3/128