Overview

The Penn State Blue Course, located in State College, PA, is a classic championship-style track that blends challenge with playability. I teed off on Tuesday, August 19th, at 2:15 p.m. from the blue tees — 6,605 yards, rating 72.4, slope 132. I started as a single before being joined by another golfer on the 6th hole, as we caught up to a group ahead. The round flowed smoothly after the front nine, with pace of play never an issue.

Course Conditions

The Blue Course was in outstanding shape during my round. Greens were soft and slightly slow from the prior day’s rain, but rolled true, held shots well, and showed minimal wear — clearly cared for and repaired regularly. Fairways were lush and maintained beautifully despite the wet conditions, and tee boxes were some of the best I’ve played, level and pristine. The bunkers were excellent, filled with the exact sand consistency you want to hit from. From tee to green, conditioning here is first-class.

Playability & Design

The Blue Course delivers a thoughtful mix of challenge and variety. The opening holes are straightforward and let you settle into the round before stepping into the tree-lined stretch of a tough par 4 and a long par 3. The par 5s add variety, including a lengthy 608 yard 12th hole.

The back nine is where the course truly shines. The landscape becomes more scenic, with water features, elevation changes, and a stronger variety of holes that showcase the best of the design. It strikes a great balance: challenging enough to demand focus and course management, but with a few forgiving holes that let you score. For my round, the pace was great— once the front-nine foursome finished, the course opened up and we cruised through the back.

Amenities & Practice Facilities

The facilities at Penn State are top-tier. The driving range is expansive with plenty of stalls, and the multiple putting greens and chipping-specific green provide a complete warmup setup. The pro shop is large and well-stocked with everything you’d want — from clubs and balls to shoes, apparel, and plenty of Penn State-branded gear. The newly added bar in the clubhouse (opened May 2023) is a great touch, giving players an excellent spot to unwind after the round.

Value

The round with a cart cost $59, which is outstanding value for a course of this quality. Including range balls and a sleeve of Pro V1s, my total came to just over $82 — still a bargain. For Penn State students, the rates are even more affordable, making it a must-play while on campus. For visitors, especially those in town for a football weekend, adding a round here is a no-brainer.

Final Thoughts

The Penn State Blue Course offers excellent conditions, a strong and scenic layout, and facilities that rival the top public courses that I have played — all at a price that’s hard to beat. It’s a course I’d recommend to both students and visiting golfers, and one that absolutely deserves a spot on your State College golf list. The cons that I have listed for the blue course are really just nitpicking, not a lot to critique about this course.

Overall Rating 4.4 / 5 Stars