Donegal Highlands Golf Course
Donegal Highlands Golf Course presents 18 holes of accessible parkland golf featuring rolling terrain, well-maintained greens, and strategic challenges framed by tall fescue. Located near Acme, Pennsylvania, it offers affordable, friendly golf for a wide range of players.
Course Overview
Donegal Highlands Golf Course offers an accessible, well-rounded golfing experience just minutes off the Pennsylvania Turnpike, positioned in the rolling terrain near Acme, PA. This 18-hole public course unfolds across a landscape shaped by gentle hills and natural features typical of southwestern Pennsylvania. The layout favors a traditional parkland style with fairways lined by tall fescue—an element that simultaneously adds character and strategic challenge, as landing in the fescue often proves more perilous than the accompanying bunkers.
Players will find Donegal Highlands approachable for a broad range of skill levels while still providing moments that test shot accuracy and course management. Its fairways encourage a tactical, thoughtful game rather than pure power, and the greens, recently improved, roll true without excessive breaks, delivering a rewarding putting surface. Persistent water hazards along several holes and thick rough create natural boundaries that invite precision.
The course's condition has seen steady enhancement under new ownership, reflected in maintained bunkers and more consistent greens despite occasional growing challenges common to the region’s climate. While some fairways reveal thinner grass and softer spots after rain, overall drainage allows playability through much of the year. Players are advised to consider weather and footwear carefully, as early-season rounds may encounter damp turf conditions.
The friendly atmosphere extends beyond the fairways with a modest clubhouse and a helpful pro shop. Notably, a self-serve ice chest is available to keep drinks cool during summer rounds, a welcome comfort on warm, humid days. Donegal Highlands operates a tee time pass program making weekday rounds highly affordable and accessible, which suits golfers seeking quality golf without elaborate frills.
This course suits golfers who appreciate a straightforward, no-frills layout that rewards patience and shot placement. Those looking for a mix of scenic terrain, solid conditioning, and fair pricing will find Donegal Highlands a gratifying stop in the Central Pennsylvania golf scene. Its blend of natural features alongside manageable challenge makes it a compelling option for locals and visitors alike.
Course Highlights
Donegal Highlands stands out for its tall fescue-lined bunkers that challenge wayward shots and serve as tougher hazards than sand. Recent improvements include smoother, more consistent greens and well-maintained bunkers, creating a fair but demanding test of skill amidst rolling parkland terrain. The course’s proximity to the Pennsylvania Turnpike belies its peaceful setting, with natural water hazards and gentle elevation changes offering diversity and interest throughout the round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Lawrence C
Before my round on 6/5/25, the last time I played Donegal highlands was in 2022, and it was in very rough shape. This was the reason I had not been back in so long. The course is 2 miles off the PA turnpike, but you don’t see or hear the busy road at all. The round started with friendly service in the shop. A nice touch was a self serve ice chest to keep your drink cold on a hot and sticky day. Donegal Highlands is not a top track, but it is much improved from my last visit and worth playing. The greens did not have too much movement to them, but all rolled relatively well. The bunkers were in good shape. A unique feature is that most of the bunkers are surrounded with tall fescue. Your’e better to be in the bunker than the tall grass. An area for improvement would be to let the fairway grass come in just a bit higher and thicker. In some areas the grass was a bit thin and too short causing some fairways to still be wet/muddy from rain a few days ago. If you have the tee time passbook/app you can play 18 for $23 on a weekday, and Donegal Highlands is more than worth it.
Kevin Cakanac
Very fun course, the greens have been heavily improved from the last time I was here. There are a lot of ways to lose a ball out here, tall grass, water along the sides of some fairways, but it’s a great golf course!! Highly recommend to make your way out here.
Dan Barra
Awful course conditions. Horrid greens that had so many patches of dead grass. Dried out mud patches on greens. Take some of that 48 bucks and buy some gas for the weed whackers. Every bunker was “under repair.” Literally hazards like holes and pipes in field of play. Oh, but nice rock formation around the three trees by the cart path as your walking to 16th green. Nice touch, looked great! Lol. Place is a joke.
Dave Wayne
I will say that the greens were some of the best I’ve played this year!! The course is in nice shape for all the warm weather we’ve had. Not crowded on a Wednesday so easy to make it around in 4 hours. The sand traps look like they’re doing away with them ( only real complaint ) Its a decent challenge for the average golfer⛳️
Linda Toy
If you haven't played Donegal Highlands lately, you really do need to give it a try. The course is in good shape (like all local courses, it could use some rain), the greens are really nice (yes, even #4), and the new owners and staff are working hard to make improvements that enhance the beauty of an already well-designed track as well as being some of the nicest people we know. We have been playing here regularly for the last 5 years, and each year, we see great improvements in the course conditions. We highly recommend it and we'll see you on the course!
Daniel Gould
Kevin Cakanac
Very fun course, the greens have been heavily improved from the last time I was here. There are a lot of ways to lose a ball out here, tall grass, water along the sides of some fairways, but it’s a great golf course!! Highly recommend to make your way out here.
Edilson.D.S.L USA
Lawrence C
Before my round on 6/5/25, the last time I played Donegal highlands was in 2022, and it was in very rough shape. This was the reason I had not been back in so long. The course is 2 miles off the PA turnpike, but you don’t see or hear the busy road at all. The round started with friendly service in the shop. A nice touch was a self serve ice chest to keep your drink cold on a hot and sticky day. Donegal Highlands is not a top track, but it is much improved from my last visit and worth playing. The greens did not have too much movement to them, but all rolled relatively well. The bunkers were in good shape. A unique feature is that most of the bunkers are surrounded with tall fescue. Your’e better to be in the bunker than the tall grass. An area for improvement would be to let the fairway grass come in just a bit higher and thicker. In some areas the grass was a bit thin and too short causing some fairways to still be wet/muddy from rain a few days ago. If you have the tee time passbook/app you can play 18 for $23 on a weekday, and Donegal Highlands is more than worth it.
An-Die Welsh
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Course Details
Access & Location
141 Clay Pike Rd, Acme, PA 15610, USA
Modest clubhouse with pro shop and player amenities
Walking permitted and common; wear appropriate footwear due to varied terrain and occasional soft ground
Open to all golfers; tee time reservations recommended, especially on weekends
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