Resorts 2009: Omni Bedford Springs Resort

The Grounds at Omni Bedford Springs Resort

The first guests arrived in 1786, to this Alleghany playground, among them the legendary Aaron Burr and his grandson.  They came to see for themselves the rejuvenating powers of the mineral-rich waters of this Pennsylvania resort, which resides between the cities of Washington, D.C. and Pittsburgh.  Known for their healing prowess, word spread and brought the East Coast’s social elite as well as 11 U.S. Presidents. 

Bedford Springs Golf Course, located at the resort, would also bring together three of the elite golf course architects of the time starting with the original design in 1895.  Though they each had their crack at different times, Spencer Oldham (1895), A.W. Tillinghast (1912) and Donald Ross (1923) each played a part in the world-class golf course that sits on the property today. 

In 2007 the course was restored by Forse Design of Pennsylvania.  Not just anyone could be trusted with the historical triangulation of golf’s early triumvirate. Forse was the perfect fit for such a delicate project, as they had redone 36 Donald Ross designs and 14 Tillinghast courses prior to Bedford Springs.  Bedford was restored to it’s original layout.

Each original designer has a par-3, with their own signature.  Number 2 is named, aptly, Spencer Oldham.  It’s been in play since 1895. The hole plays 192 from the back tee. A wide area of wetlands stretches out from a raised tee box.

Three legendary architects collaborated at Bedford Springs Golf Course.

Number 4 is called Volcano, and may be the most famous hole at Bedford Springs. Donald Ross crafted an uphill par-3 of 223 yards. And if the term Volcano isn’t descriptive enough, the green sits at the crest of the hill. In typical Ross fashion, the green is crowned and runs away on every side.

Number 14 is called Tiny Tim, it’s an A.W. Tillinghast classic that he had often replicated at other great courses.  However this 136 yard hole is definitely unique in it’s own right.  It’s a downhill tee shot with a lagoon fronting the green, with a great view of Shober’s Run.

The golf course is the centerpiece of a $120 Million dollar renovation project at Bedford Springs, which included renovated guest rooms and a 30,000 square foot world-class spa and a state of the art meeting and events center.  The golf course should be on your must play list, and the resort, with it’s spa, restaurants and other amenities should bring the grand old feel back to Bedford Springs.

AT A GLANCE 

Who: Omni Bedford Springs Resort

What: One of the oldest golf courses and resorts in the United States. Past summer home to Presidents and legendary confluence of three great golf course architects.

Where: The luxurious Bedford Springs Resort is easy to reach by air or car, located in south-central Pennsylvania just three miles off the Pennsylvania Turnpike at Exit 146, and Interstate 99. 
Bedford Springs is located within a two-hour drive of Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Harrisburg, PA.

From Washington, D.C.:

Take I-270 North to I-70

Take I-70 West to I-76 (PA Turnpike)

Take I-76 West to exit 146 (Bedford)

Turn right onto Business Rt. 220

Go 4 miles to Bedford Springs Resort

From Baltimore:

Take I-70 west to I-76 (PA Turnpike)

Take I-76 to exit 146 (Bedford) 

Right onto Business Rt. 220 

Go 4 miles to Bedford Springs Resort

Why: A $120 Million renovation project completed at resort. Peace, tranquility and a fine golf course. A 30,000 square foot world-class spa featuring restorative treatments from the local mineral-rich waters; incorporating an elegant, relaxing indoor spring-fed pool; creating a new 20,000 square foot state-of-the art meeting and events center, five unique dining venues; 2200-acre grounds including gardens, swimming and recreational facilities, bike and hiking trails and fishing

In our Resorts: 2009 Column, we are highlighting the best options for the traveling golfer in the Middle Atlantic. Stay tuned to ProsNHackers.com in the coming weeks to read about more great local resorts and nearby golfing destinations.