In 1924, local golf enthusiasts in the Altoona area had a variety of courses to choose from within a 50-mile radius. From the historic Bedford Springs to the newly opened Philipsburg Country Club, golfers had plenty of options to enjoy the sport they loved.
One of the standout courses of the time was Bedford Springs, which boasted 18 holes and a length of 6,357 yards. The course had recently been re-designed by renowned architect Donald Ross and had a clubhouse built in 1917. National open champion Walter Hagen even set a new course record with 70 strokes.
In Blair County, the Altoona Cricket Club offered a nine-hole course owned by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Just a 10-minute trolley ride from the city center, the course had a record score of 33 set by Lawrence H. Canan in 1913.
Tyrone Golf Club, operated by the Y.M.C.A., welcomed visitors as guests of members with an annual membership cost of $15. Blairmont Country Club, located in Hollidaysburg, had a membership of 200 and required guests to be accompanied by a member.
In Centre County, the Penn State Course and Centre Hills Country Club provided additional options for golfers. The Philipsburg Country Club, designed by architect Alex H. Findlay, allowed Sunday play and had a club champion in H.H. Rowland.
With a variety of courses to choose from, golfers in the Altoona area in 1924 had no shortage of options to enjoy their favorite sport.
