News Summary
The Old Course at Omni Bedford Springs Resort is enhancing its reputation as a leading public golf course. Under head professional Jim Woods, new initiatives like the Bedford Open and Junior Club Championship aim to foster community spirit and nurture the next generation of golfers. The course’s storied history and modern upgrades attract more players, contributing to its recent success, as it embraces inclusivity and promotes local golf culture.
Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania
The Old Course at Omni Bedford Springs Resort is enhancing its reputation as one of the best public golf courses in the nation thanks to the efforts of head golf professional Jim Woods. Since its reopening in 2007, this renowned course has created an inclusive golfing environment that allows local residents to immerse themselves in the sport, setting it apart from many prestigious, private clubs.
In 2024, Woods introduced the inaugural Bedford Open, a two-man best-ball tournament designed to engage local golfers and foster community spirit. The event is just one in a series of targeted initiatives that include the lively Generation Cup and friendly challenge matches against neighboring clubs, mirroring the competitive spirit of the Ryder Cup.
Woods has made significant contributions to local youth sports as well, coaching high school golf for the Bedford Bisons. He has also arranged access for high school competitions to be held at the scenic Bedford Springs course, making it a prominent venue for emerging talent in the area. His commitment to expanding access to golf has started to reshape community perceptions, especially among residents from diverse professional backgrounds.
A Rich History and Modern Appeal
The Bedford Springs golf course has a storied legacy, having been originally designed in 1895 by renowned architect Spencer Oldham. Since then, the course has undergone various redesigns, incorporating improvements made by notable golf course architects such as A.J. Tillinghast and Donald Ross. Once recognized as the first 6,000-yard golf course in the United States, Bedford Springs is celebrated for its unique and delightful holes, as highlighted by Golf Digest.
Woods’ leadership has contributed to the course’s recent success, culminating in 2024, which marked the golf course’s best year ever. The resort recorded its highest number of rounds played and guest experiences, with an increased interest in golf that has been attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sporting event’s outdoor nature attracted more players to the game during this time.
Modern Enhancements
The Old Course continues to evolve by blending its historical charm with modern standards. Recent upgrades include improvements to greens, fairways, and tees, ensuring that the golfing experience remains challenging yet enjoyable. Signature holes, such as the 223-yard uphill par-three “Volcano,” add an extra layer of appeal, enticing both seasoned golfers and newcomers alike.
Nurturing Future Generations
Looking forward, there are exciting plans in place to foster the next generation of golfers. The first junior club championship is scheduled for 2025, underscoring Bedford Springs’ commitment to youth engagement in the sport. With this initiative, young athletes will have the opportunity to develop their skills in a supportive environment, encouraging a lifelong passion for golf.
The inclusive golfing experience at the Bedford Springs course emphasizes education, featuring insights into the course’s historical significance and architectural intricacies. As golf continues to grow in popularity within the community, Jim Woods remains a driving force behind its development, consistently championing the local golf community and transforming the culture of the sport in Bedford Springs.
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Additional Resources
- Altoona Mirror: Bedford Springs Young Golfers
- GolfPass: Friendliest Public Golf Course Staff
- PennLive: Top 20 Public Golf Courses in PA
- Washington Examiner: Bedford Springs Golf Course History
- Golf Digest: Pennsylvania Best Golf Courses Rankings
- Google Search: Bedford Springs Golf Course
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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
