BEDFORD SPRINGS, Pa. -- The Old Course at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa has earned distinction as one of Golfweek's top 100 resort courses in America. The "American Classic" course ranked #45 on the magazine's annual list of the "Best Resort Courses" for 2010, out-shooting the only other Pennsylvania address to make the cut. Renovated in 2007, the Old Course provides an interesting history, with some holes thought to be among the first installed in America.
"We're delighted to see the Old Course included among the top American resort courses," said Head Golf Professional Ron Leporati, Jr. "The course offers all the modern accoutrements professional golfers require, featuring the perfect blend of historical significance and state-of-the-art amenities."
The Old Course is the work of three Grand Masters of American golf course design, as well as one notable contemporary:
• Spencer Oldham, who laid out the original 18-hole course in 1895 with select holes that are believed among the first on U.S. soil.
• A.W. Tillinghast, who reduced the number of holes on the course to 9 as part of his 1912 redesign.
• Donald Ross, who added the back 9 holes and completed his redesign during the 1920s.
• And Ron Forse of Forse Design, Inc., who led a restoration of the Old Course for the reopening of the Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa in 2007.
The Old Course has also been recognized by discerning observers of the game with several other accolades including #1 "Playable Classic Course" (50 years-plus) in Pennsylvania by Golfweek; "Renovation of the Year" by Golf Inc.; "Best of the Best" in the 20th anniversary edition of The Robb Report; and One of the Top Golf Courses in the United States 2009/2010 by Zagat.
The Old Course has also earned recognition and praise on a local level. The resort hosted the Western Pennsylvania Amateur Championship in 2008, as well as the Tri-State PGA's "Omni Bedford Springs Open" in 2008 and 2009.
Seasonal rates for an overnight stay at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort start at $179 per night on weekdays, $229 per night on weekends. For more information or to make reservations, please contact (866) 623-8168 or visit www.omnibedfordsprings.com.
About the Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa
The Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa is a 2,200 acre luxury hideaway located in Pennsylvania's scenic Allegheny Mountain region. The resort recently underwent a $120 million renovation, adding a contemporary look and feel to the property while preserving its remarkable history. The 216-room resort surrounds eight natural mineral springs which serve as the foundation for its world-class Springs Eternal Spa - one of only a handful of spas in the U.S. to utilize natural spring water in all of its treatments. Over the past 200 years, Bedford Springs has served as a meeting place for numerous U.S. Presidents and dignitaries, including Daniel Webster, Andrew Jackson, and Zachary Taylor. Omni Bedford Springs features a phenomenal range of amenities and activities, including an indoor spring-fed swimming pool; award-winning golf course; and casual and fine dining options from renowned Chef Konrad Meier. In addition, guests can enjoy mountain nature trails for hiking and biking, fly fishing, volleyball, tennis, and more. www.omnibedfordsprings.com.
About Omni Hotels
Omni Hotels creates genuine, authentic guest experiences that take guests on "A Total Departure" to 45 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options. Known for its award-winning, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company's "Power of One" associate empowerment program. To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.
