Oak Tree opened for public play

The golf course has gone semi-private and will have reasonable rates.
WEST MIDDLESEX, Pa. -- A hole-in-one. Eighteen holes of bogey-free golf. A chance to play a beautiful country club course in western Pennsylvania.
Hey, every golfer can dream!
But while the first two fantasies may never become reality for most average golfers, the third is only a phone call away for tee times.
Oak Tree Country Club is now open to public play.
Facing the challenges that most private clubs in the northeast United States have faced during the financial crunch the past few years, the members-owned Oak Tree took some bold, innovative steps to properly maintain what is regarded by many as one of the most scenic 18-hole layouts anywhere.
New group of investors
Two long-time members, John Hudson and Matt Frontino, became general partners with a third group of investors -- Oak Tree Investors Group, LLC -- and purchased the golf course. There is also another group of limited partners and other interested investors are currently being accepted as limited partners.
The ownership deal was recently completed and one of the first moves was to make the club semi-private, opening it to public play.
"It's an exciting time for us," Frontino said. "The general public will get a chance to see what Oak Tree has to offer."
"I think the most important thing is affordability," Hudson said. "Other top courses charge as much as $175, but we are offering prices comparable to many average public courses. We already believe we have the nicest course and now it's affordable to everyone."
Reasonable rates
The cost is $49 for 18 holes and a golf cart during the week or afternoon on weekends. There are special promotions, such as morning rounds for seniors at $32 for 18 holes and cart, and "Executive Golf Night" on Tuesdays which includes nine holes and cart, hors d'oeuvres and drink specials for $24.50.
There will be a junior golf league for high school players on Wednesdays this summer and special programs for younger golfers.
Oak Tree's staff is headed by PGA general manager/director of golf Bob Collins; Mike Ferry, head golf professional; and Tom Roskos, assistant golf professional.
Oak Tree is located in Shenango Township, near the Ohio border. It is easily accessible from state Routes 60 and 80. Its layout through woodlands offers four lakes that touch seven holes.
Oak Tree is part of the Mercer County Golf Trail and the inclusion of Oak Tree to the group of courses helped the area earn the rating as one of the Top 10 "Best Golf Towns in the USA" by Golf Digest.
Non-members can make starting times four days in advance. Groups of 12 or more and guests staying at participating hotels may make tee time arrangements in advance.
For more information or tee times contact the golf shop at (724) 528-9984.