The resort that is now The Highlands has a long rich history here in southwest Pennsylvania. The property was first developed nearly a century ago as the North Fork Country Club, owned by Bethlehem Steel. North Fork Country Club was the place to go in the 1930s and ’40s and many area residents remember the once thriving club as a workplace and summer playground. Other previous owners have included the Johnstown Elks Club and George D. Zamias at one point changing from the country club format and opening to the public as North Fork Golf & Tennis Club.

Over the years the club format lost its appeal and efforts to maintain the golf course began to lag.  The golf course was on the brink of extinction as it was last operational in 2017 and had been neglected for many years prior. As nature began to reclaim the course, The Highlands Group swept in and gave the historical property, a much needed lifeline.  The players in the area consider the course a true ‘diamond in the rough’ —and with persistent hard work, an allegiance to the region, and a sense of obligation to our community, the Highlands Group is devoted to bringing that sparkle and shine back to this gem of a golf course.

On April 25th, 2019 The Highlands Group led by Brian Durham purchased the property and immediately began to make improvements. “It is perfect, for our plan,” Durham said. “We can accomplish many activities here.”  Brian started by assembling a leadership team equipped to run each of the sports programs, the business aspects, and the marketing.

The resort is now home to the rebirth of the “lower 9” holes of a once 18-hole course.  It was important to the the vision to focus attention on only 9-holes while expanding opportunities to play The Highlands in additional ways. Open to the public, our course provides challenging yet playable options for every level of golfer. Each hole has 5 tee boxes allowing players to experience the course a multitude of different ways. Our on-site Golf Shop, meeting facilities and Trixie’s Pub provide guests with the perfect golf destination.

There are year-round opportunities in Golf, Soccer, and Tennis with indoor and outdoor facilities, new equipment, facility updates, and a state-of-the-art golf simulator. The Highlands caters to guests providing food and beverage options including hot and cold beverages, beer and wine, sandwiches, snacks, and desserts. Retail shopping for guests is available as well, including: soccer equipment and merchandise, golf equipment and merchandise, club fitting & repair; tennis equipment and performance products for all athletes.

Highlander Soccer Academy (HSA) has been in operation for two years and continues to provide area soccer players with a higher level of training than any other. Highlander Golf Academy (HGA) and Highlander Tennis Academy (HTA) have also operated successfully for numerous years under different names.