With the tranquil setting of the Pennsylvania countryside as a canvas the Mountain View Golf Course is a work of art that offers both challenge and reward.

One of two courses owned and operated by the Carroll Valley Golf Resort this course offers reward through scenic surroundings that are pleasing to the eye and with design that can yield low scoring. With greens that putt very true with readable and moderate speed the front nine has a few birdie opportunities.

But like all good courses, Mountain View walks a narrow path where risk is amply rewarded based on the individuals players ability to take advantage of what the course gives. But if you get to greedy and cross that line to often then the course will take away just as quick as it gave.

The front nine exudes a welcoming feel with a variety of short Par 3's and straight forward Par 4's that have relatively flat open fairways. Then as you make the turn the course reminds you that you better be warmed up, because the good scoring you attained on the front can and will change quickly if your ability to manage the course is not kept in check. The fairways slowly tighten, the lies become more uneven and the approach shots to the greens have less give.

Amigos Favorite Hole: With many differing holes all in contention for favorite, we decided that the 512-yard Par 5 number 13 was the one we liked best.

The hole starts with a great view of the nearby mountain range and bends back to the right. Be careful before you tee off because the blind tee shot may lead you to far left that will make any chance at reaching the green in two much tougher. The green is partially guarded by a small pond that flanks the left side so based on tee placement the smart shot would be to go for the middle of the green or bail out just right to minimize any mistake on your approach.

This Amigo had a decent drive and was left with a solid three wood for any attempt to reach the green in two. But given the fact that the pin was in prime "sucker location", I decided to lay-up just short of the green and to the right before my third shot.

With a decent chip I was within 15 feet for birdie opportunity and with one of my better putts on the day a birdie was sunk for an overall well played hole.