The Bob O’Connor Golf Course at Schenley Park is an affordable, accessible and scenic year-round golf experience unlike anything else in the area. Located in the heart of the city and named for one of Pittsburgh’s former mayors, “The Bob” has been a wellspring for the growth of golf in western Pennsylvania since the first formal 9-hole course was built in 1897.
First Tee – Pittsburgh operates the facility with a focus on providing a wide variety of low-cost programs designed to introduce the game to new and returning players of all ages. Open year round, the walking-only Bob O’Connor Golf Course also features three unique assets available to the public that both challenge experienced golfers and provide outdoor and indoor opportunities to practice and sharpen their skills.
The Bob 9: The current 2,400-yard, Par 34 course, created from a reconfiguration of the original 18-hole routing, is suitable for both beginners and accomplished golfers. Both pull carts and motorized Club Car Tempo Walks are available for rental. The Bob 9 has stellar views of the downtown Pittsburgh skyline and the nearby Oakland university-medical district. Tee time reservations can be made up to seven days in advance. Walk-ins are also welcome every day of the year with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day, when the facility is closed.
The Palmer Loop: This three-hole practice area serves primarily as the “outdoor classroom” for scheduled First Tee - Pittsburgh youth classes and the adult Operation 36 program. The Palmer Loop also offers the public a time-efficient way to sharpen their golf skills for a modest hourly rate when the area is not in use for coaching and instructional programs. It consists of two Par 4 holes sandwiched around one Par 3 hole. Each hole has three different teeing areas, and all holes are maintained at the same level of quality found on the Bob 9.
The Arnold Palmer Learning Center: The beautiful, state-of-the-art facility opened in April 2021 provides space for world-class indoor golf training and educational programs. Two Trackman simulators are available for hourly rental throughout the day, enabling golfers to practice all facets of their game and play virtual rounds on over 150 golf courses from around the world, including the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links and the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland.