The Bob O’Connor Golf Course at Schenley Park, with origins to 1897, is an affordable, accessible and scenic year-round golf experience like nothing else offered in Western Pennsylvania. Managed by First Tee – Pittsburgh with extensive, low-cost programs introducing youths and adults alike to the game, the course in the heart of Pittsburgh also challenges experienced golfers while providing ample opportunities both outside and indoors to practice and sharpen skills.
The Bob O’Connor Golf Course, named after the former mayor of Pittsburgh, offers unique features by virtue of three different assets available to the public:
The Bob 9: A 2,400-yard, par 34 carved from a redesign of the original 18-hole course, the nine holes are suitable for beginners and longtime players alike. The walking-only course (rental pull carts and motorized Club Car Tempo Walks are available) offers low rates while providing stellar views of the skylines of Downtown Pittsburgh and the nearby Oakland university-medical district. Tee time reservations and walk-ins are welcome every day of the year but Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
The Palmer Loop: This three-hole practice area serves the First Tee program for youngsters and Operation 36 program instruction for adults, but it also offers a unique chance for the public to sharpen skills for a modest hourly rate when the area is not in use for teaching. The Loop consists of two playable par 4 holes sandwiched around a Par 3, with all of them maintained at the same level of quality found on traditional golf course holes.
The Arnold Palmer Learning Center: Replacing a clubhouse dating to 1912, First Tee – Pittsburgh in 2021 opened a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility providing indoor golf training and educational programs. Two Trackman simulators are available for hourly rental from morning to night, enabling golfers to practice all facets of their game and play virtual rounds on over 150 golf courses around the world, from Pebble Beach to St. Andrews.