Buhl Park Golf Course in Hermitage, Pennsylvania is the only truly free public golf course in the USA, offering community golf with no green fees.
Hidden in Buhl Park in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, Buhl Park Golf Course—affectionately called “Dum Dum”—is the only genuinely free public golf course in the United States. Established in 1914 as part of industrialist Frank Buhl’s vision for accessible recreation, the nine-hole course has never charged green fees. Golfers simply sign in and head to the first tee, carrying on a charitable legacy that has lasted for more than a century.
Buhl Park Golf Course is more than a novelty; it is a living example of how philanthropy and community spirit can keep golf open to everyone. The course sits inside a larger public park, with trails, a lake, playgrounds, disc golf, and other family activities surrounding the fairways.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Buhl Park, Hermitage, Pennsylvania, near the Ohio border |
| History | Donated by steel magnate Frank Buhl in 1914, with a trust requiring the course remain free to the public forever |
| Features | 9-hole, par-34 layout with rolling greens, no sand traps, a driving range and simple, walkable design |
| Cost | No green fees for walkers; donations welcomed and paid cart rentals available |
| Atmosphere | Relaxed community hub within a larger park that includes trails, disc golf, a lake, playgrounds and more |
The story of Buhl Park Golf Course begins in the early 1900s, when Frank H. Buhl purchased hundreds of acres to create a public park for the people of Sharon and Hermitage. By 1914, his vision of a free golf course became reality: a nine-hole layout where anyone could play without paying a green fee, regardless of income or social status. A trust was created to protect that mission so that the course would stay free for future generations.
From the beginning, the course was intentionally simple. The design avoided elaborate bunkering and water hazards, favoring straightforward fairways and approachable greens. That kept maintenance costs manageable and ensured the course would remain accessible to beginners, families, and everyday golfers. Over the decades, Buhl Park Golf Course has survived financial challenges and changing golf trends thanks to the trust, community donations, volunteer support, and its enduring reputation as “America’s only free golf course.”
To this day, walking the course remains completely free. Golfers sign in, grab their clubs, and head out. Those who prefer to ride can pay for a cart rental, and many local players and visiting groups like to coordinate with modern options such as tara golf carts for extra comfort during their rounds.
Buhl Park Golf Course typically operates from spring through late fall, with the exact opening and closing dates depending on weather and turf conditions. During the main season, the course is generally open daily from morning until dusk, giving players flexibility to choose early-bird tee times, relaxed midday rounds, or late-afternoon loops after work.
Because the course is part of Buhl Park’s broader schedule, hours can shift for maintenance, special events, or seasonal changes. Golfers are encouraged to check the latest information with park staff or the golf shop before visiting—especially early or late in the season when frost delays or shorter daylight hours can affect availability.
Buhl Park Golf Course is a nine-hole, par-34 routing with a compact footprint and a friendly, walkable design. There are no sand traps and no water hazards on the course itself, making it ideal for new golfers and juniors who are still learning the game. The challenge instead comes from rolling greens, patches of thicker rough, and the need to control distance on approach shots.
Alongside the course, a driving range gives players a place to warm up or work on full-swing mechanics. The range uses a simple ball-dispensing system so golfers can quickly grab a bucket and practice. Practice greens for putting and short-game work complement the range, helping players prepare to score better once they step onto the first tee.
Beyond golf, the surrounding Buhl Park area transforms the course into a true community destination. Walking and biking trails, disc golf, fishing on Lake Julia, playgrounds, and picnic areas make it easy for families to spend the entire day in the park. Many visitors combine a free round of golf with other low-cost activities, creating a relaxed, outdoor-focused experience that reflects the original charitable intent of the Buhl family.
The enduring free-to-play model at Buhl Park Golf Course is possible because of the Buhl Farm Trust and ongoing community support. Donations, sponsorships, and revenue from the driving range, simulators, and cart rentals help cover maintenance costs. By walking the course for free and contributing what they can, golfers directly help preserve the unique status of the facility for the next generation.
This approach keeps the barrier to entry incredibly low. New players can try golf without worrying about green fees, schools can bring students for clinics, and families can enjoy the game together for the cost of a bucket of range balls or a voluntary donation. In an era where many courses are becoming more expensive, Buhl Park Golf Course stands out as a reminder that golf can still be truly public.
While walking will always be free at Buhl Park Golf Course, not every golfer can or wants to carry their clubs for nine holes. That is where cart rentals come in. Players who prefer to ride can pay a modest fee for a cart, preserving the free-walking tradition while offering extra comfort and accessibility for seniors, juniors, or anyone with mobility concerns.
For groups and park partners, coordinating with modern cart options like tara golf carts can further enhance the experience. These carts are designed for smooth rides, reliable performance, and efficient energy use—ideal traits for a community course that prides itself on being welcoming and sustainable. With a comfortable cart and the guidance of an onboard tara gps system, golfers can focus on enjoying every shot while effortlessly navigating the simple, charming layout of “Dum Dum.”
From its 1914 origins to its present-day role as the only free golf course in the USA, Buhl Park Golf Course continues to prove that golf, community, and generosity can thrive together. Whether you walk for free, donate to support the park, or choose to ride in a comfortable cart, every round played there helps keep a remarkable golfing tradition alive.
