[cliff]

I recently joined a league here which advertises itself as the oldest muni west of NY state (1899).  It's an excellent shorter course that appears to be very true to the original routing/layout.  Most locals rate it as the most fun to play in the area.  

I haven't been able to come across much info on its background though.  Any help would be apprecited.

Thanks

[Mike_Cirba]

cliff,

I'm not sure who designed the first nine holes at Ottawa Park in 1898 (I'm sure that would be interesting historical info), but the course became 18 in 1918, courtesy of Donald Ross, apparently.

American golf leases the course from the city. Ottawa Park is the oldest muncipal course west of New York City, the site of the first USGA Amateur Publinx tournament in 1922. The city had sheep to keep the grass down until the 1920's. Harry Vardon played 9 holes in 1900 and shot a 36, a record that held for 6 years.

I understand the course is short, but quite enjoyable.

[Dan Grossman]

The golf course is great fun to play with a number of drivable par 4's on the front.  I do remember (at least 8 years ago), however, that some of the par 4's were also extraordinarily overgrown with trees which needed to be cut back.  I recall having to punch a shot from the middle of a fairway to keep it under the trees.

[cliff]

Mike-

Thanks for the insight.

[Mike_Cirba]

cliff,

More info;

According to Cornish & Whitten, in "The Architects of Golf", Ottawa Park (the first nine) was designed by that household name, Sylvanus Peirson Jermain, presumably in 1898.

Interestingly, there is no mention of Ross.  Neither is there a mention of Ottawa Park in the Ross book, "Golf has never failed me".  

However, other sources claim that Ross did the second nine (and probably changed the first) in 1918.  Since you live there, you might want to check on the source of that information, and share it with the Donald Ross Society since they are always on the lookout for new info.  Posting that info here will certainly put you in touch with the right people.  Interestingly, a local public course in my area recently uncovered their Ross roots (Jeffersonville), so it's an ongoing effort.

Also, C&W cite Arthur Hills as having done some redesign work in 1974, of an indeterminate nature.  

[cliff]

Mike-

Mr. Jermain was quite a benefactor to the city of Toledo.

A quick search on Google resulted in "Sylvanus Pierson Jermain, Father of Toledo's park system and proponent of municipal golf" along with this photo with Bobby Jones.

http://www.toledolibrary.org/taftert/PhotohtmFiles/photo184.htm

Also would explain the origins of Pierson Park and Jermain Park built as WPA projects.

I'll look into the Ross connection and post anything relevant

thanks again for the info!  

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