Any examples of truly "public" golf courses?

[Michael Wolf]

I was discussing golf with a non-golfer today, when they asked me a question that I'd never considered before:


Are there many golf courses that are funded and maintained by a village or town or any form of public government which are then free to anyone to play? Much like a public park that doesn't have an entrance fee?


I told them i wasn't aware of any which were free on purpose, although I've visited several where a dropbox or other honor system was used for payment.


I'd think at some point the revenue generated is less than the cost of employing a gatekeeper in some smaller villages in parts of the world?


Thanks, Michael

[Nigel Islam]

I think the Forest Park course in St. Louis was designed that way when Davis conceived it.


They certainly took my money when I played though!

[jeffwarne]

Iona Golf Club
but the scorecard is a pound

[Bill Shamleffer]

Michael:


Yes there is 1 (and possibly the only one) free public golf course - Buhl Farm Golf Course.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buhl_Farm_Golf_Course


https://www.pga.com/news/golf-buzz/pennsylvania-golf-course-hasnt-charged-greens-fees-in-more-100-years

Over 100 years ago, Buhl Park Golf Course opened as one of the best bargains in golf. Anyone could play free of charge.
 
It remains that way today.
 
That's right. It doesn't cost a penny to play the nine-hole course in Sharon that's nicknamed "Dum Dum."
 
To this day, it's the only free golf course in the United States.
 
It's also believed to be the only free golf course in the world. Any time anyone associated with Buhl Park has ever made that claim, it's never been disputed.

by Mike Bires

Beaver County Times
September 10, 2018

[Tom_Doak]

The links of St. Andrews were free to town residents, until the 1960's I think.


I doubt that was the only course in Scotland like that, but it's the only one I know of.

[Sean_A]

Bruntsfield Short Course is free.


Ciao