The Birthplace of Ohio Golf: A Journey Through the First Golf Course in the Buckeye State

When you think of golf in the United States, your mind might wander to the East Coast windswept links or California's sun-soaked fairways. But in the heartland, Ohio is quietly significant in American golf history. It may surprise even lifelong residents of the Buckeye State to learn that Ohio’s love affair with the sport dates back to the 19th century — to a modest nine-hole course in a Cleveland suburb that laid the groundwork for a statewide passion.

Welcome to the story of The Ottawa Park Golf Course — the first public golf course in Ohio, and arguably the state’s earliest cradle of the game.

Golf Arrives in America — and Ohio Listens

Before discussing the specifics of Ohio’s first course, it helps to understand the context. By the late 1800s, golf was slowly gaining traction in the U.S., spurred on by Scottish immigrants and the return of wealthy American travelers who had experienced the game abroad.

While courses like Saint Andrew’s in New York (founded in 1888) were among the country’s first, the Midwest wasn’t far behind. With its industrious cities and rising upper class, Ohio was fertile ground for golf's expansion. The appetite for leisure sports, combined with growing city populations, created a demand for recreational outlets, and golf, once considered an elite pastime, began to gain widespread appeal.

The Earliest Courses: Cleveland’s Pioneering Steps

Ohio’s first known golf course was established in Cleveland in 1895, not far behind the nation’s earliest courses. The Cleveland Golf Club, organized by a group of affluent local businessmen, is often credited with laying the foundation for golf in the state. Located initially near the city’s Euclid Avenue, the course was a rudimentary layout by today’s standards: rough greens, few hazards, and a landscape more shaped by nature than design.

But for all its simplicity, this early course served as a proving ground for Ohio golfers. Its nine-hole setup was typical of the era, reflecting the sport's Scottish origins and the logistical constraints of early course construction.

As golf's popularity grew, so did the need for public access, which brings us to a truly historic turning point.

Ottawa Park Golf Course: Ohio’s First Public Course

While the Cleveland Golf Club may have been the first private course in Ohio, Ottawa Park Golf Course in Toledo, Ohio, earned the distinction of being the state’s first public golf course—and it’s still in operation today.

Opened in 1899, Ottawa Park was designed by S.P. Jermain, a name that might not ring a bell nationally but is revered in northwest Ohio. Jermain, often called the “father of public golf in Toledo,” had a simple yet profound belief: golf should be accessible to everyone, not just the elite. He pushed for creating a course within Toledo’s city limits that could welcome players of all backgrounds.

Built within Ottawa Park — a sprawling, tree-filled public space — the course originally featured nine holes and was crafted to blend into the park's natural topography. It wasn’t flashy, but it was revolutionary.

By making golf available to the masses, Ottawa Park helped democratize the sport in Ohio and became a model for other cities looking to create recreational facilities for their citizens.

A Legacy That Shaped Ohio Golf Culture

From its humble beginnings, Ottawa Park Golf Course evolved over the years. It expanded to 18 holes and continues to be a beloved community staple. Its historical significance can’t be overstated — it represents a shift in how golf was perceived and practiced.

The success of Ottawa Park inspired other municipalities to invest in public golf courses. By the early 20th century, cities like Columbus, Cincinnati, and Akron were all home to their public tracks. These courses encouraged physical activity and outdoor leisure and served as social hubs, where business deals were struck and lifelong friendships formed.

Today, Ohio has over 800 golf courses, from luxurious private clubs to welcoming municipal layouts. The state has produced PGA professionals, hosted major tournaments, and nurtured a passionate golfing community — all of which trace back to those early efforts in Cleveland and Toledo.

Visiting Ottawa Park Today

If you’re a golf enthusiast, a history buff, or someone who loves exploring Ohio’s hidden gems, a round at Ottawa Park Golf Course is a must. The course remains affordable, walkable, and steeped in character. The trees are taller, the greens are better groomed, but the spirit of accessibility and camaraderie that S.P. Jermain envisioned is still alive.

Walking the fairways at Ottawa Park isn’t just a round of golf — it’s a stroll through Ohio’s sports history.

Final Thoughts

Ohio’s first golf courses weren’t just places to play — they were cultural landmarks reflecting broader societal changes, recreation, and accessibility. Whether you’re teeing off at a championship course or taking your first swing at a public facility, you’re part of a tradition that started with visionaries like S.P. Jermain.

So the next time you grip a club and gaze down the fairway, remember: you’re not just playing a game — you’re participating in a piece of Ohio heritage.