The Inside Swing

Pittsburgh Field Club

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Private Club · 18 Holes · Par 72 · 6,658 yds · Members Only · 4.3

One of Pittsburgh's oldest private clubs with a Donald Ross layout beautifully restored by Ron Prichard, Pittsburgh Field Club winds through the rolling hills of Fox Chapel. The restored Ross design features his characteristic crowned greens, strategic bunkering, and a classic parkland character preserved through careful renovation.

History & Heritage

Pittsburgh Field Club was founded in 1882 as the Pittsburgh Cricket Club — one of the oldest clubs in the region. Located in Fox Chapel six miles from downtown. Alexander Findlay designed the full 18 in 1915 with Donald Ross, Tillinghast, and others modifying over decades.

Ron Prichard began a major Ross restoration in 2003 continuing through 2015, recovering lost features including sharp-edged bunker faces and green surrounds. Hosted the 1937 PGA Championship won by Denny Shute — Sam Snead, Byron Nelson competed.

Signature Holes

7
Hole 7 Par 4 · 400 yards

Won "Best of the Best" Western PA Golf Choice Awards alongside hole 15. Small, fiercely contoured greens and classic Eastern design character — every green is a puzzle.

What to Expect

Quintessential Golden Age layout with small, contoured greens, strategic bunkering, and hilly routing through mature hardwoods. Not long but deeply strategic. The Prichard restoration is a model of authentic Ross revival.

Strictly private in Fox Chapel.

Playing Tips

Precision with irons matters more than length. Small greens demand accurate approaches. Short game is essential — bump-and-run around green complexes.

Highlights

  • Donald Ross design restored by Ron Prichard
  • One of Pittsburgh's oldest private clubs since 1903
  • Classic parkland character in Fox Chapel hills

Frequently Asked Questions

Who restored it?
Ron Prichard (2003-2015) — considered a model of authentic Donald Ross design revival.

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