The Course
Outdrive your competition.
Our Ottawa Park golf course is not only beautiful but also historic. S. P. Jermain, known as the “father of public golf in Toledo,” established the Toledo Park System. In the 1890s, all golf courses were private, but Jermain aimed to change that. In 1899, he created a 9-hole course in Ottawa Park, making it the second oldest public course in the US.
The course quickly gained popularity and was expanded to 18 holes in 1920-1921. In 1922, Ottawa Park hosted the first US Amateur Public Links Championship, which was open only to non-private club members.
In 1977, renowned golf course architect Arthur Hills, who hails from Toledo, completed many renovations and upgrades to the greens, tees, bunkers, and irrigation at Ottawa Park. These improvements have significantly enhanced the course’s quality.
Today, thanks to these renovations, Ottawa Park is celebrated for its excellent greens, which blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. S. P. Jermain once remarked that “nature clearly intended for a golf course” in this beautiful setting.
Stolen Statue
In 1928, a 2-foot bronze statue of Mr. Jermain was created to honor his dedication to public golf. It was placed next to the course’s putting green. Unfortunately, the statue became famous for being stolen six times, starting in 1929 and the last time in 2006. While it was recovered after the first five thefts, it was never found after the 2006 incident.
To replace the lost statue, the Park Board and the Friends of SP Jermain/21st Century raised funds for a new one. Noted sculptor Brian Maughan from Yellow Springs, OH, recreated the statue to the exact dimensions. This new statue was dedicated in 2010 and now stands near the 1st tee.
For fees, tee times, leagues, etc., contact the course clubhouse at 419-472-2059, or their website.