The World’s Fair Legacy
The golf course was set on land tied to the famous 1904 World’s Fair, offering century-old municipal golf on hallowed city ground. To this day, the layout embodies public-spirited, accessible golf surrounded by civic history.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Forest Park Golf Course
St. Louis, Missouri
Established
1912
Architect
Robert Foulis (original); Hale Irwin & Stan Gentry (2001–2004 renovation)
Access
Public
Par
Par 70
Length
4,431 – 6,272 yds
Green Fees
$
The verdict
Classic City Parkland, Deep Roots
Forest Park Golf Course delivers a distinct blend of century-old public golf charm and welcoming playability in the heart of St. Louis. The historic routing and accessible layout reward smart play and invite golfers back for more, while the vintage civic park setting offers unbeatable local flavor.
Course DNA
Difficulty
63
Scenery72
Conditioning70
Shot Variety67
Walkability81
Green Complexity61
Wow Factor74
Design Quality68
Don't miss
Pause on the walk between nine and ten for a snack at the turn window—local regulars swear by the toasted ravioli.
At a glance
Quick facts
Original architect
Robert Foulis (1912–1915)
No. of holes
27 (Dogwood, Red Bud, Hawthorn)
Renovation architect
Hale Irwin & Stan Gentry (2001–2004)
Course setting
Inside Forest Park city park
Finishing hole type
Par-3 finish
Main clubhouse
Modern facility (opened 2004)
Notable event
1929 U.S. Amateur Public Links
Fairway turf
Zoysia grass
The design
The architecture
The current course layout preserves much of Robert Foulis’s early 20th-century routing philosophy: straightforward, walkable parkland golf within the heartbeat of St. Louis. The 2000s renovation led by Hale Irwin and Stan Gentry respected the old-school heritage — keeping classic green sites, making sensible use of the city park’s terrain, and ensuring the holes are fair while rewarding smart shotmaking. The three-nine configuration allows variety in play while the tree-lined fairways, modest doglegs, and occasional water add subtle complexity without ever becoming severe. The original bones give spacious corridors, playable angles, and a strong community-muni vibe, all in the shadow of Forest Park’s heritage attractions.
Robert Foulis (a St. Andrews-trained pro) is a St. Louis golf pioneer; Irwin and Gentry honored his template in the 2000s overhaul.
Defining features
- 27 holes across three distinct nines
- Straightforward parkland routing with city views
- Emphasis on playability and accessibility
- Classic early-1900s green complexes
- Mature trees shaping corridors and lines
- Par-3 finishing hole for a unique close
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 7
The Broadside Gauntlet
PAR
4
YARDAGE
438
The stout par-4 seventh is a true test from the back tees, demanding precision both off the tee and into a protected green. Its imposing yardage and subtle angles make it a nerve-check before the turn.
Play it smart
Favor position off the tee and play for the heart of the green to avoid big numbers.
Where it bites
Thick rough and trouble right can penalize aggression or miss-hits.
Course management
Shots to think about
Tee shot on No. 9
Prioritize accuracy over distance—tight landing zones mean three smart shots, not heroics, set up a par or better.
Approach to No. 12
Favor the safe side of the green rather than firing at tucked flags; this hole stings the gambler.
Drivable No. 16
Assess wind and pin; laying up with an iron keeps double bogey off the card if you can't comfortably clear the trouble.
Bombing 17 in two
If you take on the green, make sure you have the number and lie—otherwise, set up a wedge third.
First putt on slick bentgrass greens
Give greens respect—speed can get away from you, so favor dying the ball at the cup.
Short par-3 opener on back nine
Take enough club and hit for the middle; don't risk missing long when the tee is exposed to wind.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Expect solidly maintained zoysia fairways, consistent bentgrass greens, and a classic city-park look—reliable for a muni, with turf often surprisingly good.
Pace
Variable—peak times see classic urban muni waits, but early mornings and weekdays are swifter.
Vibe
Relaxed, bustling, and lively, with a proud civic character; every type of golfer shares the fairways.
Dress code
Casual, public course standard—collared shirts encouraged, but no ultra-strict code.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Book your tee early
Prime weekend slots fill fast, so reserve at least one week in advance for the best times.
02
Bring both soft spikes and casuals
Forest Park welcomes walkers—zoysia is soft underfoot, and you'll enjoy the classic parkland stroll in comfort shoes.
03
Pack an umbrella or sun hat
As an open city park, shade is variable and summer rounds can get toasty.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1897
First golf played on site within Forest Park
- 1912
Original nine holes designed by Robert Foulis open
- 1913
Second nine holes added
- 1915
Full 27-hole facility achieved
- 1929
Hosted U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship
- 2004
New clubhouse and updated routing debut
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Monster on No. 9
The par-5 9th, stretching 633 yards from the Black tees, remains the true test that defines the round — demanding careful navigation and punishing greed. Local lore has it that only the bold (and extremely long) reach this green in two.
Old-School Muni Vibes
Forest Park’s post-renovation clubhouse and classic fairway lines intentionally preserve the old-city feel. You’ll recognize the seamless blend of parkland tradition and city golf character that anchors the course’s reputation.
The City’s Golfing Heart
In a city famous for baseball and blues, Forest Park has been a golfing sanctuary for over a century. Generations of St. Louisans have made memories here — from early amateur champs to today’s weekend warriors.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Golf has been played in Forest Park since 1897.
2
The course sits on land used for the 1904 World’s Fair.
3
In 1929, it hosted the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship.
4
Robert Foulis, the architect, was a St. Andrews-trained pro who helped seed St. Louis golf culture.
5
Three distinct nines let you mix up your round every visit.
Build the trip
If you’re building a St. Louis golf trip around Forest Park
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Annbriar Golf Course
Public
Top public-access course in the metro; premium playing conditions and course variety
The Highlands Golf & Tennis
Public
Casual city golf option for a quick warmup or walkable second round
Glen Echo Country Club
Private
Historic private classic with World’s Fair ties (if you have access)
St. Louis Country Club
Private
A prestigious, architecturally significant area club for bucket-list seekers (member guest required)
Central West End for best proximity to Forest Park and vibrant city life.
Course DNA
If You Like Forest Park Golf Course
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.5
Pinehurst Resort (No. 5 Course)
Pinehurst, North CarolinaWalkability
Why it matches: If Forest Park Golf Course is your kind of course, Pinehurst Resort (No. 5 Course) is worth a look because it moves through the round with the same walkable flow.
Strong DNA Match6.2
Pebble Creek Golf Course
Cincinnati, OhioWalkability
Why it matches: What links these two? Moves through the round with the same walkable flow — a familiar feeling, expressed in Pebble Creek Golf Course's own setting.
Strong DNA Match8.0
Prouts Neck Country Club
Scarborough, MaineWalkability
Why it matches: Prouts Neck Country Club is a natural next stop after Forest Park Golf Course: it has a similarly satisfying rhythm on foot.
Community Sentiment
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