Then & Now: Pittsburgh Field Club is region's oldest sporting facility
The Pittsburgh Field Club, known for its lush greens and opulent setting, dates to the late 1800s when it was known for a sport other than golf — cricket.
Established as the Pittsburgh Cricket Club in April 1882 in the Brushton-Homewood section of the city, it was reincorporated as the Field Club 14 years later. It remained in the area of what is today’s Frick Park until 1914, when the club purchased 171 acres in Fox Chapel.
It is the oldest sporting club in the region.
Construction of the current grounds off Hemlock Hollow Road took about a year, with the golf course, tennis courts and clubhouse opening in June 1915.
Fire tore through the original clubhouse in 1924. It was rebuilt a year later.
Guests today can enjoy a variety of amenities that range from social to athletic, including the pool, skeet shooting, racquet sports and fishing.
The golf course is the club’s gem. It was designed by Alexander Findlay, a premier architect of the time known as the “Father of American Golf.”
The private country club has hosted major events over the years, including the 1937 PGA Championship where players competed for a $12,000 purse.
In 1959, the Western Open was hosted at the club, during which Arnold Palmer missed a short putt for par on the final hole and surrendered victory to Mike Souchak.
Fun fact: In 1938, an elevator was built near the No. 17 green to lift golfers 70 feet to a bridge leading to the 18th tee. The ride takes 39 seconds.
Have an old photo to share for Then & Now? Email Tawnya Panizzi at tpanizzi@triblive.com.
Tawnya Panizzi is a TribLive reporter. She joined the Trib in 1997. She can be reached at tpanizzi@triblive.com.
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