36 holes of golf are available in Forest Park, 27 at the Norman K. Probstein Golf Courses and Youth Learning Center, and 9 at the Triple A Golf and Tennis Club.

Forest Park golfers can enjoy one of the finest public courses in the country. Although the Forest Park golf course was built in 1913 on the site of the 1904 World's Fair, today the Norman K. Probstein Community Golf Course and Youth Learning Center in Forest Park is all new.

And, for the first time, the golf course has its own clubhouse, complete with restaurant, pro shop, banquet facilities, and a youth learning center.

Stan Gentry, chief architect for Hale Irwin Golf Services Inc., was charged with taking one of the favorite golf courses in the area and reconfiguring the 27 holes as three nine-hole courses, which can be combined to be played as 18 holes, lending more variety and flexibility for golfers.

All three courses have lush zoysia fairways and are par 35. They are named for trees found in St. Louis:

Hawthorn: A beautiful layout that is relatively flat and easy to walk. There are enough hazards to make it challenging but still enjoyable.

Dogwood: This is for the more adventurous golfer. It starts out hilly, has one hole with a water fairway and ends with a 600 yard par 5.

Redbud: This is for the adventurous golfer and incorporates some of the most dramatic holes from the original golf course layout. It is very hilly and challenging.

The clubhouse is a beautiful glass structure, located on Lagoon Drive, near the Forsyth entrance to Forest Park. Ruthie's Grill is open for all park users. Its veranda and patio have a terrific view of the golf course.

The Golf Clubhouse is ideal for events ranging from wedding receptions to golf tournament banquets. The facility is operated by American Golf Corporation, and food service is provided by Three Leaves Catering.

For more information, call (314) 367-1337, ext. 226.

The facility is named the Norman K. Probstein Community Golf Courses and Youth Learning Center in Forest Park because a $2 million pledge from St. Louis developer Norman K. Probstein was the initial gift toward the full project funding. Additional funds include $2 million from American Golf Corporation, $2.4 million from the Danforth Foundation, $4.5 million in private funds from Forest Park Forever, and $1.6 million from the City of St. Louis

The brainchild of Probstein, the new Youth Learning Center is run by a PGA professional and is open to children in the community, ages 7 to 17. It offers golf instruction for all skill levels with an emphasis on diversity and broad-based participation.

For more information, call (314) 367-1337 or visit the Probstein Golf Course. (http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/forestpark/golf.html)
(http://www.americangolf.com)

Triple A Golf and Tennis Club was established more than 100 years ago. They are open to the public, and everyone is welcome. Triple A is a great alternative to the more expensive private courses in the St. Louis region. In addition, Triple A Golf and Tennis Club formed the Triple A Youth Foundation in 1966. The club serves as the foundation's home facility for introducing tennis and golf to St. Louis area youth who might not have the opportunity to learn, practice, and play either game.

For more information, call (314) 652-2433 or visit the Triple A Golf and Tennis Club. (http://www.tripleaclub.org)