The Pennsylvania Golf Course Owners Association is proud to announce Olde Homestead Golf Club as the 2026 PGO Public Golf Course of the Year.

The award recognizes a PGO member facility that demonstrates excellence not only in the operation of its golf course, but also as an employer, business and contributor to its community and the game of golf.

For Olde Homestead, those elements are closely connected.

“Historic at Heart. Modern in Execution.” is how Olde Homestead describes its approach. While the operation continues to evolve, its foundation remains a people-first philosophy built around positivity, teamwork, integrity, quality, hard work and respect. Today, Olde Homestead employs approximately 150 people, and several employees have been part of the organization since the golf course opened in 1995.    

Investing in People

Staff development is a defining part of the Olde Homestead business model. Managers are expected not only to develop themselves but to help those around them grow. Leadership is regularly measured by two questions: “How have you grown?” and “Who grew because you grew?”    

That philosophy has created opportunities for employees to grow into larger roles both within Olde Homestead and beyond it. As the nomination states, the goal is not simply employee retention, but helping people leave an experience at Olde Homestead with greater confidence, skills, discipline and leadership ability.   

Reinvesting in the Experience

Olde Homestead has also demonstrated a significant commitment to reinvestment.

More than $2.85 million in capital improvements have been made during the past five years. Improvements have included modernization and expansion of the clubhouse, renovations to the historic Bank Barn, major improvements to the Carriage House and continued golf course enhancements including tree work, green expansions, cart paths and infrastructure.    

The operation is also looking toward the future through technology, including robotic mowing and AI-assisted phone technology designed to help employees better serve guests.    

Making a Difference in the Community

Olde Homestead’s reach extends far beyond golf.

The facility supports more than 50 nonprofit organizations annually, hosts approximately 20 charity golf tournaments and 20 additional community events each year, and helps charitable events generate more than $500,000 annually.

Its own fundraising efforts for Folds of Honor have raised more than $100,000, supporting military and first-responder families.    

Growing the Game

Olde Homestead has also developed creative approaches to introducing people to golf—and keeping them involved.

More than 150 young golfers participate through junior programs, PGA Junior League and a partnership with the Northwestern Youth Athletic Association. The facility also created The Potato, a nine-hole par-3 course designed to provide a bridge between learning the game and playing a traditional 18-hole course.     PUB Olde Homestead

Perhaps most distinctive is Olde Homestead’s Pay-Your-Age Program. Recognizing that golf often loses players as they move from junior programs into adulthood, golfers under age 30 can play for a green fee equal to their age. The program now accounts for more than 10,000 rounds annually, with approximately 3,300 under-30 golfers participating last year.    

A Worthy Recognition

Olde Homestead’s nomination summed up its philosophy this way: “The principles don’t change. The improvements never stop.”

That combination of strong values, investment in people, continual reinvestment, community service and commitment to growing the game exemplifies the qualities recognized through the PGO Golf Course of the Year program. The nomination’s business model ties those elements together: grow people, create strong teams, deliver exceptional experiences, earn guest trust, build financial strength and reinvest that success back into the facility, its people and its community.    

The Pennsylvania Golf Course Owners Association congratulates owner Justin Smith and the entire Olde Homestead Golf Club team on being named the 2026 PGO Public Golf Course of the Year.