The future operation of South Mountain Golf Course, a scenic 9-hole mountain course, is in jeopardy. The Quincy Township sporting venue leases a 47-acre tract from Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) that is located within the boundaries of Michaux State Forest. On December 31, 2025, the golf course’s lease will expire. DCNR recently notified course ownership that their lease will not be renewed.
The golf course acreage in question became part of state forest land in 1964. In 1968, the first lease was signed and the South Mountain Golf Course (SMGC) opened. Subsequent ten-year leases with the state have kept the course operating as a private concession to the present day.
The George family has managed and maintained the SMGC property for its entire 55-year history. Richard “Dick” George ran the course for most of that period- assisted by many supportive helpers- and during that long tenure they made many improvements to the course, roads and facilities. Dick’s brother, Dave George, is the current owner.
Donnie Montgomery has been SMGC’s manager for the past decade. Along with Andy George, who tends the grounds, and other staff, they have welcomed both members and the public. “We have generations of families who come to play here,” Montgomery said.
DCNR recently issued a news release in which State Forester Roy Brubaker described the state’s thought process behind the lease decision affecting SMGC. “Here in Michaux, public expectations about how they use the state forest for backcountry wilderness experiences, short excursions, trails, wildlife viewing, and educational opportunities continues to change and have grown significantly. Increased visitation is creating a high degree of demand on every acre of Michaux State Forest, making us aware that continuing the site as a golf course may not be the best option for operations and visitor use opportunities.”
But SMGC ownership, golfers, area residents, and various community leaders, want to keep the course open. Course Manager Montgomery points out that not only are thousands of rounds golfed at South Mountain each year, but businesses and charitable groups also hold events on the grounds, enjoying SMGC’s friendly staff, reasonable rates, and scenic vistas. “This is more than a golf course,” Montgomery said. “The community benefits from the course being here.”
Voicing their support for SMGC, local leadership issued the following statement: “We, the Supervisors of Quincy Township, are fundamentally opposed to the closure of South Mountain Golf Course by the lapse of their lease with DCNR. We firmly stand with the South Mountain Golf Course and call for the renewal of the lease immediately, affirming the historical, environmental and recreational value of the South Mountain Golf Course to Quincy Township, the municipality in which it is located.”
SMGC ownership and golf members (currently 110 members), along with other concerned citizens, have initiated petitions to gather signatures and fight the potential closure. Phone calls have been made to State Representatives and letters written to the Governor’s office. Various signs have sprung up on local lawns urging: “Save the Course”.
The state’s potential site plans were explained further in the news release. “DCNR is strongly considering repurposing the site of the current golf course at the end of the lease in order to make the state forest land accessible to all for recreation, improve habitat for wildlife, and to be the site of a new Visitor Center to welcome and help educate state forest users.” These DCNR plans would potentially include a new trail loop system and restoration of native grassland, wetland, and field habitats on the 47-acre golf course site, plus an additional 23 adjoining acres.
“Golf is also recreation,” GMGC’s Montgomery said in response to the state’s potential plans. He noted that eight other sites were evaluated for the proposed DCNR project, and suggested other suitable choices were available to the state. Montgomery also recalled that several local public courses have closed in recent years (Waynesboro Municipal and Letterkenny, among others) and that people deserve an affordable place to play golf.
DCNR has called a Town Hall Meeting on October 18th to give a short presentation on their decision-making process and to collect local input. When reached for comment, State Forester Brubaker said the meeting will serve as a public announcement that “the decision has been made not to renew the lease.” He will discuss the repurposing plans for the golf course tract and seeks local participation in the future use of that land. “We want to broadly serve the public while we constantly evaluate the shifting needs for Michaux’s conservation.”
Brubaker also said there was an important distinction in that the SMGC lease was not being terminated by DCNR; it was simply not being renewed. “The George family have been fantastic tenants. We respect their community focus and that made this a harder judgment. We don’t take these decisions lightly.” Brubaker noted that the state’s agreement dictates a 90-day notice regarding a lease’s end, and they provided SMGC with more than two years notice.
Donnie Montgomery believes SMGC still has options. “No money has been approved for their proposed project yet,” according to Montgomery. To date, SMGC has collected 800 signatures on petitions and expects to have over 1000 before the Town Hall Meeting commences. Founder Dick George will speak at the assembly. Donnie Montgomery says the support SMGC has received has been encouraging. “We have to fight for our members and the community,” he said. “If we don’t try, nothing will happen.”
The Town Hall Meeting will be held October 18th at 5pm at the South Mountain Fish and Game Club, 11547 Loop Road in Fayetteville. The public is encouraged to attend.
