Butler National Golf Club

Recently this terrific but remote golf course returned to a private club after several years open to the public. Its name was to change to match its partner course, Pittsburgh National, but the signs read St. Jude. My group took advantage of a get-to-know the club for $18. We found this tough course to be in top condition from closely cut fairways to white-sand bunkers. The place was deserted except for a few men walking. Our cart had a flat tire, but the course had no replacement since all the other carts were being serviced. There were no amenities like food or drink. The tire was eventually fixed. Unless the policy changes -- it's posted on the clubhouse door -- there will be no return to this course, whatever its name.

tees,fairways and greens were perfect. however, the sand traps were in disrepair as well as the cart paths which takes away from the excellent condition of the course

You can tell this course used to be a nice course, but was neglected and went downhill. Probably lost memberships as most private or ex-private courses have. But it has potential with some TLC. Noticed some dirt bald spots between holes that need work. A few bunkers have grass growing in them. Fairways and greens were in good shape. Some scenic holes and nice layout. Holes 9 and 18 are kind of on top of each other. Golfers on the tee box on 9 have to look out for golfers on 18 as they can get hit. The course was recently purchased by Pittsburgh National, and if they fix it like they did with Pittsburgh National, it will be a very nice course. I'll give it 3 stars for now, could be 4 very soon with some maintenance and food options. I would definitely play this again for under $30.

Have played and enjoyed St. Jude/Butler Nat'l since public had access. Always nice shape and quick pace of play. On 8/2/14, wife and I were given electric cart that "should be OK" - it wasn't. Died on #14, furthest point from the clubhouse. Annoying, but no big deal. Repeatedly called pro shop for replacement - NOBODY THERE! Repeatedly called grillroom - NOBODY THERE! Started walking back since storm was rolling in but got caught on #16 tee, had to wait it out for 45min in pouring rain, lightning and thunder. Passed two more dead carts on the way in! NOBODY THERE when we finally got back to chew out. Course is responsible to see ALL golfers get in safely in in bad weather. Maybe all members were safe so staff left? VERY DISAPPOINTED!.

IF your not looking for all the bells and whistles but want to play a very unique and challenging course then this course is a must play. You have the course to yourself no waiting and no one pushing you to get moving. DO NOT pay more then 30.00 to play this course as you will be sadly disappointed as there are NO AMENITIES. Your given a golf cart and that is it! Following the cart path is your only direction on the course, until the pavement runs out your on your own.
The course itself could be so prestige and beautiful....so sad to see such a beautiful golf course left to dwindle down to nothing. SOMEONE NEEDS TO GIVE THIS COURSE THE TLC IT DESERVES!!!! DAVID STEP UP AND help your course survive....I am so sad as an avid golfer to see a golf course in such bad shape, and yet such a challenging round of golf. SO VERY SAD TO SEE!!!

Course was in great shape. Greens are challenging. Fairways on the narrower side which adds a challenge. Few fairway bunkers but still placed carefully. Course was empty so our twosome played in just over 3 hours. Only negative was no food services available, not even water! So be sure to bring your own .
Course was very scenic. Would definitely play again.

Arrived at Butler National at 2:00 P.M. Went in to pro shop and nobody was there. No big deal. Went to bar, where pro shop attendant came to take our Golf Now reservation confirmation. Had to send someone to cart shed for cart as none were available at the pro shop. Putted on putting green and found that putting green was extremely slow. As we continued on the course through a couple of holes, it should be noted that tees were O.K. fairways a little shaggy, and the greens were not as fast as in the previous 48 years of playing there. Bunkers were above average. But for the confusing question, Where are all the golfers? The layout is not bad, but my son and I were the only ones on the course for 17 holes. I know from speaking with a friend of mine recently, that they have chased away golfers just this past week by not honoring their request to play at their published senior rate, on-line. I appreciate the opportunity to play Pittsburgh National since this where I learned how to play golf, so thanks to the ownership and membership. Hope your course continues to improve and gain valuable revenue from prospective members.

Great track with undulating greens. While it could use better hole and directional markers, hole by hole it is really a nice course.

St Jude is a wonderful course it will make you use every club in your bag.Well conditioned and very challenging,great greens.Be prepared to play when you get to St Jude.

cart path need.to be paved and course need to be care more.

We have played here twice this year. Both times the course was in good shape, the staff friendly and the sand traps NOT prepared. A good course for the discounted Golfnow price. Regular fees would be too high. Sister course Pittsburgh national also a good deal for the discount price. We play 2-3 times per week, mostly golfnow bookings and this was the second course in a row- (Birdsfoot) that the traps had not been prepared at all. What gives superintendants?

Very nice layout with only one bad hole, #10. Course appears to be slowly fading due to lack of membership and overall play. Good greens, good tees, bad traps and generally needs attention. Pretty challenging place to play, but conditions are fading fast. Many bunkers are abandoned or marked "GOR". Here's a tip, fill them in and plant grass! Would recommend this course, but not at full price.

Horrible practice facilities. No range even though the website said it had one. The practice green was horribly maintained and half dirt. There were a few bunkers that were still under construction. I have never said this about a course but, it is very easy to get lost. The cart paths do not lead you in any particular direction. Got a huge discount on golfnow and still fell like I played too much.

Cart path is not exist. Can not find next hole. There are no Signage.

Very nice and challenging course with very little waiting or backup on each hole.

Worth the hot deal price of $30 or less. Not worth regular rates. The problem with the course is that it shares ownership with Pittsburgh national another infamously declining course. Tee boxes, fairways and greens in great shape but tons of hard dead ground in the roughs. Course not as hard as advertised. Cart paths are non existent and we got lost over 4 times looking for the next hole. Extremely goofy layout. Course had tons of potential and you can tell its living off of its reputation from the past. If your a fellow pittsburgher it's not worth the hour and twenty minute drive. Play it for 30$ or less. Don't pay rate

This course is a little challenging. You will need all of your clubs. Hazards are strategically placed. The Blue Tees deserve their 70.8/135 rating. The greens and fairways are well maintained. A few traps had wet bottoms but we did have hard rains during the previous week. The cart paths are a little rough here and there. The hole to hole signage isn't the best. Don't let these little bumps in the road stop you from enjoying the game of golf at St Judes. I will definitely play there again.

We've played St Jude a least 25 times over the past three years, and on each occasion I learn a bit more about these daunting 18 holes. The course shows its age in a few (a very few) spots, but that also reveals its timelessness and charm - a 1920's design that can still stare down the contemporary golfer. in 2013 - from any set of tees. Good shots are rewarded. Mis-hits are punished.

Beautiful setting, great pace of play - and if you are fortunate you might run into a member who will share a little inside information with you. And if you really want to prove your mettle as a golfer try walking this trail sometime.

Greens are only decent thing about course. BYOF. No food at course until 4 pm, not even hotdogs. No effort made at all.

I have played this course many times and it is usually in above average condition. The only bad thing was the back tees were shaggy. Course is a little short, so would think would be cut..A great golfnow rate but rack rate is expensive...Course requires you to hit shots....greens roll great(a lil slow), traps are raked, ....hit alot of shots to uphill greens...which makes club selection and wind very important