FRANKLIN PARK — Clover Hill Golf Course is more than just a nine-hole course in the middle of a residential neighborhood.

It's become a labor of love for manager-superintendent Bill Schweitzer and his staff.

Schweitzer has held his position for 27 years, since the Franklin Park-based course opened in 1988.

“It's unique in that it's a public course that people can get on at almost any time,” Schweitzer said. “Yet the conditions here are of country club quality.

“We take a lot of pride in the quality of this golf course.”

Clover Hill offers five par-4 holes — the longest being 365 yards — and four par-3 holes, the shortest being 74 yards.

Plans are in place to lengthen the No's 1 and 5 holes by 30 to 35 yards.

Adults can walk the course for as little as $13 on weekends. Discount rates are available for seniors age 62 and older and juniors age 17 and younger.

“We get a wide range of golfers here, from beginners to longtime players, and we get a lot of regulars,” Schweitzer said. “Golfers don't have to invest more than two hours to play a round here and the course is extremely walk-able.

“It's a nice alternative.”

Many of the employees at Clover Hill are senior citizens. Cashiers Pat Quinlan, Ken Sarver and Chuck Hickler are ages 61, 84 and 66, respectively.

Quinlan has worked at the course for more than 20 years.

“I love the social aspect of this place,” he said. “The atmosphere is casual. Everyone has a good time when they come here.

“We get a high percentage of beginners, ladies, juniors, all types of people. Everybody gets along.”

Schweitzer is thankful for his staff and the way they treat the golfers.

“These people are vital to our operation. They're dependable. They're always here on time and the rapport they have with the customers is fantastic,” he said. “We're all friends here.”

Schweitzer's favorite hole is the No. 7, a 169-yard par 3 with a two-tier green.

Clover Hill is home to 14 leagues, including its Junior Team Golf League from 10 a.m. to noon each Saturday. That circuit features 60 kids.

“The kids take lessons twice a week at Pine Creek Driving Range down the road, then they play here on Saturdays,” Schweitzer said. “It's been a popular league for a long time.

“Golfers in general come here from as far away as the South Hills. Being close to the interstate (79) helps us that way and it's a nice course for the seniors to walk.”

While Clover Hill will take tee times, Schweitzer said “about 70 percent of our clientele is walk-ins.”

No taxpayer dollars go into the course.

“It's self-supporting. This course pays for itself,” Schweitzer said.