WAYNESBORO – The South Mountain Golf Course in Quincy Township has been saved and will reopen for the 2026 season following a 10-year lease renewal with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, according to announcements from local legislators.
The DCNR renewed the lease with the George family, who own the course. The renewal comes after a significant effort from local residents, golfers and elected officials who fought to keep the community asset from closing.
State Rep. Chad Reichard (R-Franklin) hailed the decision as a major victory for his constituents.
“Receiving the call that the course has been saved was truly a highlight of my time serving the people of southern Franklin County,” Reichard said. “This was what I was elected to do: To represent and fight for the people of the district, and I’m never going to stop doing that.”
Reichard noted that the grassroots efforts to save the course were a comprehensive team effort. He highlighted the community’s swift action when news spread that DCNR had plans to close the course.
Reichard also extended credit to the governor saying, “Gov. Josh Shapiro also deserves credit for righting this wrong with DCNR. I am grateful he recognized that forcing a small business to close was not in the best interest of our community and the state.”
“The community rallied around the Georges and their beloved links when word that DCNR had plans to close the course spread. So many people passed around and signed petitions to keep the course open,” Reichard said, adding that Franklin County commissioners and local elected officials stood firmly in support of preserving the course.
County Commissioners released a statement on Monday, Dec. 8, applauding the outcome. “We are thrilled that the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has renewed the lease on the South Mountain Golf Course for another 10 years,” the commissioners stated. “We applaud the efforts of Rep. Chad Reichard and our other local legislators for fighting diligently to preserve this local treasure.”
State Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin/Adams) also announced the renewal, saying,“I want to thank DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn for recognizing the value that South Mountain Golf Course brings to our region.” He added that the course “has served generations of families, seniors and young golfers, and it remains an important contributor to our local economy and quality of life.”
Mastriano commended the teamwork of legislative colleagues, including Reichard and State Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin). Reichard praised the renewal as a win for local recreation and the community’s outdoor heritage.
“South Mountain Golf Course has been a fixture in our community for as long as many of us can remember,” Reichard said. “Its renewal ensures continued access to recreation, open space, and community events.”
Kauffman echoed this sentiment, highlighting the course’s economic and social importance. “South Mountain Golf Course is more than just a place to play golf — it supports small businesses, local tourism and provides a gathering place for people of all ages,” he said.
The renewed lease provides operational stability for the course, which has long been a hub for public recreation, youth programs and community events.
