Ohio is a golfer’s paradise, offering many top-tier and diverse golf courses. Whether you prefer a private club, a public resort, or a hidden gem, Ohio has it all. Here are the top 10 golf courses in Ohio that you should consider visiting.
1. Muirfield Village Golf Club (Dublin)
This is the course that Jack built, rebuilt, and rebuilt again and again. Muirfield Village is the host of the PGA Tour’s annual Memorial Tournament, and it showcases Nicklaus’s design philosophy and evolution. The course underwent a major renovation in 2020, which included rebuilding every hole, shifting greens and tees, and adding strategic changes to the iconic par 5s and a new par 3 16th. Muirfield Village is a test of precision, strategy, and nerve, but it also offers plenty of beauty and variety.
Tip: If you can play here, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the clubhouse and see the memorabilia from Nicklaus’s illustrious career.
2. The Golf Club (New Albany)
The Golf Club is one of Pete Dye’s earliest and most authentic creations, inspired by his 1963 tour of Scotland. Dye bucked convention and built a lay-of-the-land course that features deception, misdirection, and railroad ties. The course also attracted the attention of Nicklaus, who visited several times and made some suggestions that led to a five-year design partnership. The Golf Club remained untouched for nearly 45 years until 2014, when Dye returned to rebuild holes and adjust some of his original green contours. The Golf Club is a pure golf experience that showcases Dye’s genius and influence.
Tip: Pay attention to the wind direction and speed, as it can make a big difference in some holes.
3. Camargo Club (Cincinnati)
Camargo Club is one of Seth Raynor’s last designs, and it’s widely regarded as one of his best. Raynor was known for his template holes that replicated famous holes from Scotland and England, such as the Redan, the Biarritz, and the Road Hole. Camargo Club has 13 of these template holes, plus five original ones that are equally impressive. The course features wide fairways, deep bunkers, undulating greens, and natural elevation changes. Camargo Club is a timeless masterpiece that honors the traditions and history of golf.
Tip: Study the hole diagrams on the scorecard before you tee off, as they will help you understand the strategy and angles of each hole.
4. Apple Valley Golf Course (Howard)
Apple Valley Golf Course is a hidden gem that ranks as one of the best public courses in Ohio. The course was designed by Jack Kidwell and Mike Hurdzan, who used the natural terrain and scenery to create an enjoyable and challenging layout. It features rolling fairways, water hazards, mature trees, and well-protected greens. Apple Valley Golf Course is known for its excellent conditioning and friendly service.
Tip: Book your tee time online to get the best rates and availability.
5. The Lakes Golf & Country Club (Westerville)
The Lakes Golf & Country Club is more than just a golf course; it’s a family-friendly resort that offers something for everyone. The course was designed by Barry Serafin, who incorporated two lakes, several creeks, wetlands, and woodlands into the design. The course is scenic, strategic, and fun to play for all skill levels. The club also features two Olympic-sized swimming pools, two diving boards, a speed slide, a kiddie pool, a playground area, tennis courts, fitness facilities, dining options, and more.
Tip: If you want a stay-and-play package, check out their website for special offers and discounts.
6. Scioto Country Club (Columbus)
Scioto Country Club is where Jack Nicklaus learned to play golf under the guidance of club pro Jack Grout. It’s also where Bobby Jones won his first U.S. Open in 1926. The course was designed by Donald Ross in 1916 and renovated by Nicklaus himself in 2008. Scioto Country Club is a classic parkland course with tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, subtle greens, and six-hole water hazards. Scioto Country Club is a historic venue that has hosted five major championships and numerous other events.
Tip: Try to play early or late in the day to avoid the heat and humidity in the summer.
7. Inverness Club (Toledo)
Inverness Club is another historic course that has hosted four U.S. Opens, two PGA Championships, a U.S. Senior Open, and a U.S. Amateur. The course was originally designed by Donald Ross in 1919 and later modified by George and Tom Fazio, Arthur Hills, and Andrew Green. Inverness Club is a challenging course with narrow fairways, deep bunkers, elevated greens, and a signature island green on the par-5 eighth hole. Inverness Club is a prestigious club that offers a world-class golf experience.
Tip: Be prepared to walk, as carts are prohibited on the course.
8. The Golf Club at Stonelick Hills (Batavia)
The Golf Club at Stonelick Hills is one of the top-rated public courses in Ohio, and for good reason. The course was designed by Jeff Osterfeld, who also owns the club, and it features a stunning layout that blends with the natural landscape. The course offers panoramic views, dramatic elevation changes, waterfalls, streams, lakes, and rock formations. The course is also immaculately maintained and offers superb playing conditions.
Tip: Bring extra balls, as the course can be unforgiving if you stray from the fairway.
9. Little Mountain Country Club (Painesville)
Little Mountain Country Club is another public gem that offers a spectacular golf experience. The course was designed by Dick Wilson and Joe Lee in 1963 and later renovated by Brian Huntley in 2000. The course features rolling hills, mature trees, rock outcroppings, and breathtaking views of Lake Erie. The course is also challenging, with tight fairways, undulating greens, and plenty of bunkers and water hazards.
Tip: Take advantage of the practice facilities, which include a driving range, a short game area, and a putting green.
10. The Trout Club (Newark)
The Trout Club is more than just a golf course; it’s a public resort that offers something for the entire family. The course was originally built in 1921 and later redesigned by Barry Serafin in 2016. The course features a mix of old and new holes, with some holes dating back to the original design and some holes added or modified to create more variety and challenge. The course also features water hazards on 14 holes, including a trout stream that runs through the property. The resort also features a hotel, a restaurant, a bar, a pool, a spa, and more.
Tip: Enjoy the scenic views of the Licking Valley and the surrounding hills from the clubhouse patio.
Explore Ohio’s Top Golf Courses
Ohio is a great destination for golf lovers, as it offers a variety of courses that cater to different tastes and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a private club experience or a public resort getaway, you’ll find it in Ohio. These are just 10 of the top golf courses in Ohio that you should try; there are many more waiting for you to discover.