Best Golf Courses in Ohio: A Comprehensive Guide
Ohio stands as one of the Midwest's premier golf destinations, boasting an impressive collection of courses that rival those found anywhere in the country. From Jack Nicklaus's masterpiece at Muirfield Village to hidden municipal gems, the Buckeye State offers exceptional golfing experiences for players of all skill levels. This guide highlights Ohio's finest courses, providing essential information including accessibility, USGA ratings, and what makes each course special. Whether you're planning a dedicated golf trip or looking to squeeze in a round during your Ohio visit, these outstanding courses deserve a spot on your must-play list.
Premier Private Golf Courses in Ohio
While these exclusive clubs may require member connections to access, they represent the pinnacle of Ohio golf design and are worth highlighting for their exceptional quality and historical significance.
1. Muirfield Village Golf Club
- Location: Dublin
- Status: Private
- Designer: Jack Nicklaus
- USGA Course Rating: 76.3
- USGA Slope Rating: 153
Designed by Ohio native Jack Nicklaus and opened in 1974, Muirfield Village consistently ranks among America's top courses. Host to the annual Memorial Tournament on the PGA Tour, this championship layout has undergone several renovations under Nicklaus's watchful eye to maintain its challenging yet fair character. The course features immaculate conditioning, strategic bunkering, and demanding green complexes that test every aspect of a golfer's game.
2. The Golf Club
- Location: New Albany
- Status: Private
- Designer: Pete Dye
- USGA Course Rating: 75.1
- USGA Slope Rating: 148
Built in 1966, The Golf Club exemplifies Pete Dye's transition to naturalistic designs inspired by his study of Scottish links. This collaboration with Jack Nicklaus marked the beginning of a five-year partnership between the two golf legends. The course is known for its lay-of-the-land routing, strategic deception, and minimal earthmoving, creating a pure golf experience. In 2014, Dye returned to update several holes and green contours, subtly enhancing his original design.
3. Inverness Club
- Location: Toledo
- Status: Private
- Designer: Donald Ross
- USGA Course Rating: 75.9
- USGA Slope Rating: 145
With a championship pedigree dating back to 1918, Inverness Club has hosted multiple major championships including four U.S. Opens and two PGA Championships. The Donald Ross design, recently restored by architect Andrew Green, maintains its classic character while extending to over 7,700 yards to challenge modern players. The course is known for its demanding approach shots to well-protected greens and a memorable finishing stretch that has decided many championships.
Best Public Golf Courses in Ohio
Ohio offers exceptional public-access golf courses that deliver outstanding experiences without requiring membership. These courses welcome all golfers and represent some of the best values in Midwest golf.
4. The Virtues Golf Club
- Location: Nashport
- Status: Public
- Designer: Arthur Hills
- USGA Course Rating: 74.3
- USGA Slope Rating: 142
Formerly known as Longaberger Golf Club, The Virtues consistently ranks as Ohio's top public course and appears on Golf Digest's list of America's 100 Greatest Public Courses. This Arthur Hills design opened in 1999 and features dramatic elevation changes throughout its layout. The course offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, challenging green complexes, and excellent conditioning, making it a must-play destination for serious golfers visiting Ohio.
5. Stonelick Hills Golf Course
- Location: Batavia
- Status: Public
- Designer: Jeff Osterfeld
- USGA Course Rating: 73.8
- USGA Slope Rating: 139
Designed by Penn Station Subs founder Jeff Osterfeld, Stonelick Hills offers a challenging layout where water comes into play on half the holes. The course features significant elevation changes, well-placed bunkers, and undulating greens that demand precision. Located near Cincinnati, Stonelick Hills provides a high-end public golf experience with conditions that rival many private clubs in the region.
6. EagleSticks Golf Club
- Location: Zanesville
- Status: Public
- Designer: Michael Hurdzan
- USGA Course Rating: 71.4
- USGA Slope Rating: 133
EagleSticks consistently ranks among Ohio's best public courses, offering a challenging layout on rolling terrain. Designed by renowned architect Dr. Michael Hurdzan, the course features dramatic elevation changes, strategically placed bunkers, and receptive greens. At just under 6,700 yards from the championship tees, EagleSticks proves that a course doesn't need extreme length to provide a stern test of golf, relying instead on strategic design and natural contours.
Historic Donald Ross Designs in Ohio
Ohio is fortunate to have several courses designed by legendary architect Donald Ross, whose work from the early 20th century continues to challenge and delight golfers today.
7. Scioto Country Club
- Location: Columbus
- Status: Private
- Designer: Donald Ross
- USGA Course Rating: 74.8
- USGA Slope Rating: 142
Opened in 1916 as central Ohio's first 18-hole course, Scioto Country Club is where Jack Nicklaus learned the game under the tutelage of professional Jack Grout. This Donald Ross masterpiece has hosted five different major championships, including the 1926 U.S. Open won by Bobby Jones. Recently renovated by architect Andrew Green in 2021, the course has been restored to its original Ross design principles while maintaining its challenge for the modern game.
8. Manakiki Golf Course
- Location: Willoughby
- Status: Public/Municipal
- Designer: Donald Ross
- USGA Course Rating: 71.5
- USGA Slope Rating: 131
A rare Donald Ross-designed municipal course, Manakiki offers an affordable opportunity to experience the work of a master architect. Located just outside Cleveland and operated by the Cleveland Metroparks, the course features Ross's signature elevated greens with subtle contours that challenge even skilled putters. The back nine begins and ends with memorable canyon holes that add drama to the round. With weekend rates peaking at just $47, Manakiki represents one of the best values in American golf.
9. Brookside Country Club
- Location: Canton
- Status: Private
- Designer: Donald Ross
- USGA Course Rating: 73.1
- USGA Slope Rating: 135
Designed by Donald Ross in 1922, Brookside Country Club underwent a restoration in 2003 to recapture the architect's original intent. The par-71 layout stretches to 6,876 yards and concludes with back-to-back challenging par-5s that can dramatically affect the outcome of a match. Recognized in Golf Week Magazine's Top 100 and honored by Golf Digest as the "Best New Remodel" in 2006, Brookside offers classic architecture with modern conditioning.
Outstanding Resort Courses in Ohio
For golfers looking to combine quality play with overnight accommodations, Ohio offers several excellent resort options that welcome non-member play.
10. Firestone Country Club: South Course
- Location: Akron
- Status: Private with Stay-and-Play Access
- Designer: Bert Way, redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Sr.
- USGA Course Rating: 75.1
- USGA Slope Rating: 144
The South Course at Firestone Country Club is legendary in professional golf, having hosted over 70 professional tournaments including multiple World Golf Championships won by Tiger Woods. Originally designed by Bert Way in 1929 and extensively redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Sr. for the 1960 PGA Championship, the par-70 layout stretches to 7,400 yards and features some of golf's most challenging holes, including the infamous par-4 16th known as "The Monster." While Firestone is a private club, golfers can access all three courses through stay-and-play packages at the on-site accommodations.
Best Value Golf Courses in Ohio
These courses deliver exceptional golf experiences at price points that won't break the bank, proving that quality golf doesn't always require a premium fee.
14. Chapel Hill Golf Course
- Location: Mount Vernon
- Status: Public
- Designer: Jack Kidwell
- USGA Course Rating: 70.9
- USGA Slope Rating: 128
With green fees ranging from $27-$49, Chapel Hill delivers excellent value with conditions that exceed expectations for the price point. The course features rolling terrain, strategic bunkering, and well-maintained greens that run true and fast. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly staff and the course's ability to challenge players of all skill levels while remaining playable and enjoyable.
15. Twin Run Golf Course
- Location: Hamilton
- Status: Public/Municipal
- Designer: Arthur Hills
- USGA Course Rating: 70.5
- USGA Slope Rating: 125
This municipal course designed by Arthur Hills offers exceptional conditioning at municipal course prices ($20-$35). Twin Run features a classic layout with tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and well-maintained greens. Reviewers consistently praise the course's maintenance standards, noting that it's kept "as well as any municipal course" with conditions that rival much more expensive facilities.
16. Gleneagles Golf Club
- Location: Twinsburg
- Status: Public
- Designer: Brian Huntley
- USGA Course Rating: 70.8
- USGA Slope Rating: 127
Located between Cleveland and Akron, Gleneagles offers excellent value with green fees ranging from $29-$43. The course features well-maintained greens that receive consistent praise from reviewers, along with a well-managed pace of play that ensures an enjoyable round. The Tuesday $8 burger special adds to the value proposition, making this a favorite among budget-conscious golfers who don't want to sacrifice quality.
Ohio Golf: A Midwest Treasure
Ohio's golf landscape stands as one of America's most underrated treasures. With eight courses securing spots on Golf Digest's prestigious list of the top 200 greatest courses in America, the Buckeye State rivals Illinois as the Midwest's premier golf destination. From the championship tests of Muirfield Village and Inverness to the affordable excellence of municipal gems like Manakiki and Sleepy Hollow, Ohio offers remarkable diversity in its golfing options.
What makes Ohio truly special is the accessibility of quality golf. While the state boasts world-class private clubs, many outstanding public courses deliver exceptional experiences at reasonable prices. Whether you're seeking a bucket-list round at a famous championship venue or simply looking for an enjoyable day on well-maintained fairways without breaking the bank, Ohio has you covered.
As you plan your next golf adventure, consider the Buckeye State for its rich architectural heritage, diverse playing options, and outstanding value. From Donald Ross classics to modern masterpieces, Ohio's golf courses offer memorable experiences that will have you planning your return visit before you've even completed your first round.
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Visit the official Ohio tourism website to learn more about golf packages, seasonal specials, and to plan your perfect Ohio golf getaway.
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