Golf is one of the most popular and beloved sports in Cincinnati. With its stunning views, lush greens and challenging fairways, it’s no surprise why golfers from all over flock to play on some of the city’s premier courses. From public courses to private country clubs, there are plenty of options for a great round of golf in Cincinnati. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best golf courses in Cincinnati for you to enjoy during your next visit.
The Golf Club at Stonelick Hills
For those searching for the top golf course in Cincinnati, look no further than The Golf Club at Stonelick Hills. Nestled in the serene hills on the city’s eastern side, this breathtaking course boasts an incredible layout that offers a fun and challenging experience for golfers of all levels. With natural water hazards and heavily wooded areas, the course offers a scenic and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The clubhouse is equally impressive, with excellent food and a welcoming atmosphere. However, with such high demand and its excellent reputation, the course is also one of the more expensive options in town. Yet, for those who are passionate about the sport, the cost is well worth the investment. Treat yourself to an unforgettable golf experience at The Golf Club at Stonelick Hills.
Address: 3155 Sherilyn Ln, Batavia, OH 45103, United States
Blue Ash Golf Course
Blue Ash Golf Course is a gem among municipal courses. Its reputation as one of the nicest public courses in the city is well-earned with a unique course layout that poses challenges even for the most seasoned players. This suburban course is located in the popular Montgomery and Blue Ash suburbs and is a favorite among players of all ages. The course has played host to the City Championship and weeknight leagues, serving as a diverse venue for golf enthusiasts.
What sets Blue Ash Golf Course apart is the immaculate condition of its greens, offering a variety of challenges set among speedy fairways, hills, and water hazards. It’s the perfect course for a casual afternoon game with plenty of opportunities to practice those long putts. Overall, this course is a must-play for any golfer looking for an exceptional and challenging golfing experience.
Address: 4040 Cooper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45241, United States
Aston Oaks Golf Club
Aston Oaks Golf Club, situated in the serene location that overlooks the Ohio River Valley, is one of the most highly prized golf courses in Cincinnati. The course, which is famous for its challenging layout and smooth, quick greens, has an abundance of well-maintained fairways that are sure to captivate even the most discerning golfers. Every hole is designed with the utmost care, carved from stands of mature hardwoods such as white oak, hickory, and many more, making their way through rolling hills that offer plenty of elevation changes.
Moreover, the greens are fast, and the course is tight and demanding, with the abundance of trees really characterizing its unique beauty. Among these is the giant Buckeye tree, situated between the 10th tee and the 11th green, which is the largest in the state. With the Nicklaus (1999) and Thomas Pearson (1999) architecture, the course measures 6908 yards and features a Par 72 layout, a perfect challenge for both novices and seasoned players.
Address: 1 Aston Oaks Dr, North Bend, OH 45052, United States
Vineyard Golf Course
Nestled atop Woodland Mound, the Vineyard golf course is a true gem in the heart of Hamilton County. A par-71 course that stretches over 6,789 yards, it is renowned for its incredible tree-lined fairways and rolling greens that attract golfers at all levels of play. With soft meadows that weave through thick woods, the layout of the course is well-sculpted and offers breathtaking views. No wonder it has earned a spot among Golf Digest’s “Top 10 Public Golf Courses in Ohio”!
Although the course may be beautiful to admire, don’t be deceived; it still offers a challenging round of golf. Kick off your game on a par 4 that measures 365 yards from the Blue tees and get ready for a long haul on the three par-5 holes that reach over 500 yards. The course also offers four short but tricky par-3 holes, each measuring 215 yards from the Blue tee. Known as “your hometown golf resort,” the Vineyard golf course is a must-visit destination for any avid golfer looking to play on a course that is as beautiful as it is challenging.
Address: 600 Nordyke Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45255, United States
Hickory Woods Golf Course
You’ll find in Loveland, a quaint suburb on the outskirts of northeast Cincinnati, lies a hidden gem for golf enthusiasts – the Hickory Woods Golf Course. Designed by esteemed architect Dennis Acomb in 1984, this public course boasts 18 challenging holes with a par of 70 and a length of 6105 yards. The front nine offers picturesque views while the back nine presents a daunting challenge for even the most seasoned players.
The course’s well-maintained fairways and intriguing layout draw players back time and time again, but what sets Hickory Woods apart is the staff’s positive energy and friendly demeanor. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, Hickory Woods Golf Course is sure to provide an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Address: 1240 Hickory Woods Dr, Loveland, OH 45140, United States
Devou Park Golf Course
Devou Park Golf Course is a stunning and well-kept course located just across the Ohio River in Covington, KY. What sets this course apart from others is the beauty of its surroundings and the challenge it presents for golfers of all skill levels. The course consists of rolling hills and scenic views of downtown Covington and Cincinnati, making it a championship layout that is both fun and enjoyable to play.
Originally crafted by golf professional John Brophy in 1922, architect Gene Bates completed the 18 hole course with the second nine opening in 1995. Measuring in at 6134-yards, the course offers plush RyeGrass fairways and greens. Whether you’re an expert golfer or novice beginner, Devou Park Golf Course is sure to provide a memorable experience on its stunning course.
Address: 1201 Park Dr, Covington, KY 41011, United States
Sharon Woods Golf Course
The Sharon Woods Golf Course offers golf enthusiasts the perfect place to hit the links in the midst of Cincinnati’s beautiful Sharon Woods park. Golfers can experience the rolling hills, the abundance of trees, and fast greens that make this Par 70 course a challenge for golfers of all levels.
Being one of the oldest courses maintained by the park district, there is a history attached to it, inaugurated by Bobby Jones himself in 1938. Even after all these years, the course has been consistently recognized, earning the name “Best Bang For The Buck” by The Cincinnati Enquirer. William Diddel’s architectural brilliance can be witnessed at every corner of this 6633-yard course. All in all, it is an excellent choice for those who want to play the sport in a beautiful and challenging setting while staying within their budget.
Address: 11355 Swing Rd, Blue Ash, OH 45241, United States
California Golf Course
Designed by renowned architect William Diddel in 1935, California Golf Course in Cincinnati, Ohio is a par-71, 18-hole course that spans over 6,227 yards. The course sits on gently sloping land that provides a picturesque view of the Ohio River. However, don’t let the beauty of the course fool you; it’s laid out to be challenging for even seasoned golfers.
With over a third of the holes measuring over 400 yards from the Blue tees, power golfers will appreciate the opportunity to open up their games. The course kicks off with a par-4 hole that plays to 367 yards from the Blue tees, and it includes two par-5 holes in the second and ninth holes. What’s more, the trees are old-growth, giving players the feeling of being in a natural wonderland. So, if you’re looking for a challenging but friendly golf course, check out California Golf Course.
Address: 5924 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45228, United States
Elks Run Golf Course
Positioned on 163 acres of rolling hills in Batavia, Ohio, the Elks Run Golf Club boasts a stunning 6,833-yard championship course that has received widespread acclaim. Rated as one of the top 10 golf courses in Ohio by Golfweek in 2010, it is challenging and enjoyable to play. Elevation changes throughout the course result in stunning views, with the 8th tee box offering the perfect example. From this vantage point, golfers can see the entire course, including the meandering creek that winds through several holes.
Course designer Norman cleverly incorporated the natural terrain into the layout, creating a uniquely challenging experience. The front nine features a traditional links-style layout, whereas the back nine becomes more densely wooded. Any golfer looking for a challenging and memorable experience should bring their camera and capture the breathtaking landscape from the 8th tee box at Elks Run Golf Club.
Address: 2000 Elklick Rd, Batavia, OH 45103, United States
Glenview Golf Course
Glenview Golf Course offers an exceptional golfing experience with 27 undulating fairways and greens that are beautifully adorned with lush landscapes. The panoramic views of the course are simply breathtaking, but this is not a course for the faint of heart. Demanding water and bunker features will test even the most experienced golfers. It is no surprise that Glenview Golf Club was ranked amongst Golf Digest’s Top 75 Public Courses and has been the site of a U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship.
The Black tees will take golfers on a challenging 6,843-yard route. On the South Course, the 401-yard hole requires precise shot-making to secure the par 4. Things get even longer on the third hole, a par 5 that measures 547 yards from the Black tees. This hole is one of four that play to over 500 yards on this route. The West Course’s ninth hole requires golfers to finish with a par 5 that measures 541 yards from the Black tee, adding to the already demanding round. Given all that is on offer, a day at Glenview Golf Club is a day of exhilarating golfing.
Address: 10965 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45246, United States
Conclusion
With so many great courses located in the Greater Cincinnati area, golfers of all skill levels have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a challenging course or one that’s more relaxed and enjoyable, there is something for everyone. From the rolling hills at Devou Park Golf Course to the undulating fairways of Glenview Golf Club, Cincinnati is a great place to have an unforgettable golfing experience. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your clubs and hit the links!
