Ohio is a great destination for golfers, with some of the best courses in the country. From private clubs to public courses, there are plenty of options to suit all types of budgets and tastes. Here are 15 of the best golf courses Ohio has to offer:
Camargo Club – Indian Hill
Camargo Club in Indian Hill is a hidden gem for golf enthusiasts who appreciate a low-key atmosphere and challenging course. Designed in 1926 by Seth Raynor, this course boasts deep bunkers and generous, squared-off greens that are sure to test any golfer’s skills.
Situated on a property that is filled with valleys and ravines, Camargo Club offers a unique experience that is not found at other courses in the area. Fans of Raynor’s signature golf holes will be delighted to find the quartet of Redan, Short, Biarritz and Eden templates at Camargo Club. The course rivals some of Raynor’s best work and is a must-play for golfers seeking a memorable experience.
Address: 8605 Shawnee Run Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45243 United States
Inverness Club – Toledo
When it comes to golf course design, few names are as revered as Donald Ross. And one of his best jobs was the renovation of Inverness, which has become a classic among Ross enthusiasts.
However, the course was not without controversy. Fans were outraged when George and Tom Fazio radically altered the layout for the 1979 U.S. Open. They eliminated four holes, including the famous dogleg par-4 seventh, combined two holes to make the par-5 eighth, and added three modern holes on newly acquired land. But in 2018, architect Andrew Green gave the course a facelift, replacing the Fazio holes with new ones that better reflect Ross’s style.
Inverness also boasts one of the oldest and best clubhouses in the world, complete with a stunning trophy room that has been decorated with many of the trophies won during various tournaments held at the course over the years. The course is a true test of golf mastery and should definitely be on any Ohio golfer’s list of must-play courses.
Address: 4601 Dorr St, Toledo, OH 43615-4038, USA
The Golf Club – New Albany
The Golf Club, constructed in 1966, stands as a testament to Pete Dye’s groundbreaking transition period of design. Dye chose to diverge from conventional courses and instead began constructing lay-of-the-land layouts, inspired by his visit to Scotland in 1963. This original course, complete with bunkers and water hazards framed by railroad ties, proves that Dye was a generational talent in the making.
With tall grasses scattered throughout the course, golf architecture was about to enter a more exciting era, one that valued variety and texture. Thanks to Dye’s inimitable contributions, the modern game of golf has been forever elevated. Holes such as the 3rd and 13th at The Golf Club are unlike anything previously seen in the sport, solidifying Dye’s position as a premier golf course designer.
Address: 4522 Kitzmiller Rd, New Albany, OH 43064 United States
Scioto C.C. – Columbus
Scioto Country Club in Upper Arlington, Ohio is a true gem for any golfer. This private golf club near Columbus has an impressive history, having hosted the U.S. Senior Open in 2016. The restoration of the greens to their original design by Donald Ross, with collaboration from Michael Hurdzan and Jack Nicklaus, recaptured the club’s charm.
While one green received a stunning redesign in 1957 by Marion Packard to create an island green with a moat, Hurdzan revised the course in 2014 to allow the hole to be played as a challenging par 4 in preparation for the U.S. Senior Open. Today, Scioto Country Club remains a prestigious golf destination with exceptional course design and a rich history that golf enthusiasts can appreciate.
Address: 2196 Riverside Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43221 United States
Coldstream – Cincinnati
Located in Cincinnati, Coldstream Country Club is a top-rated private club that boasts a championship 18-hole golf course. Renowned for its muscular design, this course was created by none other than Dick Wilson, a golf course architect famous for his ability to create challenging courses. Coldstream Country Club has hosted numerous USGA qualifiers, Ohio amateur and open championships, and UC’s home men’s golf tournament, the Bearcat Invitational, taking place each September.
Despite its reputation for large greens, Wilson’s design adds another layer of complexity by making them not evenly distributed, requiring players not only to hold a line but also to manage their distance. With its impeccable greens and strenuous course, the Coldstream Country Club is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.
Address: 400 Asbury Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45255-4657, USA
Ohio State University (Scarlet) – Columbus
Ohio State University (Scarlet) Golf Course in Columbus Ohio is renowned as one of the top university courses in the country. This exceptional facility boasts a rich history and breathtaking course designed by renowned architect Dr. Alister MacKenzie in the 1930s. The course features strategic design elements including undulating fairways, well-placed bunkers, and challenging greens, all showcasing MacKenzie’s signature style.
It has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, cementing its reputation as a must-visit destination for golfers. But the beauty of Ohio State University’s Scarlet Course extends beyond its golfing amenities. The course is surrounded by lush landscape, mature trees, and rolling hills, offering a serene and peaceful environment for golfers seeking to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature.
Address: 3605 Tremont Rd, Columbus, OH 43221, USA
Moraine – Dayton
Nipper Campbell is a name that immediately grabs your attention when talking about golf history. He left his mark on the sport as a prolific golf architect in Ohio, but his legacy is strongly linked to Moraine, where he served as head pro for a brief period. The course’s design is a testament to Campbell’s creativity and ingenuity, as he managed to create a challenging layout on glacial moraine topography, cleverly hidden behind massive tree planting.
But it wasn’t until Keith Foster stepped in and masterfully wielded his chainsaw that the true beauty of Moraine was revealed. The first three holes are particularly tricky, with undulating greens that pose a formidable challenge for golfers of all levels. A visit to Moraine is sure to test your skills and leave you with unforgettable memories of playing one of the most unique golf courses in Ohio.
Address: 4075 Southern Blvd, Dayton, OH 45429, USA
Brookside – Canton
The inauguration of Brookside Country Club in Canton marked the transition from the Myers Lake days of the club to its new and improved location. Designed by the renowned Donald Ross, Brookside’s 18-hole course opened for play in 1922, just in time for the official club opening.
Among the course’s most notable holes are the par threes at the picturesque 222-yard 4th and the heavily sand-protected 142-yard 14th. The scenic Sippo Creek also plays a pivotal role in the course’s layout, coming into play at holes like the left doglegged 11th and the 387-yard 16th where it cuts across in front of the green. Brookside Country Club offers a challenging and scenic course that has won the hearts of golfers everywhere.
Address: 1800 Canton Ave NW, Canton, OH 44708, USA
The Virtues – Nashport
The Virtues Golf Club, originally known as Longaberger Golf Club, has a unique and attractive parkland layout that was designed by Arthur Hills. The course received instant international exposure in 1999, just in time to host a “Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf” match between Dottie Pepper and Karrie Webb.
With little level terrain on the property, the course challenges players with many tee and approach shots that play uphill or downhill. The course’s design also features doglegged fairways that bend in either direction. The par five 4th hole is perhaps the most noteworthy hole, with a fairway that drops 150 feet from the tee before kinking left to a green that is guarded by a pond to the front right of the putting surface. Overall, The Virtues Golf Club is a unique and challenging course that is sure to test the skills of any golfer who plays it.
Address: One Long Dr, Nashport, OH 43830, USA
TPC River’s Bend – Maineville
TPC River’s Bend is a golfing paradise for those who seek both beauty and a challenging game. Designed by the iconic Arnold Palmer, this Ohio golf club boasts a serene natural environment with breathtaking views. But don’t be fooled by the tranquility, as the course is full of water hazards and large bunkers that will surely test any golfer’s skills.
One of the course’s highlights is the renowned No. 9, a massive par four that features a green wrapped around a waterfall pond, showcasing the perfect combination of aesthetic appeal and challenge. For those who prefer a shorter challenge, the 7th hole offers a shallow green fronted by a pond that will keep even the most seasoned players on their toes. It’s no wonder why TPC River’s Bend is known as one of the premier golf clubs in Ohio.
Address: 316 Winding River Blvd, Maineville, OH 45039, USA
Canterbury – Beechwood
Canterbury Golf Club boasts a rich history, having been founded in 1921 and hosting prestigious events like two US Opens and the 1973 PGA Championship. Designed by Herbert Strong and modified by Jack Way, the course may not be particularly long but it is undeniably charming, with rolling hills, babbling brooks, and wooded areas.
Golfers must contend with doglegs left and right, as well as the ever-present breeze from nearby Lake Erie. But perhaps the biggest tests come on holes 16 and 18: the former requires a precise second shot to an elevated plateau and an accurate approach iron to a small, flat green, while the latter is a 438-yard uphill par four with out of bounds to the right and a heavily bunkered green. All in all, Canterbury is a must-play for any serious golfer looking to test their skills on a historic course with stunning natural features.
Address: 22000 S Woodland Rd, Beachwood, OH 44122, USA
Firestone (South) – Akron
Located in Akron, Ohio, Firestone South is a formidable course that has been challenging the world’s best golfers for over six decades. Originally built as a humble layout for Firestone Tire and Rubber Company employees in the 1920s, it was Robert Trent Jones who was tasked with transforming it into a championship-ready course for the 1960 PGA Championship. His vision came to fruition as he added bunkers, water hazards, closed off green fronts, and increased the course length to over 7,000 yards.
The South Course at Firestone has become a respected and revered venue for professional golfers due to its clear-cut demands and ability to distinguish the finest ball-strikers from the rest. The difficult and unyielding course has been a profound success, having left numerous pros miffed over the years.
Address: 452 East Warner Road, Akron, OH 44319, USA
Firestone (North) – Akron
Firestone Country Club’s North course, created by legendary course architect Robert Trent Jones Snr, is undoubtedly one of the best golfing experiences available in Akron. Despite playing second fiddle to its famous sister course, the North has become a firm favorite among knowledgeable golfers who recognize its engaging layout and stunning scenery.
This picturesque par 72 course features water hazards on over half of its 18 holes, both inland and around the Firestone Reservoir. Unusually for a tournament course, it offers a true test of a player’s shot-making ability, with doglegs that run in both directions, pristine bunkers, undulating fairways, and quick, large greens. If you’re looking for a challenge in beautiful surroundings, the North Course is an exceptional choice.
Address: 452 East Warner Road, Akron, OH 44319, USA
The Country Club – Pepper Pike
In the Cleveland suburb’s east end, Pepper Pike Club is often overlooked in favor of its next-door neighbor, The Country Club, for attracting more attention due to its shared architectural heritage with William Flynn. This hidden gem boasts a Golden Age layout renovated by Ian Andrew in 2019, known for its underappreciated and little-known design heritage.
Moreover, the Club has invested heavily in upgrading the course, completing a four-year master plan in 2020 to bring the layout closer to the original design intent of William Flynn. With its renovated clubhouse, Pepper Pike Club is primed to become the go-to destination for golf enthusiasts who crave exclusivity and world-class experiences.
Address: 2800 Som Center Rd, Pepper Pike, OH 44124, USA
Mayfield Sand Ridge Club (Sand Ridge) – Chardon
Sand Ridge Golf Club is a breathtaking golf course located in the picturesque western foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, just 30 miles away from Cleveland. Designed by Tom Fazio, the utmost care was taken to construct the course in harmony with the sensitive environment surrounding it. The result is a unique and unparalleled golfing experience, where players can relax and enjoy the tranquility of the course without any distractions or noise issues.
What’s more impressive is that Sand Ridge Golf Club merged with Mayfield Country Club in 2006 to create the new Mayfield Sand Ridge Club, allowing members of both establishments to enjoy all the facilities on offer at either location. Perhaps even more noteworthy is that Cleveland’s revered Oakwood Club recently joined this new establishment, sacrificing its Golden Age Donald Ross-designed course in the process. Sand Ridge Golf Club is the ultimate destination for golf enthusiasts looking to elevate their game while being immersed in unparalleled natural beauty.
Address: 12150 Mayfield Rd, Chardon, OH 44024, USA
Conclusion
With so many excellent courses around Cleveland, it’s no wonder that the city is considered one of the top golfing destinations in the US. From Robert Trent Jones Snr’s showpiece at Firestone to Ian Andrew’s modern-day masterpieces at Pepper Pike and Sand Ridge, there’s plenty of variety to keep even the most discerning golfer entertained. Cleveland’s golf scene is only getting better with age, and the city is sure to continue providing a memorable experience for all those who visit in the years to come.
