Ohio has well over 200 public access courses and here we zero in on some great options for a golf experience that is fun and accessible.
These are seven great courses that any resident or visitor to the state can play in season.
Manakiki Golf Course
Manakiki Golf Course is an elegant public course located 17 miles east of downtown Cleveland. This Donald Ross design promises a variety of challenges including doglegs, water hazards, up-and-down shots, back-to-back par 5s, short, long, tight and open holes, and two canyon holes.
Players appreciate the fun and hilly layout of the course, as well as its scenic location. The course is well-maintained and in excellent condition, drawing admiration for its outstanding design.
Green fee: $24-$41
Snow Hill Country Club
Snow Hill Country Club’s course is Ohio’s best-kept secret despite celebrating its centenary this year with every hole having its charm and character. Formerly a private club, the course is in impeccable condition with challenge generated by the unique topography.
This is a true Championship course playing at 6,389 yards from the tips with a slope rating of 125. You might just feel like you’re getting away with something playing this great but affordable course with incredibly friendly staff.
Green fee: $25-$58
Zoar Village Golf Course
The Frank family’s pride in sharing golf with players from near and far is evident in the pristine conditions that are found each day at the Zoar Village Golf Course. Their continued commitment to excellence at reasonable fees is widely recognized.
This 18-hole public course plays to a length of 6,700 yards from the back tees, with a par of 72. The course rating is 70.9 and the slope is 121. The land slopes gently up and down across the property, through woods and around lakes.
Green fee: $29-$49
Echo Hills Golf Course
Echo Hills is the top choice in the Piqua, Ohio region because it has a gorgeous yet relentlessly challenging layout. The course is known for some of the finest greens in the area, rolling fairways, and breathtaking elevation changes.
The 18-hole course at the Echo Hills Golf Course facility features 5,796 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 70.0 and it has a slope rating of 111 on Bluegrass.
Green fee: $12-$36+
Walden Ponds Golf Club
Walden Ponds Golf Club is an 18-hole championship golf course located on 500 acres near Hamilton, Ohio. The par 72 layout will provide a challenge for all golfers. The course is highly playable for all ability levels but designed to test any golfer.
Wide landing areas, wide greens, and various water hazards make for an interesting round. The deep bunkers and wide greens are characteristics of Michael Hurdzan, the course designer. After your round, you can relax in the 1830s mansion-style clubhouse and soak up the distinct setting.
Green fee: $42-$64
Stonelick Hills Golf Course
Stonelick Hills Golf Course promises a pure and full golf-focused experience and they have bison living on the layout. Water offers the greatest hazard on the course with the rough quite forgiving which encourages a bold approach from the player but beware the woods.
The location of tee boxes offers golfers a great variety in challenge with the experience from the tips being vastly different from those further forward. The long narrow greens offer a unique challenge but attacking the pin is the best way to go for most players unless you enjoy long putts.
Green fee: $55-$110
Chippewa Golf Club
Chippewa Golf Club is a public 18-hole golf course near Doylestown, Ohio, about 15 minutes south of Akron. James Harrison and Ferdinand Garbin planned and developed the Golf Course in 1962, making good use of its rolling topography, dropping in massive undulating greens, and the iconic “Bermuda Triangle”. Holes 14, 15, and 16 are notoriously difficult to putt.
Golf Course Superintendent Brad Stewart and his colleagues keep the golf course in country club shape. They also have an upgraded driving range where golfers can warm up and improve their skills.
Green fee: $25-$52
