Ohio is well-known as one of the top golf destinations in the world, thanks in no small part to Jack Nicklaus and the Memorial Tournament held at Muirfield Village Golf Club every year.
But if you’re like me, playing at a private country club like Scioto Country Club, New Albany Country Club, or Muirfield Village Golf Club is rather challenging (read expensive). Luckily, you don’t need to be a country club member to play on a great course in Columbus.
While most courses in Central Ohio are great, we think there are a select few that stand above the rest.
Whether you’re a longtime golfer or just a TopGolf patron who’s trying to take it to the next level, these are the places to know.
1. Denison Golf Club
555 Newark Granville Rd, Granville, OH 43023
This classic course is one of the most interesting public tracks in the entire state thanks to famed course architect Donald Ross. The course utilizes the hilly terrain beautifully, carving out immaculate holes in one of the most beautiful areas of Ohio. It’s challenging from the tips, but they offer 4 different tee boxes on each hole to ensure every person of every skill level enjoys their time.
The details: 18 Holes – Par 71 – 6,559 yard layout
2. Champions Golf Course
3900 Westerville Rd, Columbus, OH 43224
Similar to Denison Golf Club, Champions makes good use of the hilly terrain with super interesting holes with unique looks at each green. Doglegs, elevated greens, and elevated teeboxes are par for the course (pun intended) thanks to course designer Robert Trent Jones. This track is fun and, when played from the blacks, is sure to challenge any seasoned golfer. 4 teeboxes are available to accommodate all skill levels.
The details: 18 Holes – Par 70 – 6,536 yard layout
3. Golf Club of Dublin
5805 Eiterman Rd, Dublin, OH 43016
This is one of the only true links-style courses you can find in the midwest, and it certainly has a reputation because of it. Links-style courses are notorious for expansive water hazards, deep fescue roughs, square (and super fast) greens, and sod stacked bunkers. While you’re only in Dublin, when the wind is really blowing, you can easily be convinced you’re actually golfing in Eastern Scotland.
The details: 18 Holes – Par 72 – 7021 yard layout
4. Safari Golf Club
4853 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
Controversial opinion, I know! This course, located right across the street from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, is a fun course that winds through the woods of Powell, Ohio. With constantly changing elevations and a great mixture of both wide open and tight holes, Safari Golf Club is a super fun and constantly engaging course. Plus, I am always pleasantly surprised at how well the course is maintained throughout the year. I think it’s better than most people give it credit for!
The details: 18 Holes – Par 72 – 6,845 yard layout
5. Turnberry Golf Course
1145 Clubhouse Lane, Pickerington, OH 43147
Another links-style course on the opposite end of the city, Turnberry is challenging and fun due to the small, elevated greens, deep roughs, and water features. Featuring bentgrass tees, fairways, and greens, this course plays fast and fun. Turnberry also offers 5 different tees so that amateur and veteran golfers alike will thoroughly enjoy a round.
The details: 18 Holes – Par 72 – 6,775 yard layout
6. The Virtues Golf Club
One Long Dr, Nashport, OH 43830
Nestled a short 50 minute drive eastward from downtown Columbus, this 7,243-yard parkland-style course is a masterpiece in its own right. Picture this: wide rolling fairways, immaculate greens hugged by majestic trees, and panoramic views that’ll make you feel like you’re on top of the world (or at least on top of a really tall hill). It’s like playing golf in a painting by Bob Ross – every stroke a stroke of genius, every hole a work of art (just try to keep these “genius strokes” to a minimum).
The details: 18 holes – Par 72 – 7,243 yards
7. Cumberland Trail
8244 Columbia Rd SW, Pataskala, OH 43062
Renowned for its pristine greens and top-notch course quality, Cumberland Trail is the go-to destination for golf enthusiasts looking to tee off in style… well, maybe not “style” exactly, but definitely with enthusiasm! With 5 sets of tees spanning from a challenging 7205 yards to a beginner-friendly 4925 yards, there’s a perfect option for every level of skill and experience. And let’s not forget about those bunkers – they’re like the Bermuda Triangle of golf balls, but with more sand and fewer mysterious disappearances. Plus, the picturesque water hazards are perfect for a refreshing dip after a particularly frustrating hole (joking… definitely do NOT jump in the water hazards).
The details: 18 holes – Par 72 – 7,237 yards
8. Darby Creek Golf Course
19300 Orchard Road, Marysville, Ohio 43040
With a Golf Digest 4-Star Rating, Darby Creek offers 2 distinctly different 9-hole layouts nestled into the pristine countryside of Union County, promising a natural and enjoyable golfing experience. “The Links” of the front nine capture the look and feel of a wind-swept Scottish links course. It’s like playing golf in Braveheart, minus the kilts and with slightly fewer motivational speeches. Then, we venture into “The Woods” of the back nine, where fairways carve through native hardwoods and around strategically placed bunkers and lakes. It’s like taking a stroll through the forest, just bring a few extra balls in case you end up making friends with the local wildlife!
The details: 18 holes – Par 72 – 7,074 yards
9. Blacklick Woods Golf Course
7309 E Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Blacklick’s Championship Course, crafted by Jack Kidwell, has been a four-time CBUS Top Pick, earning nods from the Columbus Dispatch. With its classic layout and smooth greens, it’s like a cozy hug for your golf game. The 9-hole Learning Course is also the perfect playground for beginners and families, offering four sets of tees and a chance to hone those short game skills. Plus, with 40 acres of natural area certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Sanctuary, you can enjoy a round full of both birds and birdies.
The details: 27 holes – Par 72 – 6,832 yards
10. Chapel Hill Golf Course
7516 Johnstown Road, Mt Vernon, OH 43050
Just 35 miles northeast of Columbus, Chapel Hill offers a refreshing mix of rolling hills, elevation changes, and well-kept fairways that make for a fun but thoughtful round. Designed by Barry Serafin, this 6,950-yard course isn’t overly punishing, but it does force you to adjust and strategize as you go — especially with the elevation shifts. The greens are in great shape, the pace of play is solid, and the setting is peaceful enough to forget you’re not on vacation. Bonus: the old chapel-turned-clubhouse is a fun touch.
The details: 18 holes – Par 72 – 6,950 yards
Honorable Mention: Deer Ridge Golf Club
900 Comfort Plaza Drive, Bellville, OH 44813
A bit of a drive from Columbus (around 2 hours round-trip), Deer Ridge is worth every mile. Located in Bellville (near this legendary diner), this championship-style course is carved into some seriously scenic terrain with tree-lined holes, big elevation changes, and tricky greens that’ll test every short club in your bag. Being one of the shortest tracks on this list, don’t let your ego get too big for your britches. It’s a challenge for all skill levels, yet not unfair, and the views from nearly every tee box make it feel like you’re golfing through a postcard. If you’re up for a road trip, this one’s a stunner. I actually almost hit a hole-in-one on the back nine (but it was after I had already parked a ball in the pond… but we don’t need to talk about that).
The details: 18 holes – Par 72 – 6,661 yards
