Ah, golf – the sport of kings, retirees, and anyone with a knack for chasing small, white balls around acres of meticulously manicured greenery.
Not all meticulously manicured greenery is made equal, however, which is why we pulled together 7 of our favorites in Central Ohio for you to check out.
Now, before we dive into the list, let’s address the elephant in the clubhouse – yes, we know, everyone has their favorite course – their secret spot where they’ve sunk that elusive hole-in-one or tamed the treacherous 18th with a birdie, yet you may not find it on this list.
You might even find a course you don’t like on this list. Gasp!
Perhaps the maintenance of the course wasn’t up to par (pun intended) or, more likely, you lost 3 sleeves of Pro V1s during a single round and blamed the “terrible” design or course conditions. If you don’t agree with our rankings, remember, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the questionable fashion choices and questionable swings you make along the way!
So, without any more rain checks, here are 7 more of our favorite golf courses in Central Ohio.
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
The Players Club at Foxfire
389 Canterbury Road, Commercial Point, Ohio 43116
Nestled just 15 minutes south of Downtown Columbus, The Players Club at Foxfire promises a golfing challenge from duffers to pros (and everyone in between). This championship links-style layout features beautiful tree-lined fairways, rolling hills, lakes wider than a Mississippi steamboat, and sand traps deeper than a black hole. Just when you think you’ve conquered it all, brace yourself for “Hell’s Half Acre” – three holes so tough, they make grown golfers (i.e. me) cry. The Players Club at Foxfire is where fun meets frustration on the fairway, so see if you can limit the frustration (or at least survive “Hell’s Half Acre” with a little bit of dignity).
The details: 18 holes – Par 72 – 7,077 yards
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
Bent Tree Golf Club
350 Bent Tree Rd, Sunbury, OH 43074
Spread out over 167 acres of naturally wooded, rolling terrain, our championship course is a must-play destination for golfers of all skill levels. Crafted by Dennis Griffiths, this top-rated gem boasts bent grass tees, fairways, and greens, ensuring a playing experience smoother than your freshly-ironed, overpriced golf polo. But don’t let the lush greenery fool you… there’s plenty of challenges to keep you on your toes. With more sand than a beach resort and enough water hazards to make Aquaman think twice, it’s like navigating a minefield out there (minus the explosions, of course).
The details: 18 holes – Par 72 – 6,642 yards
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
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
The Links at Echo Springs
5940 Loudon St Rd, Johnstown, OH 43031
Beautiful scenery and expertly maintained holes await at The Links at Echo Springs in Johnstown. Designed by the legendary hometown hero Barry Serafin, this course blends natural rolling terrain with mature hardwood forests for a golfing experience as rare as a unicorn sighting on the fairway! With over 230 acres of picturesque landscapes, it’s not just a golf course, it’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
The details: 18 holes – Par 72 – 6,875 yards
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
