Let’s be real… golf isn’t exactly known as a “cheap” sport. Between greens fees, cart rentals, lost balls, and that one buddy who insists on buying $11 beers at the turn, things can get pricey fast. But here’s the good news: Central Ohio is lowkey a goldmine for budget-friendly golf. And I would know — I’ve been swinging clubs since I was six and have played just about every course within a 45-minute drive of downtown.
Need proof? Check the ponds and creeks at all these courses and you’ll find my balls! Wait a minute…
So if you’re looking for affordable golf courses around Columbus that don’t feel like a glorified cow pasture, this list is for you. These are the top cheap golf courses in Columbus and Central Ohio that deliver real value, whether you’re a total beginner, a casual weekend warrior, or someone who swears they “would’ve gone pro if not for the wrist injury.”
If you want our roundup of the best public golf courses in Central Ohio, click here.
Blacklick Woods Golf Course
📍7309 E Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Rates:
- Learning Course (9 or 18 holes): FREE for Franklin Co. residents, $11 for everyone else
- Championship Course: Starts at $16 for 9 holes (Franklin Co.), $20 for non-residents + cart fees
This is arguably the best bang-for-your-buck golf facility in the entire region. You’ve got a Championship Course designed by the legend Jack Kidwell with tree-lined fairways, solid greens, and some legit history (multiple-time CBUS Top Pick winner). But the real cheat code here is the Learning Course — a 9-hole, par-29 track that’s free for Franklin County residents. Even if you’re not local, $11 for a quick 9 or 18? You can’t beat that.
Learn more here.
Split Rock Golf Club
📍10210 Scioto Darby Road, Orient, OH 43146
Rates:
- $27 for 9 holes + a cart on weekdays
- $42 for 18 holes + a cart on weekdays
Split Rock feels like the kind of course your dad would take you to on a random Tuesday — and you’d have a weirdly good time. It’s got that homegrown charm, but it’s no slouch when it comes to challenge. The back nine will humble you if you get too confident, and the greens are especially noteworthy for a public course.
It’s a full 18-hole track with bluegrass fairways and elevation changes that keep things interesting. And at just 25 minutes from downtown Columbus, it’s a solid value play for anyone trying to get in a proper round without driving an hour or dropping $70.
Learn more here.
Broadview Golf Course
📍5694 Headleys Mill Rd SW, Pataskala, OH 43062
Rates:
- 9 holes walking: $14
- 18 holes walking: $19
- 9 holes w/ cart: $20
- 18 holes w/ cart: $27
- Weekend rates start at $16 walking / $22 riding for 9 holes
Broadview is a 9-hole course with a great rep among locals, and for good reason. Another Jack Kidwell design, this one leans into the scenic side of things. You’ve got mature trees, rolling hills, and well-maintained greens that play faster than you’d expect at this price point.
It’s family-owned, which means they take pride in the experience. It’s a great spot for beginners or folks looking to sneak in 9 after work without breaking the bank. Plus, you’ll actually remember the holes afterward (not always the case at budget courses).
Learn more here.
Wilson Road Golf Course (West Columbus)
📍1900 N Wilson Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
Rates:
- 9 holes: $15
If you went to college in Columbus, there’s a decent chance you’ve played Wilson Road. This was the go-to for me and my buddies when we wanted to sneak in a quick 9 before class. It’s a par-30 with 6 par 3s and 3 short par 4s, which means you don’t even need to pull out your driver (especially if yours has a chronic case of the hooks… speaking from experience here).
The layout is actually fun, with water hazards and a creek that’ll make you think twice before getting too aggressive. Maintenance is solid for a muni course, too. An absolutely classic choice.
Learn more here.
Gahanna Municipal Golf Course
📍220 Olde Ridenour Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
Rates (Weekday):
- Residents: $14 for 9 / $19 for 18
- Non-residents: $16 for 9 / $21 for 18
- Weekend rates top out at just $23 for 18 holes
Gahanna Muni is sneaky good. It’s a regulation 9-hole course with a par of 35 and over 3,000 yards from the back tees, which gives you room to actually hit driver without feeling like you’re overcompensating. It’s flat and super walkable, but don’t let that fool you… there are water hazards and bunkers that will make you pay if you zone out.
Cars will add $8 to your 9 hole price and $13 to your 18 hole price, so walking is certainly a big part to increasing your savings. It’s rarely crowded, super chill, and feels like golf the way it should be: low-stress and low-cost.
Learn more here.
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
TL;DR – The Best Cheap Golf Courses in Columbus:
| Course | Location | Best Deal | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blacklick Woods | Reynoldsburg | FREE (Franklin Co. resident) | Championship + Learning Course combo |
| Split Rock | Orient | $27 for 18 (weekdays) | Challenging back 9, great greens |
| Broadview | Pataskala | $14 for 9, $19 for 18 (walking) | Scenic and family-owned |
| Wilson Road | West Columbus | $15 for 9 | Quick and fun with par 3-heavy layout |
| Gahanna Muni | Gahanna | $14 for 9 (resident) | Regulation layout, walkable |
Twilight Thoughts
Look, not every round has to be at Muirfield or The Virtues. Sometimes you just want to get out there, work on your swing, and not feel like you’ve mortgaged your house to do it. These courses prove that budget golf in Columbus doesn’t mean low-quality golf. Whether you’re grinding out a new swing change or just trying to not 3-putt every hole, these tracks have your back… and your wallet.
Now, grab your clubs, dust off that ball retriever, and let’s play some cheap golf.
Consider this your unfair advantage in Columbus.
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