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. 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
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.
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
