Explore 700+ golf courses across Ohio, including legendary PGA Tour venues Muirfield Village and Firestone Country Club, Jack Nicklaus-designed courses, and top-ranked public courses.
Ohio stands as one of America's premier golf destinations with over 700 courses spanning the state. Home to Jack Nicklaus, the "Golden Bear" and greatest golfer of all time, Ohio's golf legacy includes two active PGA Tour venues - Muirfield Village Golf Club (Memorial Tournament) and Firestone Country Club (Kaulig Companies Championship). The state offers exceptional variety from championship courses to affordable municipal layouts, with an average green fee of just $35 making it one of the most accessible golf states in the nation.
Ohio's three major metropolitan areas - Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati - each feature 60-100+ courses, while smaller cities like Akron (home to Firestone), Dayton, and Toledo offer outstanding regional golf. The golf season runs March through October, with summer providing peak conditions on firm, fast greens. From Pete Dye designs to Donald Ross classics, Ohio's golf architecture spans a century of the game's evolution.
Ohio hosts two active PGA Tour events at legendary championship venues that have tested the world's best golfers for decades.
📍 Dublin (Columbus area)
Tournament: The Memorial Tournament (founded 1976)
Designer: Jack Nicklaus (opened 1974)
Details: Par 72, 7,569 yards. Nicklaus's masterpiece underwent complete hole-by-hole reconstruction in 2020. One of only five PGA Tour "invitational" events with reduced field (73 players). Features Augusta-like conditioning with flawless fairways and lightning-fast greens. Ranked as Ohio's #1 golf course.
Memorial Tournament: Played annually early June with three goals - honor distinguished golf figures, showcase world-class competition, and benefit Columbus charities. The tournament celebrates its 50th anniversary, cementing its status among golf's elite events.
📍 Akron
Tournament: Kaulig Companies Championship (PGA Tour Champions)
Designer: Robert Trent Jones (redesigned 1960)
Details: Par 70, 7,400 yards. Known as "The Monster" after Arnold Palmer's famous comment during the 1960 PGA Championship. Hosted three PGA Championships (1960, 1966, 1975) and WGC-Bridgestone Invitational for decades.
Legacy: The 16th hole (625 yards, par 5) is legendary - Jack Nicklaus made a miraculous par here during his 1975 PGA Championship victory, one of his five major wins. Originally built in 1920s for Firestone Tire employees before RTJ toughened it for championship play.
Current Status: Hosts PGA Tour Champions through 2026. Private club with three additional courses beyond the famed South Course.
Jack Nicklaus was born in Columbus, Ohio, and learned the game at Scioto Country Club. His design firm has created multiple courses throughout his home state, led by the legendary Muirfield Village.
📍 Dublin | Private | Par 72, 7,569 yards
Jack's personal masterpiece and PGA Tour venue. Opened 1974, completely rebuilt 2020. Hosts The Memorial Tournament annually.
📍 Aurora (Cleveland area) | Private | Opened 1994
Nicklaus Signature course featuring rolling terrain and strategic bunkering typical of his design philosophy.
📍 Elyria (Cleveland area) | Public | Daily Fee
The only Nicklaus Design daily-fee course in Northern Ohio. Accessible championship-caliber golf with signature design elements.
📍 Canton | Private
Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in Northeast Ohio's Stark County, known for challenging layout and premium conditioning.
📍 Columbus | Semi-Private | Completed 2006
Jack redesigned Ohio State's championship course, home to the Buckeyes golf teams and host to NCAA championships.
📍 Cincinnati (Miami Township) | Public
Nicklaus-designed course serving the Cincinnati metro area with strategic shot-making demands.
Cleveland and Northeast Ohio offer 100+ golf courses spanning from lakefront layouts to Pete Dye designs. The region features strong municipal courses through Cleveland Metroparks, historic Donald Ross designs, and several nationally-ranked public venues.
📍 Highland Heights | Public
Rating: #4 public course in Ohio (ohiogolf.com)
Championship layout with dramatic elevation changes and water features. Consistently ranked among Cleveland's elite public venues.
📍 Chesterland | Public | 27 holes
Designer: Pete Dye (1972)
Early Pete Dye design featuring railroad ties, split fairways, and strategic bunkering. Originally TRW corporate course. "Pound for pound, the best 18 public holes in Northeast Ohio" despite maintenance challenges.
📍 Streetsboro | Public
Rating: Top overall course in Cleveland (Cleveland Bucket List)
One of Cleveland's longest courses, always maintained in excellent condition. Premium public golf experience in Northeast Ohio.
📍 Willoughby (Cleveland Metroparks) | Municipal
Designer: Donald Ross (1929)
Venerable 95-year-old championship municipal course. Classic Donald Ross design principles with subtle greens and strategic routing. Cleveland Metroparks gem.
📍 Brecksville (Cleveland Metroparks) | Municipal
Features: Extremely hilly terrain, challenging greens
Opened to public in 1963 after private club years. Known for some of the hardest greens in Cleveland area. Pure shot-making test.
📍 Fairview Park (Cleveland Metroparks) | Municipal
Cleveland's most popular municipal course. Excellent conditioning and accessible layout within the Metroparks system. Great value for Cleveland golfers.
📍 Avon Lake | Public
Westside favorite featuring links-style elements and lake breezes. Popular for its combination of challenge and playability.
📍 Hinckley | Public | Par 71
Scenic 18-hole layout on 155 rolling acres. Well-maintained public facility with mature trees and elevation changes throughout.
📍 Hinckley | Public
Public course serving Cleveland, Akron, and Hinckley areas. Family-friendly with reasonable rates and good conditioning.
📍 Medina | Public
Modern public course with water features and strategic bunkering. Popular for outings and daily play.
📍 Cleveland | Municipal
Affordable Cleveland municipal option with mature trees and traditional parkland design. Great value for city golfers.
Columbus and Central Ohio feature 80+ golf courses anchored by Muirfield Village, home of The Memorial Tournament. The region offers exceptional variety from championship public venues to affordable municipal courses managed by the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.
📍 Nashport (formerly Longaberger) | Public
Rankings: #84 in America's 100 Greatest Public Courses (Golf Digest 2021), #1 public course in Ohio
Ohio's only Top 100 ranked public course. Consistently ranks among nation's best public venues. Championship design with dramatic elevation changes and pristine conditioning. Best public golf experience in Central Ohio - worth the 45-minute drive from Columbus.
📍 Powell (Columbus Zoo) | Public
Designer: Dr. Michael Hurdzan
Regularly named Columbus's best public course. World-class holes wind through woods with constant elevation changes. Perfect mix of wide-open and tight holes across the street from Columbus Zoo. Excellent conditioning and strategic design.
📍 Dublin | Public
Style: Links design with Irish feel
Features pot bunkers, wide fairways, massive greens, and tall fescue. Water on 17 of 18 holes yet remains extremely playable. One of Columbus's busiest courses - book well in advance. Excellent conditioning and unique links character rare in Ohio.
📍 New Albany | Public
Designer: Barry Serafin | 18 holes
Premier public championship course in Columbus's upscale New Albany community. Strategic bunkers, pristine fairways, and undulating greens. One of the area's best public facilities.
📍 Pataskala | Public
Features: Fastest greens in Ohio
Known throughout Central Ohio for lightning-fast greens rivaling famous country clubs. Rural setting, under $50 year-round. Pure shot-making test with slick putting surfaces. Excellent value.
📍 Delaware (30 min north of Columbus) | Public
Designer: Donald Ross (100+ years old)
Public course with private club feel. Original Donald Ross design featuring dramatic valleys, tree-lined fairways, ravines, undulating hillsides, and water. Historic layout restored to modern standards.
📍 Columbus | Par 71
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr. (designed 50+ years ago)
Central Ohio's most challenging public course. Rolling fairways, mature trees, demanding doglegs, undulating greens, and hilly terrain. Premium municipal golf at affordable rates.
📍 Columbus | Municipal
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Built 50+ years ago, remains one of the best courses around Columbus AND one of the cheapest. Excellent RTJ design at municipal prices. Outstanding value for Central Ohio golfers.
📍 Columbus | Municipal
City-operated course offering affordable golf near Columbus airport. Good conditioning and accessible layout for all skill levels.
📍 Columbus | Municipal
Columbus Recreation and Parks course with links-style elements. Budget-friendly golf with good variety of holes.
Cincinnati and the Tri-State region (Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana) offer 80+ golf courses including excellent Great Parks of Hamilton County facilities and Cincinnati Recreation Commission courses. The area features 61 courses within 15 miles of downtown - 39 public, 22 private, with strong variety from Ohio River views to rolling terrain.
📍 Great Parks Hamilton County | Public
History: Opened 1951, one of area's oldest
Historic Hamilton County course with mature trees and classic parkland design. Part of excellent Great Parks system with consistent conditioning.
📍 Great Parks Hamilton County | Public
Popular Great Parks facility featuring water features and rolling fairways. Excellent value and conditioning typical of Hamilton County courses.
📍 Loveland | Great Parks | Par 70
Offers 9-hole or 18-hole options. Rolling terrain in Loveland area. Part of Great Parks network with quality maintenance.
📍 Great Parks Hamilton County | Public
Modern Great Parks course with water features and strategic design. Popular for daily play and outings.
📍 Green Township | 27 holes
Three different nines making it one of Cincinnati's most popular courses. Variety of layouts possible. Excellent municipal facility with strong play volume.
📍 Cincinnati | Municipal | 18 holes
Overlooks the Ohio River with scenic views. Classic Cincinnati municipal course with river valley terrain and mature trees.
📍 Cincinnati | Municipal
City-operated course offering affordable golf. Part of Cincinnati Recreation Commission's six-course system.
📍 Cincinnati | Municipal
Cincinnati Recreation Commission facility with good conditioning and accessible layout for all skill levels.
📍 Cincinnati | Municipal | 18 holes
Minutes from downtown Cincinnati. City-operated course offering convenient urban golf with solid design.
📍 Cincinnati | Municipal
Sixth course in Cincinnati Recreation Commission system. Budget-friendly option with traditional parkland layout.
Ohio's best public courses combine championship design, excellent conditioning, and relative affordability compared to private clubs. These courses consistently rank in state and national Top 100 lists.
📍 Nashport | Public
Rankings: #84 America's 100 Greatest Public (Golf Digest), #1 Ohio Public, Only Ohio course in Top 100
Why #1: Championship design, dramatic elevation, pristine conditioning year-round, national-caliber golf accessible to public. Worth the drive from anywhere in Ohio.
📍 Howard | Public
Rankings: #4 Ohio (GolfAdvisor), 4-star Golf Digest rating. Knox County championship course with excellent value.
📍 Highland Heights (Cleveland) | Public
Rankings: #4 Ohio Public (ohiogolf.com). Northeast Ohio's premier daily-fee course with dramatic elevation and water.
📍 Powell (Columbus) | Public
Regularly named Columbus's #1 public course. Dr. Michael Hurdzan design with world-class holes and excellent conditioning.
📍 Chesterland (Cleveland) | Public
Early Pete Dye design (1972) with trademark railroad ties and split fairways. "Best 18 public holes in Northeast Ohio" when maintained properly.
📍 Dublin (Columbus) | Public
Links-style design with Irish character. Water on 17 holes, yet playable. One of Columbus's busiest and best public venues.
📍 Streetsboro (Cleveland) | Public
Top overall Cleveland course per Cleveland Bucket List. Always excellent condition, one of Cleveland's longest layouts.
📍 New Albany (Columbus) | Public
Barry Serafin design with strategic bunkering and pristine conditioning. Premier public course in upscale New Albany community.
📍 Elyria (Cleveland) | Public
Only Nicklaus Design daily-fee course in Northern Ohio. Accessible championship golf with Golden Bear pedigree.
📍 Delaware | Public
Donald Ross design (100+ years). Public course with private club feel featuring dramatic valleys and classic architecture.
Ohio's average $35 green fee makes it one of America's most affordable golf states. These courses offer excellent value with green fees typically $20-50 including many championship-quality layouts.
📍 Euclid (Cleveland area)
Exceptional greens praised as "amazing" by golfers. Outstanding value in Northeast Ohio with quality conditioning at budget prices.
📍 Ohio (city-owned)
City-owned course in great shape. "Great Staff. Course in great condition, all at a great price!!" Excellent municipal option.
📍 Columbus | Municipal
Robert Trent Jones Sr. design, 50+ years old. "One of the best courses around AND one of the cheapest." Unbeatable Columbus value.
📍 Greater Cleveland | Municipal
Big Met, Sleepy Hollow, Manakiki (Donald Ross), and others. Excellent conditioning at municipal prices. Best value system in Cleveland.
📍 Marysville (Columbus area)
Top value in Central Ohio. Links front nine, Woods back nine. Weekend $48 rate includes complimentary range. Union County gem under $50.
📍 Pataskala (Columbus area)
Known for fastest greens in Ohio, rivaling famous country clubs. Rural playground always under $50. Pure shot-making test at budget price.
📍 Chesterland (Cleveland area)
Pete Dye design, one of the best affordable public courses in Ohio. 27 holes, early 1970s classic with railroad ties and split fairways.
📍 Columbus | RTJ Sr. design
Central Ohio's most challenging public course at affordable municipal rates. Robert Trent Jones Sr. championship design with city pricing.
Check weather before playing. Summer requires hydration and sun protection. Spring/fall bring layers and waterproof gear.
702 total courses: 442 public, 110 municipal, 150 private. Excellent public access throughout state.
Call courses directly for best availability. Many offer online booking through their websites.
Passes pay for themselves after 5-10 rounds. Great for frequent golfers and Ohio residents.
Ohio is proud home of the Golden Bear. His influence on Ohio golf is immeasurable.
Join for handicap services, tournament play, and regional golf community.
The Virtues Golf Club in Nashport is unanimously ranked as Ohio's #1 public course and the only Ohio course in Golf Digest's America's 100 Greatest Public Courses (ranked #84 nationally in 2021). Located about 45 minutes east of Columbus, The Virtues features championship design with dramatic elevation changes, pristine year-round conditioning, and national-caliber golf accessible to the public.
Other top-ranked Ohio public courses include Apple Valley Golf Club (#4 in state, 4-star Golf Digest), StoneWater Golf Club (#4 by ohiogolf.com), Safari Golf Club (regularly Columbus's #1), and Fowler's Mill (Pete Dye design, "best 18 public holes in Northeast Ohio"). The Virtues stands alone as Ohio's only Top 100 nationally-ranked public course.
Ohio has 700-886 golf courses depending on the source (most commonly cited as 700+). The breakdown includes approximately 442 public courses, 110 municipal courses, and 150 private clubs. This makes Ohio one of America's most golf-rich states.
The three major metropolitan areas dominate: Cleveland/Northeast Ohio (100+ courses), Columbus/Central Ohio (80+ courses), and Cincinnati/Tri-State (80+ courses including Northern Kentucky). Other significant golf regions include Akron (home to Firestone), Dayton (50+ courses), Toledo (40+ courses), Canton/Stark County, and Youngstown. Ohio averages about one golf course per 14,000 residents, providing excellent access to golf throughout the state.
Two Ohio courses currently host professional tour events:
1. Muirfield Village Golf Club (Dublin) - Hosts The Memorial Tournament, a PGA Tour invitational founded by Jack Nicklaus in 1976. Played annually in early June, it's one of only five PGA Tour "invitational" events with a reduced field of 73 players. The course underwent complete reconstruction in 2020 and features Augusta-like conditioning. Considered Ohio's #1 golf course overall.
2. Firestone Country Club South Course (Akron) - Hosts the Kaulig Companies Championship (PGA Tour Champions) through 2026. Known as "The Monster" since Arnold Palmer's 1960 PGA Championship comment. Hosted three PGA Championships (1960, 1966, 1975) and the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational for decades. Robert Trent Jones redesigned the course in 1960.
Both courses are private clubs. Ohio has rich major championship history with additional venues like Inverness Club (Toledo) and NCR Country Club (Dayton) having hosted U.S. Opens and PGA Championships in the past, though they no longer have active PGA Tour events.
Jack Nicklaus, born in Columbus and raised at Scioto Country Club, has designed 6+ courses in his home state:
Public/Semi-Private Nicklaus Courses:
Private Nicklaus Courses:
Jack learned golf at Scioto Country Club and won 18 major championships. His design firm has created 400+ courses worldwide, with Ohio representing his home state legacy. The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village is his personal tournament honoring distinguished golf figures.
Ohio golf season runs March through October (8 months), with occasional play in November and even winter during mild periods.
Seasonal Breakdown:
Best time to play: September-October for weather and conditions, or June-July for peak course conditions and fastest greens. Always check weather forecast before playing and call courses to verify conditions, especially in spring and fall when weather varies.
Ohio offers exceptional golf value with an average green fee of $35 per round, making it one of the most affordable golf states in America.
Green Fee Ranges:
Discount Options: TeeTime Golf Pass offers up to 50% savings at 1,000+ courses. Season passes at municipal systems run $500-1,000 for unlimited golf. Many courses offer resident cards with additional discounts.
With 442 public and 110 municipal courses, Ohio provides outstanding access to affordable championship golf. Weekend rates at top courses rarely exceed $80, while municipal options offer excellent golf under $40 year-round.
Cleveland and Northeast Ohio feature 100+ golf courses led by several nationally-recognized public venues and excellent Cleveland Metroparks municipal courses.
Top Cleveland Public Courses:
Cleveland Metroparks Courses (Municipal):
Additional quality options include Legacy Course at Sweetbriar (Avon Lake), Ironwood (Hinckley), Pine Hills (Hinckley), Shale Creek (Medina), and Highland Park. Cleveland Metroparks courses offer exceptional value under $40 with high conditioning standards.
Columbus and Central Ohio offer 80+ courses anchored by Muirfield Village (PGA Tour venue) and featuring Ohio's only Top 100 nationally-ranked public course.
Top Columbus Public Courses:
Best Value Columbus Courses:
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department manages Champions, Raymond Memorial, Airport, and Turnberry - all offering excellent value under $40. Private Muirfield Village hosts The Memorial Tournament annually.
Cincinnati and the Tri-State area (Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana) feature 80+ courses with 61 courses within 15 miles of downtown - 39 public, 22 private. The region offers excellent Great Parks of Hamilton County and Cincinnati Recreation Commission facilities.
Great Parks of Hamilton County Courses:
Cincinnati Recreation Commission (6 Courses):
Other Notable Courses:
Cincinnati Recreation courses and Great Parks facilities offer exceptional value under $40 with consistent quality. The Tri-State location provides variety spanning three states within 30 minutes of downtown.
Online Booking Platforms:
Municipal System Booking:
Ohio Golf Directories:
Booking Tips:
Most Ohio courses accept online bookings. For guaranteed tee times at popular courses during peak season (June-August weekends), book 1-2 weeks in advance.
Roger Dunn Golf Shops, Van's Golf Shops, Golfers' Warehouse, CaddyTips, The Golf Mart, Golf Galaxy, Dick's Sporting Goods, PGA Tour Superstore
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Last updated on November 24, 2025