The 5 Toughest Public Golf Courses near Columbus, OH
Matthew Holder
The Columbus metro area is home to some of the most challenging public golf courses in Ohio. These courses offer a thrilling experience for avid golfers with their unique layouts, strategic hazards, and scenic views. Here, we rank the five most difficult public golf courses in the region, listed from least to most difficult, followed by honorable mentions for those looking for an extra challenge.
5. Deer Creek State Park Golf Course
Deer Creek State Park Golf Course Tee Times
Location: Mount Sterling, OH
Hardest Tees: Blue
Yards: 7119
Slope: 124
Rating: 73.8
Deer Creek State Park Golf Course offers a challenging layout with well-maintained fairways and greens. The course provides a scenic and enjoyable round for golfers of all skill levels.
4. Clover Valley Golf Club
Clover Valley Golf Club Tee Times
Location: Johnstown, OH
Hardest Tees: Championship
Yards: 7151
Slope: 131
Rating: 73.9
Clover Valley Golf Club, located amidst serene woods, offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience with its bentgrass tees, greens, and fairways. The course’s layout and complete practice facilities make it a favorite among golfers.
3. Players – Foxfire Golf Club
Players – Foxfire Golf Club Tee Times
Location: Commercial Point, OH
Hardest Tees: Blue
Yards: 7077
Slope: 147
Rating: 74
Foxfire Golf Club’s Players course is known for its challenging layout and strategic hazards, making it a tough test for even the most skilled golfers. The course is well-maintained and provides a great golfing experience.
2. Cumberland Trail Golf Club
Cumberland Trail Golf Club Tee Times
Location: Pataskala, OH
Hardest Tees: Black
Yards: 7237
Slope: 136
Rating: 74.1
Cumberland Trail Golf Club, designed by the Hurdzan/Fry team, offers a championship layout with five sets of tees. Known for its excellent greens, the course provides a challenging yet enjoyable round for golfers of all levels.
1. NorthStar Golf Club
Location: Sunbury, OH
Hardest Tees: Black
Yards: 7516
Slope: 131
Rating: 75.9
NorthStar Golf Club stands out as the most challenging public golf course near Columbus, OH. With its lengthy and demanding layout, the course offers a tough test for even the most experienced golfers.
Honorable Mentions
Westchester Golf Course
Westchester Golf Course Tee Times
Location: Canal Winchester, OH
Hardest Tees: Black
Yards: 7120
Slope: 140
Rating: 73.8
Cooks Creek Golf Club
Cooks Creek Golf Club Tee Times
Location: Ashville, OH
Hardest Tees: Black
Yards: 7071
Slope: 131
Rating: 73.7
Darby Creek Golf Course
Darby Creek Golf Course Tee Times
Location: Marysville, OH
Hardest Tees: Black
Yards: 7074
Slope: 129
Rating: 73.7
The Columbus area offers a variety of challenging public golf courses for avid golfers. Whether you’re aiming for the top spots or seeking an extra challenge, these courses provide a unique and exciting golfing experience.
Updated May 23, 2024