Best Public Golf Courses in Columbus, Ohio
You don't need a membership to play great golf in Columbus. From resort courses to municipal gems, here are the best public and semi-private courses in the area — ranked by design quality, conditioning, and value.
Columbus, Ohio · Alister MacKenzie (1938) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,455 yards
One of only two Alister MacKenzie designs in the Midwest (the other being Augusta National), the OSU Scarlet Course is a masterwork of strategic architecture. The undulating greens, bold bunkering, and strategic width reflect MacKenzie's genius and have been carefully restored to honor the original design.
Nashport, Ohio · Arthur Hills (1999) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,248 yards
An Arthur Hills design in the Muskingum Valley east of Columbus, Longaberger is widely considered one of the finest public courses in Ohio. The dramatic layout features 200 feet of elevation change through rolling Appalachian foothills with panoramic valley views and immaculate conditioning.
Powell, Ohio · Jack Kidwell & Michael Hurdzan (1966) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,936 yards
A Kidwell-Hurdzan design north of Columbus in Powell, Wedgewood offers semi-private access to a mature parkland layout through rolling Delaware County terrain. The well-established course features tree-lined fairways, strategic water hazards, and a classic Ohio parkland character.
Zanesville, Ohio · Michael Hurdzan & Dana Fry (1992) · 18 holes · Par 70 · 6,408 yards
A Hurdzan-Fry design in the rolling hills east of Columbus, EagleSticks offers a creative and affordable public golf experience. The short but strategic par-70 layout features dramatic elevation changes, creative green complexes, and Appalachian foothill views that reward precision over power.
Powell, Ohio · Barry Serafin (2001) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,927 yards
A Barry Serafin design in Powell just north of Columbus, Kinsale delivers a links-inspired experience with open fescue-lined fairways, pot bunkers, and firm playing surfaces. The accessible public layout provides an alternative to traditional tree-lined Ohio parkland golf at an affordable price point.
Best Time to Play
April through October, with May through June and September through October offering the best conditions. The Memorial Tournament in early June is the marquee event. Ohio summers are warm and occasionally humid, while fall brings beautiful foliage to the region's mature tree-lined courses.
Booking Tips
For the best rates, book tee times midweek or during shoulder seasons. Many courses offer twilight rates for afternoon rounds. Resort courses often bundle with hotel stays for significant savings.
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is conveniently located 10 minutes from downtown. Muirfield Village is in Dublin, 20 minutes northwest. Columbus's Short North arts district and German Village offer excellent dining and nightlife. Ohio State campus is worth a visit for the Scarlet Course and Buckeye culture.
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