Ohio State Parks And Lodges Golf Courses Guide

Kelvin Mangaroo
November 1, 2024

Ohio State Parks and Great Lodges have some awesome golf courses that really show off Ohio’s natural beauty, and each one brings something unique to the table. Maumee Bay, for instance, has that coastal links feel—complete with the Lake Erie breeze that can make you rethink your club choice. We experienced this firsthand this past summer at our annual sales rep meeting at Maumee Bay. I got to play the course twice, and on the first day, the wind coming off Lake Erie was a 3-club wind, making for a very interesting round! 120 yards in? Can you hand me my 6-iron please. It’s a beautiful, links-style course, and the next day was calm and quiet when our groups went out to play, making it much more enjoyable.

As for the other Ohio State Park golf courses, there’s Salt Fork, perched up on rugged, scenic terrain with wooded fairways and wide-open meadows that’ll test both your accuracy and stamina. Deer Creek is full of character, with more than 50 bunkers and ten ponds scattered throughout, making every shot interesting. If you’re looking for a round at a peaceful Ohio golf course, Punderson is tucked right by a lake with tight fairways and tons of natural beauty. And Hueston Woods? It’s got water hazards and a nice mix of tree-lined fairways that’ll have you working on your precision shots. These courses really let you experience Ohio’s landscape while giving you a fun, scenic challenge along the way.

We have tee time deals and discounts at all the Great Ohio Lodge golf courses including promo rounds starting from $24 including a cart. You can search for these courses and find the deals here.

1. Deer Creek State Park Golf Course

Deer Creek State Park Golf Course is a 6,500-yard course that beautifully combines Ohio’s natural landscapes, making it one a pretty Columbus golf course with a challenging layout. Designed by Ohio native Jack Kidwell, this course showcases the state’s natural beauty with mature trees, native Ohio Bluegrass, and abundant wildlife. Deer Creek is renowned for its 50+ bunkers and ten ponds, which require strategic play across its layout.

Par: 71.5
Unique Features: Featuring 50 strategically placed bunkers and ten ponds, this course incorporates natural beauty into each hole.
Hole Highlights: Four par 3s heavily guarded by water and trees provide unique challenges, while ten lengthy par 4s test your long game. Deer Creek also has a mix of water hazards and elevation changes that make every hole memorable.
Amenities: Clubhouse, Pro Shop, and a cozy restaurant where you can relax after a round.

Why Play Here: Perfect for golfers seeking both a scenic experience and a challenging round. Deer Creek captures Ohio’s natural resources while testing your game with strategically scattered water hazards and bunkers.

2. Salt Fork State Park Golf Course

Set atop 250 acres of rugged terrain, Salt Fork State Park Golf Course offers panoramic views of forested hills, open meadows, and misty valleys. This 6,400-yard course may be shorter in distance, but it plays longer due to its challenging uphill approaches. Salt Fork’s elevated terrain and variety of hole designs keep things interesting, making it a favorite for golfers who enjoy a mix of open and wooded holes.

Par: 70.2
Unique Features: The course spans hills, meadows, and valleys, offering both scenic beauty and natural obstacles. Many holes have uphill approaches that challenge even experienced golfers.
Hole Highlights: With a combination of wooded areas and open fairways, Salt Fork provides diverse hole layouts that test accuracy and distance control.
Amenities: Clubhouse, driving range, and a pro shop for all your golfing needs.

Why Play Here: A great balance of nature and difficulty, with wildlife sightings adding to the outdoor experience. Salt Fork combines challenging holes with a beautiful setting, ideal for golfers who appreciate a more rugged course layout and enjoy spotting wildlife between swings.

3. Punderson State Park Golf Course

Punderson State Park Golf Course is known for its peaceful, wooded setting and serene lake views. Designed by Jack Kidwell and opened in 1969, this 6,200-yard course is surrounded by lush woods and gentle landscapes, giving it a secluded, laid-back vibe. The fairways here range from narrow, tree-lined stretches to wide-open greens, providing a balanced mix of challenges and scoring opportunities.

Par: 69.8
Unique Features: Nestled among trees and near a lake, Punderson offers a quiet, scenic round away from busier courses.
Hole Highlights: This course presents a blend of tight fairways, which demand precision, and open greens that give players room to score.
Amenities: This Cleveland golf course is a short 40 min drive from the city and has a clubhouse, picnic areas, and spots for relaxation make this an excellent course for spending a day outdoors.

Why Play Here: A hidden gem that combines natural beauty with a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for both casual and serious golfers. Punderson’s charm lies in its serene setting and its balance of challenging holes with opportunities to make great shots.

4. Maumee Bay State Park Golf Course

Maumee Bay State Park Golf Course offers a Scottish-links experience complete with coastal winds and sweeping views of Lake Erie. This 6,800-yard course, designed by Arthur Hills, features long par 4s, tall fescue lining the fairways, and bunkers strategically placed to challenge even the best players. Maumee Bay’s links-style design is rare in Ohio, making it a must-play for golfers who enjoy a coastal feel without leaving the state.

Par: 72.0
Unique Features: Links-style layout with tall fescue and Lake Erie’s winds impacting play, often affecting shots by up to 30-40 yards.
Hole Highlights: Holes #12 and #14 are particularly tough, with hole #12 being especially challenging when the wind is up.
Amenities: Clubhouse, restaurant with scenic views, and a pro shop for essentials.

Of all the Great Ohio Lodges courses, Maumee Bay State Park Golf Course is the longest at 6,941 yards from the Gold tees, making it a challenge for long hitters. Maumee’s coastal winds and links-style layout add further difficulty, especially on windy days. For golfers who love a lengthy course that tests distance and control, Maumee Bay is the go-to.

Why Play Here: For the unique links-style experience, challenging winds, and incredible Lake Erie views that add a coastal vibe to your round. Maumee Bay’s design and wind elements bring a fresh twist to Ohio golf, testing your skills in new ways and adapting to coastal challenges.

The Maumee Bay lodges here do have beautiful views of Lake Erie. Here’s the view on the balcony from my room:

5. Hueston Woods State Park Golf Course

Nestled within Hueston Woods State Park, Hueston Woods State Park Golf Course offers golfers a scenic round filled with natural water hazards and wooded landscapes. The 6,300-yard course features a challenging design with ponds and streams that come into play throughout the round, keeping golfers on their toes. Its beautiful surroundings make it popular with players who want a scenic course that tests shot precision and strategy.

Par: 70.5
Unique Features: Natural water hazards and wooded areas that require strategic shot placement throughout.
Hole Highlights: Every hole provides its own unique challenge, with several requiring careful navigation around ponds and streams.
Amenities: Clubhouse, Pro Shop, and a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy the outdoors.

Why Play Here: A great course for golfers looking to hone their accuracy while enjoying the stunning scenery Ohio has to offer. Hueston Woods delivers a beautiful yet challenging experience, making this Cincinnati golf course perfect for working on precision and shot planning.

FAQ

1. What are the best Ohio State Park golf courses?
Some of the top Ohio State Park courses include Maumee Bay for its unique coastal feel and challenging winds, Deer Creek for its mix of bunkers and natural beauty, and Salt Fork for its elevated terrain and scenic views.
2. How do I book a tee time at Ohio State Park golf courses?
You can book tee times directly on the Ohio State Parks website or through each park’s dedicated lodge page, ensuring easy and accessible booking.
3. Are Ohio State Park golf courses suitable for beginners?
Definitely! Courses like Punderson and Salt Fork are beginner-friendly with forgiving fairways and scenic, relaxed settings, allowing new golfers to enjoy the experience.
4. Which Ohio State Park golf course is the most challenging?
Maumee Bay is often considered the most challenging due to its length, links-style layout, and the wind from Lake Erie. Deer Creek also presents significant challenges with its many bunkers and water hazards.
5. What amenities are available at Ohio State Park golf courses?
Most courses offer clubhouses, pro shops, and dining options, while some also provide driving ranges, picnic areas, and other amenities for a full day of relaxation and recreation.

Ohio State Parks and Great Lodges provide golfers with a range of unforgettable golfing experiences. From the coastal links of Maumee Bay with its challenging wind to Deer Creek’s strategically placed bunkers and ponds, every course has something unique to offer. With beautiful landscapes, well-designed layouts, and top-notch facilities, these courses offer more than just a game; they offer a chance to connect with nature and challenge your skills. So grab your clubs, pick a course, and enjoy!