Ohio Golf Course Statistics
Ohio offers a diverse selection with public golf courses, private and and municipal:
- Total Golf Courses: Ohio boasts 702 golf courses, including 442 public, 110 municipal, and 150 private courses.
- Oldest Golf Course: The oldest Cincinnati golf course and in the entire state was established in 1895 in Cincinnati, showcasing the state’s long-standing golfing tradition.
- Longest Golf Course: The Scarlet Course at Ohio State University measures 7,455 yards from the back tees, making it the longest in the state.
- Easiest Golf Course: ClearCreek is recognized as the easiest course in Ohio, with a course rating of 27.
- Hardest Golf Course: Muirfield Village holds the title for the hardest course in Ohio, with a challenging course rating of 75.8.
Unique Ohio Golf Course Holes
Several of Ohio’s golf courses are unique, not just for their design but for quirky features that give them distinct character:
- EagleSticks Golf Club (Zanesville, Ohio): EagleSticks is a favorite among golfers in Ohio for its scenic beauty and well-maintained fairways, but it’s also notable for an unusual feature—a pet cemetery on its first tee. This piece of history remains from its days as a horse farm owned by the McClelland family, adding a bit of local charm to the course’s landscape.
Eaglesticks Golf Club is in the TeeTime Golf Pass with deals starting from $32 including the cart.
Sleepy Hollow Golf Course (Brecksville): One of Ohio’s most picturesque and challenging courses, Sleepy Hollow is known for its No. 14 hole, which features a dramatic 75-foot canyon. This par-5 hole is often described as one of the most exciting in the Cleveland area, combining stunning visuals with a strategic challenge that demands precise shot-making.
You can also find tee time discounts at Sleepy Hollow in our Midwest TeeTime Golf Pass starting from $21 including a cart.
The 5 Hardest Golf Holes in Ohio
Ohio is known for its variety of courses, but it’s also home to some of the most challenging holes in the country. Here are five of the hardest golf holes in Ohio, each presenting a unique challenge:
- NCR Country Club, South Course, Hole 15 (Dayton, OH): A 229-yard par-3 that tests even the best golfers with its length and a demanding tee shot.
- Moraine Country Club, Hole 2 (Dayton): This 221-yard par-3 requires precision to avoid trouble, making it one of Ohio’s toughest.
- Walnut Grove Country Club, Hole 11 (Dayton): A 444-yard par-4 with tight tree lines, demanding an accurate drive to reach the elevated green.
- Sycamore Creek Country Club, Hole 15 (Springboro): A challenging 430-yard par-4, where accuracy off the tee is crucial.
- NCR Country Club, South Course, Hole 5 (Dayton): A 556-yard par-5 with a narrow view off the tee and tricky terrain throughout.
These holes are considered some of the most difficult in Ohio, thanks to their length, tight fairways, and demanding designs.
Public vs. Private Courses
Ohio has a great balance of public and private courses, making it easy for golfers to find a round that fits their budget and skill level. About 80% of golfers in Ohio play at public courses, which generally see higher overall rounds compared to private facilities.
Public Courses: With 442 public golf courses across the state, Ohio makes it easy for anyone to pick up the game. Public courses in Ohio offer a relaxed atmosphere, with affordable green fees typically ranging from $25 to $50. For example, Airport Golf Course near Columbus, Ohio is a favorite among locals.
Private Course: Ohio’s 150 private courses are home to some of the best-kept greens and toughest layouts in the Midwest. Private clubs like Inverness Club in Toledo offer exclusive experiences for members, including top-tier amenities and immaculate course conditions. However, they also come with higher membership fees and stricter access rules.
Top Historical Ohio Golf Course Events
Ohio’s rich golfing history is filled with remarkable courses and legendary players. A few courses in the state have not only contributed to the sport but have left a lasting legacy in competitive golf:
- Inverness Club (Toledo): a course with a storied history, Inverness Club has hosted multiple USGA championships, including the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship. The course is known for its challenging layout and its contributions to competitive golf history, including hosting the 1920 and 1931 U.S. Opens, cementing its place as one of Ohio’s premier golfing destinations.
- Highland Park Golf Course (Cleveland): Highland Park made its mark in the golfing world when it hosted the Cleveland Open in 1964, where “Champagne” Tony Lema secured his victory. This Cleveland golf course is a favorite among area golfers and serves as a key part of the city’s rich golfing heritage.
Ohio Golfer Statistics
Around 1.5 million people play golf in Ohio, making it one of most popular recreational activities in the state. Participation cuts across gender, age, and skill level, making Ohio a diverse golfing community.
- Golf Course Usage: Among those who play golf, around 60% report playing at least once a month during the golf season, indicating consistent engagement with the sport.
- Ohio golfers: In 2023, Ohio golfers played approximately 24.5 million rounds of golf. This figure is part of the national total of 531 million rounds played across the United States, which set a record for the fourth consecutive year. Ohio’s participation reflects a strong interest in the sport, bolstered by its reputation as one of the more affordable states for golf.
- Participation rates: About 8% of Ohio’s population participates in golf, which translates to roughly 900,000 golfers, contributing to both on-course and off-course activities.
- On-course golfers: According to the National Golf Foundation, there were 1.3 million on-course Ohio golfers in 2022. This means that about 11% of the state population of 11.8 million played golf on a course at least once in that year. This is slightly higher than the national average of 8%.
- Off-course golfers: Ohio also had 1.8 million off-course golfers in 2022. These are people who participated in off-course golf activities such as driving ranges, indoor simulators, or entertainment venues like Topgolf or Drive Shack. This means that about 15% of the state population engaged in some form of golf off the course in that year.
- Male vs Female: Approximately 70% of Ohio golfers are male, with women making up about 30% of the golfing population. Efforts to increase female participation has led to the growth of youth and women’s programs across the state.
- Ohio Handicap and Average Scores: The average handicap for male golfers in Ohio is 16, while female golfers average around 28. When it comes to scoring, men typically shoot around 90 strokes for an 18-hole round, while women average 105 strokes.
- Average handicap index of male golfers in Ohio: was 14.7 in 2020. This is slightly lower than the national average of 15.1.
- Average handicap index of female golfers in Ohio: was 28.5 in 2020. This is slightly higher than the national average of 27.5.
- Youth and Senior Participation: Ohio is seeing a surge in youth participation, with over 50,000 young golfers taking part in junior leagues and tournaments each year. Seniors (ages 50 and above) make up about 30% of Ohio’s golfing population, showing that golf is a lifetime sport.
- Average age of on-course golfers in Ohio: was 46.4 years in 2022. This is slightly older than the national average of 44 years
Famous Ohio Golfers
- Ohio has been home to some of the greatest golfers in the sport’s history, with many rising to international fame while representing the Buckeye State.
- Jack Nicklaus (Columbus, Ohio): Arguably the most famous golfer of all time, Jack Nicklaus was born in Columbus, Ohio and developed his skills at Scioto Country Club. With a record 18 major championships, including four U.S. Opens and two U.S. Amateur titles, Nicklaus is known for his strategic mastery of the game. He credits Ohio’s diverse topography for challenging him as a young golfer and helping him develop the skills that would lead to his legendary career.
- Charlie Sifford (Cleveland): Charlie Sifford was the first African-American to win a PGA Tour event, breaking racial barriers in professional golf. Sifford served as the professional at Sleepy Hollow Golf Course from 1975 to 1988, and his influence on the game continues to inspire golfers of all backgrounds today.
- Ben Curtis (Columbus): Ben Curtis burst onto the scene in 2003, winning The Open Championship in his first appearance in a major. Born in Columbus, Curtis went on to win several other professional tournaments and remains a respected figure in the world of golf.
- Denny Shute (Cleveland): Another Ohio native, Denny Shute won three major championships during his career, including the Open Championship and two PGA Championships. His consistency and skill made him one of the top golfers in the early years of the sport.
- Jason Dufner (Cleveland): Known for his laid-back demeanor, Jason Dufner claimed his first major victory at the 2013 PGA Championship. Hailing from Cleveland, Dufner has since earned multiple victories on the PGA Tour and is known for his accurate ball striking.
- Stacy Lewis (Toledo): A two-time major champion on the LPGA Tour, Stacy Lewis has amassed 14 professional wins. Born in Toledo, Lewis has been a major force in women’s golf, known for her resilience and competitive drive.
Economic Impact of Golf in Ohio
Golf isn’t just a recreational activity in Ohio; it’s a significant contributor to the state’s economy. The golf industry in Ohio generates about $2 billion annually, covering everything from course operations to equipment sales and tourism.
- Job Creation: The golf industry provides jobs for about 50,000 people in Ohio, from groundskeepers and golf professionals to hospitality workers in the state’s many golf resorts and clubs.
- Golf Tourism: Ohio is home to several major golf events, including the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village, which attracts thousands of visitors each year. These events contribute to local economies by boosting hotel stays, restaurant visits, and other tourism-related spending.
- Revenue and Growth Trends: Ohio’s golf courses generate an average of $3.5 million annually. While national golf participation saw a slight decline of 0.7% from 2022 to 2023, Ohio’s numbers have remained steady, highlighting the sport’s enduring popularity in the state.
Golf Businesses: Ohio has approximately 600 golf-related businesses, contributing to both local economies and tourism, compared to the approximately 9,052 businesses nationwide. Golf tourism is significant in Ohio, with events and tournaments attracting visitors that contribute to local hospitality and service sectors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to questions about the golf courses on TeeTime Golf Pass below:
Muirfield Village in Dublin, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is considered the hardest course in Ohio with a course rating of 75.8.
Some of the best public courses include The Virtues, Fowler’s Mill, and Chippewa Golf Club. These courses are known for their excellent conditions and playability.
You can find discounted tee times on TeeTime Golf Pass and save up to 50% every time you play.
On average, a round of golf in Ohio costs about $35, making it one of the most affordable states for golf in the U.S.
The Cincinnati Country Club, established in 1895, is the oldest golf course in Ohio.
Yes, Ohio boasts courses designed by legendary golfers like Jack Nicklaus (Muirfield Village) and Pete Dye (Fowler’s Mill).