Buckeye Bonanza - Great Golf Awaits in Ohio

Golfing destinations abound in the Columbus, Ohio area. The Buckeye State I'm told as a whole has fantastic golf. But if you have the opportunity to travel to Columbus, there are three courses you should make sure to visit.

The Ohio State University Golf Club - Columbus, OH

The Ohio State University Golf Club is home to two tracks aptly named the Gray and the Scarlet. Originally designed by Alister MacKenzie, the Scarlet underwent renovations in 2006 directed by none other than Jack Nicklaus, a OSU student in the 50s. At 7455 yards, this par 71 hosts the Buckeyes' competitors. Clinging to the championship caliber of the course, the Nationwide Children's Hospital Invitational has been hosted by the Scarlet Course for the past two years.

It is a finely tuned machine primed for a tournament any day of the week. Deep, intimidating white sand bunkers requiring precise execution litter the course. The greens are the truest I've ever seen although set at a pace usually reserved for the pros. I was either six feet short or 10 feet past all day. The greens may leave you calling David Pelz or Rick Smith but Marc Lucas, General Manager of OSU Golf Club, summarized the course in this way. "It is a true test of golf without being "tricked up". The golf holes sit right in front of you, while at the same time trouble is everywhere." You surely do get a feel for the talent that exists in collegiate golf today.

Talent or not, what makes a course great is the strategy required to navigate. The par-5 4th at 562 yards optimizes all the course has to offer. Fairway bunker on the left, trees right, water through the fairway and all to an elevated green complete with a false front and protection from the deepest bunkers this side of Death Valley. Not to mention the impossible pin placement the day I played. It couldn't have been more than 5 paces off the front edge. I guess that goes to show you a weakness in my game - play to the back of the green and hope for a solid three-putt. At least I lived for another day.

Speaking of strategy, the only way to play is to be a member of the OSU Alumni Association, Faculty, Staff or student so if you're not, befriend an alum fast as they are allowed to bring one guest and this is surely one for your bucket list. To further experience Buckeye golf, visit their website at www.ohiostategolfclub.com.

Longaberger Golf Club - Nashport, OH

An American Icon, the Longaberger Company automatically fosters images of exquisitely woven baskets. For generations, the Longaberger's art of basket weaving has been shared with the next. It wasn't until the early 1970's when Dave Longaberger began to share their family tradition with the world. And what you may ask does all of this have to do with golf?

Well, Dave Longaberger was an entrepreneur in the truest sense of the word. And he wanted a golf course. Upon buying the land from a local farmer, Arthur Hills was secured to build another spectacular venue. True to his stature, he constructed a course blending the natural beauty of the property with demanding yet fair golf holes. If you don't believe me, their list of accolades goes on and on (www.longabergergolfclub.com/play/awards-accolades) Danny Ackerman, Head Golf Professional shares this about their latest triumph. "I am proud to say that we are listed in Golf Digest August 2009 issue 'America's 100 Greatest Public Courses' and when re-ranked by price we rated #19 in America. I know for most of the general public that $99 is a high dollar to pay but, when you see our facilities, course, conditions and staff we feel that we're one of those places that you'll treat yourself to once or twice a year," says Ackerman.

A blend of links style and more traditional American golf holes, you do get the feeling you are in a nature preserve. The natural grasses and tall timber complete this serene setting. Add in 18 fabulous golf holes and you have found nirvana. At 7,243 yards this par 72 is complete with elevation changes and requires strategy off the tee. A thinking man's game, each hole presents its own set of challenges. For example, number 11, a short par-4 at only 346 yards. This tricky little downhill tee shot requires placement as there's water right and trees left. Your second shot into to a sunken green surrounded a cathedral of trees and protected by a creek, makes club selection paramount. Take note of the stonework along the back edge of the creek. There are just enough peeking at you to know water is present.

There's nothing better after playing a spectacular course than sitting down to a fine dining experience, which is what you'll get. The amenities are abound with a driving range and beautifully designed locker rooms. And www.longabergergolfclub.com provides a plethora of information related to all things golf.

Longaberger Basket Company also owns the upscale The Place Off The Square in nearby Newark, Ohio. The 117-room hotel is less then 10 miles away from the course and is in the heart of one of the coolest town squares I've ever seen. The hotel offers affordable Stay and Play packages in conjunction with the course and features a world-class continental breakfast free of charge every morning. It is also important to note how easy it is to get to all of the courses within this article, thanks to non-stop flights from nearly every major Midwestern city to Ohio's capital city.

Cumberland Trail Golf Club - Pataskala, OH

Finally, not 20 minutes from Columbus is Cumberland Trail Golf Club. A links style front nine with a back featuring marshland and woods gives the golfer a little bit of everything. And the variety isn't just limited to the course according to Mike Pickett, Head Golf Professional. "Cumberland Trail was built in 2000 and designed by the Hurdzan/Fry Design Team. That alone separates us from the competition by design. In terms of day to day operations, I have yet to play better greens anywhere in Columbus, public or private. Our greens are easily the main reason why people play our golf course. The atmosphere is also different than most courses around. Anything from high definition TV's, to trendy music playing everywhere, to even the staff being young and trendy; when you play Cumberland, it is definitely a different golf experience than anywhere in Columbus," said Pickett.

Featuring tees for all playing abilities, it's a par-72 playing from 4925 to 7205. Each hole is as undeniably Hurdzan and Fry. Stunning par-3's coupled with risk/reward par-4's make this course one you'll want to play over and over again. And it has one of my favorite aspects of the game, thought off the tee. Driver is not automatic on this track. It's a thinking-man's game.

Mike Pickett likes the challenge of what the course offers. "Every Hurdzan/Fry designed golf course has a reachable par-4 for longer hitters and at Cumberland Trail it's the par-4 15th. This secluded par-4 is short but has some pin locations that can drive you crazy," shared Pickett about the 348 yard dogleg left. Of course, the conservative play is something other than driver off the tee to safely navigate the bunkers and trees but that's what the course gives you - choices.

And talk about choices, rates drop after Labor Day. Weekday rates are only $29 for 18 holes with a cart - an absolute steal for a Hurdzan/Fry course! Weekend rates are only $39 with cart and drop to $29 after noon. How can the rates be so reasonable? "Our service and course conditions allow us to keep the prices very competitive. We pride ourselves in providing an ultimate golf experience no matter what time of day or what time of the year," according to Pickett. For more about their service and golf packages go to learn more go to www.cumberlandtrailgc.com.