Best Golf Courses in Cincinnati
Best Golf Courses in Cincinnati
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No one is going to argue that Cincinnati’s one of the great sports towns in the country. The Bengals, Reds, and Nascar all draw fans from every walk of life. Take it from me, if you’ve never been to a Bengals game, you better not be wearing the colors of the opposing team. If you do, you might be at risk of bodily harm from Bengals loyals.
What you might not know is that there’s a host of great public courses to be found in Cincinnati too.
I’ve been fortunate to play a few, but the city’s residents are much more qualified to offer an opinion than I am.
Like usual, I enlisted their help to come up with a list of the best ones anybody can play.
1
Pebble Creek Golf Club
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Even though Pebble Creek isn’t the longest course, it’s known for having greens that are some of the truest in the city. They’re quick too. Especially in the summer when temperatures get hot, and grass dries out.
What golfers love most about Pebble Creek is that it’s playable for everyone. Even though it’s short, narrow holes challenge good players. At the same time, players that aren’t as long still have a chance to reach most greens in regulation.
If you happen to play here on a Friday, be sure to check out the weekly fish fry in the restaurant when you’re done. It’s tough to be some battered goodness and a cold drink after four hours in the sun.
2
The Golf Club at Stonelick Hills
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Stonelick Hills was designed by Jeff Osterfeld. It’s about golf and only golf out here. You won’t find any homes or edifices surrounding this track.
The layout meanders seamlessly through wooded forests and expansive lakes that come into play often. This course was designed in concert with nature, not in spite of it.
With that said, this is classic target golf. While the landing areas are wide, if you stray too far offline, you’ll pay a steep price.
One of the finest experiences in the whole state, don’t miss a chance to play a round at Stonelick Hills.
3
Aston Oaks Golf Club
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Aston Oaks is a Jack Nicklaus design located just a few minutes from downtown Cincinnati.
Set high above the banks of the Ohio River, this course is stunningly carved out of a mature white oak forest.
Aston Oaks has a wonderful mix of short and long holes that are both challenging and fun to play. You won’t get bored out here.
Locals maintain that this is one of the most picturesque courses in the Cincinnati area. That’s especially true in the fall when the leaves of the hardwood forest abound with color.
A premier facility in every way, put Aston Oaks on your list.
4
Cedar Trace Golf Club
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Not far from Stonelick Hills, you’ll find Cedar Trace Golf Club, another one of Cincinnati’s finest.
Set on 197 pristine acres, you’ll feel anything but crowded when you play here. Again, the surroundings of nature are on full display.
Subtle elevation changes and a number of forced carries demand solid ball striking.
Players consider Cedar Trace one of the best values in the metro area as well.
A fair, but fun test, I recommend a round when you’re in town.
5
Sugar Ridge Golf Club
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Sugar Ridge was designed by Brian Huntley. Known for its impeccable condition, the tees at Sugar Ridge are bent grass. The fairways are Zoysia. If you’ve never played on Zoysia fairways, let me tell you it’s like hitting every shot off a tee.
Having received the Golf Digest designation as a “Best Places to Play,” everyone says this is one of the more fun rounds of golf you’ll find anywhere. A variety of holes offer ample chances for risk and reward.
When you’re done with your round, be sure to check out the Amen Corner Restaurant for a memorable meal and a cold drink.
6
Green Crest Golf Club
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Green Crest Golf Club dates all the way back to 1972. It was then that an abandoned family farm was converted into the golf course. Safe to say the fertile soil made it easy to grow grass.
Today, this parkland style design remains a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
The fairways are narrow and lined with large deciduous trees. If you hit one crooked, chances are you’ll be punching out.
Green complexes are small but sloped, mostly from back to front. Stay below the hole if you want a good look at birdie.
Truly a hidden gem, don’t forget about Green Crest Golf Club.
7
Devou Park Golf Course
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Just across the river from downtown Cincinnati, you’ll find Devou Park Golf Course in Covington, Kentucky.
The original nine holes was opened in 1922. A second nine was added in 1995.
Devou Park isn’t a long course. Put it does demand precision and accuracy.
Here again, the fairways are Zoysia, hands down my favorite grass to play from.
The folks at Devou Park care about the environment too. The course was certified as a Cooperative Sanctuary by the Audubon Society.
Fun to play and reasonably priced.
8
Avon Fields Golf Course
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Located just minutes from downtown, Avon Fields is one of the most historic courses in Cincinnati. It’s also owned and operated by the city.
The course is set amongst rolling hills and the fairways are lined by trees that are centuries old.
Of particular challenge, are the course’s small, elevated greens. More so than most courses, Avon Fields demands precision on approach shots and missed greens mean almost a certain bogey.
Even though the course isn’t long, shooting a low score out here is a challenge.
9
Reeves Golf Course
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There might not be a more family-friendly course in Cincinnati than Reeves Golf Course.
The fairways are wide out here and the layout is straight forward.
With that being said, the greens are small in size, and many are set above the level of the fairway. That means you need to be precise on your approach shots.
In addition to the 18-hole course, this facility has a nine-hole par three course too. And the driving range is one of the most modern in the area.
While you probably won’t find Reeves Golf Course hosting a Tour event anytime soon, this is the perfect spot for a fun filled day with the family.
10
Legendary Run Golf Course
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Legendary Run has been voted the “Friendliest Course in Ohio.” From what our readers have said, that absolutely holds true.
Designed by Arthur Hills and opened in 1997, this is a Scottish links style layout. True to its name, holes were designed with some of the most famous in the game in mind. The 12th at Augusta, the 17th at Saint Andrews, the list goes on.
Caring for the environment is also a priority at Legendary Run. The course has been certified as a Cooperative Sanctuary by the Audubon Society.
Outstanding service, memorable golf, and stewardship of the land. Doesn’t get much better than that!
Conclusion
Cincinnati might not cross your mind as a great golf destination, but there’s no reason it shouldn’t be. The number, variety, and quality of courses to be found here is remarkable.
Even though I’ve only the chance to play a couple of tracks in the area, I’m itching to get back and see more.
Thanks always for your generous and thoughtful input. It’s what makes these guides possible.