If you’re planning your 2025 golf season in Ohio, you don’t have to look hard to find incredible public tracks. What most visitors don’t realize is that Ohio has some of the most underrated public courses in the entire Midwest — championship layouts, classic parkland designs, and even municipal courses that play way better than their price tag suggests. I put together this list based on real golfer experiences, architectural quality, course conditions, and overall value. If you’re a traveling golfer or a local trying to explore new layouts this season, these tenare absolutely worth booking.
Boulder Creek is one of those courses where the first-time experience sticks with you. From the opening hole, you get a sense of how big and dramatic the property is — rolling hills, wide-open tee shots, and green complexes that force you to think about every angle.
Golfers love it because it feels like a private club, even though it’s fully public.
Several holes drop from elevated tees, giving you those “let it fly” moments.
Greens roll true but can be deceptively sloped — leave yourself uphill putts whenever you can.
The course drains well, which means even after rain, conditions stay surprisingly solid.
- Tip If you’re chasing the best pace of play, book a weekday morning tee time. Twilight also offers great value here, especially in the long summer months.
- Official website: Boulder Creek Golf Club
2. Fowler’s Mill Golf Course — Chesterland
Fowler’s Mill is a real treat, especially if you’re a shot-maker. Designed by Pete Dye, this course shows off everything he’s known for — visually intimidating fairways, perfectly placed bunkers, and demanding approaches that punish lazy swings.
It’s the type of course where you use nearly every club in your bag.
Multiple sets of tees make it enjoyable for both mid-handicappers and low-handicappers.
Dye’s trademark long, rolling fairways force you to commit to every shot.
The greens are consistently well-kept and reward confident putts.
- Tip: This place gets busy with outings and charity tournaments. If you want a quiet round, avoid weekend mornings and try to snag a Monday–Thursday slot.
- Official website: Fowler’s Mill Golf Course
3. The Virtues Golf Club — Nashport (Central Ohio)
Widely considered one of the best public courses in the entire state, The Virtues is a long, scenic, beautifully maintained course designed by Arthur Hills. If you enjoy elevated tee shots, panoramic views, and championship-level conditioning, this one needs to be on your list.
It’s also the perfect “destination” course — many golfers make a day trip or a weekend trip just to play it.
At over 7,200 yards from the tips, it’s a real test for experienced golfers.
Even from shorter tees, it’s playable and enjoyable thanks to generous fairways.
The clubhouse and dining options make it a great post-round hangout.
- Tip: If you’re traveling, check their “stay and play” packages or group rates. Pair it with another Central Ohio course and make it a mini golf getaway.
- Official website: The Virtues Golf Club
4. Manakiki Golf Course — Willoughby Hills (Cleveland Metroparks)
Manakiki is a Donald Ross design, which automatically tells you what kind of round you’re in for: smart layout, tricky greens, subtle slopes, and a layout that rewards thinking instead of just swinging hard.
It’s one of the best classic-style public courses in Ohio — simple, clean, and strategic.
Ross’s greens and bunkering give it an old-school feel that golfers love.
The course is scenic with mature trees and well-shaped holes.
Even with public access, conditioning stays strong throughout peak season.
- Tip: Manakiki can get crowded in summer. If you want smooth greens and an easy pace, book an early morning tee time — the difference is noticeable.
5. Sleepy Hollow Golf Course — Brecksville (Cleveland Metroparks)
Sleepy Hollow is consistently mentioned as one of Ohio’s toughest and most beautiful municipal courses. The views alone make the trip worth it — the course sits above the Cuyahoga River Valley, giving you some picture-perfect fairways and green approaches.
Championship feel without the championship price.
A nice mix of uphill/downhill shots keeps the round fun and challenging.
Greens are fast, firm, and demand good short-game touch.
- Tip: Be prepared for elevation changes — bring your rangefinder or GPS to help with club selection.
6. Stonelick Hills Golf Course — Batavia, Ohio
Stonelick Hills is one of those courses that immediately feels different from the usual public layout. Once you drive in and see the rolling hills, the ponds, and the forested backdrop, you realize you’re in for a peaceful, scenic round. The course layout is extremely well thought out — nothing feels forced, and every hole makes sense with the natural terrain.
Fairways are generous, but approach shots demand precision because the greens tend to be elevated or well-protected. If you’re someone who appreciates a quiet round without houses lining every fairway, this place is perfect.
- Tip: Because of how secluded and scenic it is, Stonelick is a favorite for outings and corporate events. If you’re planning to play during peak season, try to book early or aim for weekday mornings.
- Website: Stonelick Hills Golf Course
7. Pine Hills Golf Club — Hinckley, Ohio
Pine Hills is a classic public course with an old-school personality. It’s the kind of place where you can play a relaxed round but still be challenged when you want to go low. The terrain is naturally rolling, and a lot of the holes weave through mature trees, giving you that traditional “Ohio golf” feel.
Golfers really like the variety here. Some holes ask you to shape shots around corners, while others give you wide landing areas and let you swing freely. The greens are usually in great shape and roll quicker than you might expect for a public track.
- Tip: Pine Hills is popular with locals, especially during spring and early fall. If you don’t like slow rounds, book early. Their fall conditions are underrated — perfect turf, cooler temps, and beautiful scenery.
- Website: Pine Hills Golf Club
8. Valley of the Eagles — Elyria, Ohio
If you’ve ever wanted to play a Nicklaus-designed course without paying private-club prices, Valley of the Eagles should be on your list. It’s the only public Nicklaus Design course in Northern Ohio, and it shows — wide fairways, dramatic bunkering, big greens, and a layout that takes advantage of the natural river valley.
Expect elevation changes, scenic tee boxes, and a few holes where accuracy is more important than distance. It’s a fun mix of challenge and playability, which makes it a great option for both mid- and low-handicap golfers.
The clubhouse and restaurant are also really nice, making it a great all-day golf destination.
- Tip: Their twilight rates and off-peak tee times are some of the best values in the area. Keep an eye on their seasonal packages if you play multiple rounds.
- Website: Valley of the Eagles Golf Club
9. Little Mountain Country Club — Painesville/Concord, Ohio
Little Mountain is one of Northeast Ohio’s best-kept secrets. It has that “premium public golf” feel without the inflated price tag. The layout is thoughtful and fair — challenging, but it doesn’t beat you up. Greens tend to be fast and firm in the summer, and the course setup rewards good ball-strikers while still being playable for everyday golfers.
The front nine and back nine feel different in a good way, giving you a nice rhythm throughout the round. It’s also a great walking course if you enjoy getting the full feel of the landscape.
Tip: This course gets a lot of love from competitive local golfers. If you’re looking for a course to test your game without going full championship difficulty, Little Mountain is a perfect fit.
10. Maumee Bay State Park Golf Course — Oregon, Ohio
If you enjoy golf in natural, open surroundings, Maumee Bay is a great experience. The course is located inside a state park, so it feels wide, relaxed, and scenic from start to finish. It’s a more forgiving layout compared to some of the championship-style courses on this list, making it ideal for casual golfers or players who just want a fun, stress-free round.
What makes Maumee Bay special is the wind — you’re close to Lake Erie, so breezes can turn an easy hole into a completely different challenge. The open layout gives it a slightly links-style vibe in a few areas.
Tip: If you’re planning a weekend trip, this is one of the best “stay and play” environments because of the park, the lodge, hiking trails, and lake views.
Final Thoughts
Ohio has no shortage of great public golf courses, but the ones on this list stand out for their playability, course management, scenic layouts, and genuine value for money. Whether you’re planning a weekend round with friends or trying to challenge yourself on a championship-style layout, Ohio offers plenty of memorable fairways to keep you coming back. What makes these courses truly special is how approachable they are — you don’t need a membership to enjoy a top-tier golf experience.
If you’re creating a golf bucket list for 2025, you’ll want to add at least a few of these to your schedule. And if you live in Ohio, you’re lucky — some of the best public golf experiences in the Midwest are right in your backyard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best public golf course in Ohio for 2025?
It depends on your style of play, but courses like Stonelick Hills, NorthStar, and The Virtues Golf Club consistently rank at the top due to their challenging layouts, strong course conditions, and excellent facilities.
2. Do public golf courses in Ohio require advance tee-time booking?
Yes, especially in spring and summer. Popular courses can fill up days or even weeks in advance. It’s best to book early on each course’s official website to secure your preferred time.
3. Which Ohio golf courses are best for beginners?
Courses with open fairways and forgiving layouts — such as Fowler’s Mill (Lake Course) or Raymond Memorial Golf Course — tend to be more friendly for beginners while still offering a quality golfing experience.
4. Are there public golf courses in Ohio that host tournaments?
Absolutely. Several public courses routinely host regional events, U.S. Amateur qualifiers, and local tournaments. The Virtues Golf Club and NorthStar Golf Club are well-known for competitive play opportunities.
5. What months are best for golfing in Ohio?
The prime golf season typically runs from April through October, with the best conditions usually in May–June and September–October when the weather is mild and the course conditions peak.
