All Things Ohio Golf

[steamcorners]

[quote name='SilverBullets' timestamp='1383145623' post='8078470']
Has anyone from Columbus, or really anywhere in Ohio, done a trip to Whistling Straits? I am planning on doing one next summer with my dad and am trying to put together a tentative plan. I'm trying to figure out if we should just drive there from Columbus (GoogleMaps says its 7.5 hours) or if it's worth it to fly. Not sure we would really save much time if we flew because I assume we would fly into Milwaukee then have to drive.

I also wanted to get thoughts on which course to play. From what I have looked it, it seems like I would want to play both Whistling Straits courses (Irish and Straits), one of the Blackwolf Run courses (not sure which is better), and then make the trip down to Erin Hills.

Anyone on here from the Ohio area that has any advice on a trip up there?
[/quote]

Fellow Columbus guy here..

Haven't played there, but IMHO the drive isn't bad. I've never flown into Milwaukee (or Chicago, for that matter) but I'd imagine the hassles and time involved would negate the potential time savings. Don't think there are many direct flights from CMH, either...

Just drove through the area in July--family reunion north of Green Bay. Once you get through Chicago, it's a breeze to the Kohler/Sheboygan area. Plus you can bring back fresh cheese curds and Spotted Cow when you drive...

[pinhigh27]

Shaker was tough. We played it in early april when it was like 40 degrees and 20-30 mph wind all day both days. 79-78 won it in a majgt event... That course has got some teeth, lengthening it is going to make it crazy hard.

[SilverBullets]

[quote name='steamcorners' timestamp='1383171164' post='8080338']
[quote name='SilverBullets' timestamp='1383145623' post='8078470']
Has anyone from Columbus, or really anywhere in Ohio, done a trip to Whistling Straits? I am planning on doing one next summer with my dad and am trying to put together a tentative plan. I'm trying to figure out if we should just drive there from Columbus (GoogleMaps says its 7.5 hours) or if it's worth it to fly. Not sure we would really save much time if we flew because I assume we would fly into Milwaukee then have to drive.

I also wanted to get thoughts on which course to play. From what I have looked it, it seems like I would want to play both Whistling Straits courses (Irish and Straits), one of the Blackwolf Run courses (not sure which is better), and then make the trip down to Erin Hills.

Anyone on here from the Ohio area that has any advice on a trip up there?
[/quote]

Fellow Columbus guy here..

Haven't played there, but IMHO the drive isn't bad. I've never flown into Milwaukee (or Chicago, for that matter) but I'd imagine the hassles and time involved would negate the potential time savings. Don't think there are many direct flights from CMH, either...

Just drove through the area in July--family reunion north of Green Bay. Once you get through Chicago, it's a breeze to the Kohler/Sheboygan area. Plus you can bring back fresh cheese curds and Spotted Cow when you drive...
[/quote]

Thanks. This is pretty much what I was thinking as well. While I haven't been to Wisc, I go to Chicago a lot. I kind of switch of between flying or driving. Flying seems to save maybe an hour give or take 30 minutes. I assume driving the 7 or whatever hours to Kohler would be pretty much as quick considering I would have to fly direct to Chicago and rent a car and drive, or, I would have to take a layover somewhere then fly to Milwaukee. Driving is probably the best option.

[golfortennis]

[quote name='steamcorners' timestamp='1383171164' post='8080338']
[quote name='SilverBullets' timestamp='1383145623' post='8078470']
Has anyone from Columbus, or really anywhere in Ohio, done a trip to Whistling Straits? I am planning on doing one next summer with my dad and am trying to put together a tentative plan. I'm trying to figure out if we should just drive there from Columbus (GoogleMaps says its 7.5 hours) or if it's worth it to fly. Not sure we would really save much time if we flew because I assume we would fly into Milwaukee then have to drive.

I also wanted to get thoughts on which course to play. From what I have looked it, it seems like I would want to play both Whistling Straits courses (Irish and Straits), one of the Blackwolf Run courses (not sure which is better), and then make the trip down to Erin Hills.

Anyone on here from the Ohio area that has any advice on a trip up there?
[/quote]

Fellow Columbus guy here..

Haven't played there, but IMHO the drive isn't bad. I've never flown into Milwaukee (or Chicago, for that matter) but I'd imagine the hassles and time involved would negate the potential time savings. Don't think there are many direct flights from CMH, either...

Just drove through the area in July--family reunion north of Green Bay. Once you get through Chicago, it's a breeze to the Kohler/Sheboygan area. Plus [b]you can bring back fresh cheese curds [/b]and Spotted Cow when you drive...
[/quote]


A wise old man once told me that even though they are Packers fans, they are still people, and so we should be careful what we call them.

[Tarantula18t]

For some of you Columbus guys.......can you tell me anything about Pinnacle and New Albany CC? Are they both worth the 100+- drive (for me from the Cincy/Dayton area)?

I know New Albany has 27 holes......which is the best rotation to play?

This would be for the 2014 season, but if I plan on playing them, I need to make a decision in the next few days on playing one, both, or neither.

[ClarkGrswld4]

web.com tour coming to Lakewood CC in Westlake for the next 3 years...great course

[CincyCreech]

Anyone every played out at Harbor Links at Sagamore Resort close off brookville lake indiana?

Played there for the first time a few weeks ago. Really enjoyed the course.

[CincyCreech]

[quote name='somaplr' timestamp='1378311062' post='7796297']
Played at Snow Hill Golf Club on Monday:

It's a little oasis. I was shocked how good of shape it's in considering it's been public for several years now. It's only $600 a year to join. If I lived closer to it, I'd think about paying that to get a little diversity from the private club I'm a member at now. Greens are great and has some unique holes. Not an extremely long course from the tips, but they do have some interesting set-ups.
[/quote]

I thinks it a great track. Par 3's from the tips will eat you alive if your off a little.

[CincyCreech]

[quote name='Tarantula18t' timestamp='1378745845' post='7820049']
I played Muirfield yesterday, and the course should look great for the President's cup. They punish the members though by letting the rough get to unbelievable lengths. They just let it grow wildly, and will cut it way down for the event. Most of the "pro" tees were closed down. They did add one on 18, to lengthen it by about 30 yards. The member tees are plenty tough. The rating and slope there are VERY high, and I would imagine it's mostly due to the bunkering. The bunkers are very penal, particularly the fairway bunkers, which are everywhere. Three times I got in one, and couldn't hit it more then about 50 yards. Advancing the ball in those is nearly impossible if you're anywhere close to the front.

It's a fantastic layout, with conditions that are nearly impossible to improve on (minus the rough, but that is on purpose).

Although the hustle and bustle at that club is sort of a turn-off. The facility starts and ends with the memorial, and everything is geared toward it. This year it is a bit out of the ordinary because they are hosting another huge event. The stands on the course are flat out ugly.

The course itself in my opinion is much better then the Golf Club.....but the Golf Club's atmosphere is head and shoulders above Muirfield. If they could somehow combine those two, I couldn't imagine a better private club anywhere.
[/quote]

How did you get on?!?! lol

[Tarantula18t]

I donated to some Columbus charities, and a member at each the Golf Club and Muirfield took me out.

[buckeyevalley]

Harbor Links mentioned above was a blast to play. Couple funky holes, but the ones along the lake are just awesome.

[somaplr]

Anyone playing on Thursday? Might take a day off from the office and head down to Lexington/Georgetown area to play (thinking Cherry Blossom). Driving a bit south b/c I don't believe it's snowed much there and it won't be sloppy like it will be in Dayton/Cincy. Yes, I'm an addict.

[lov2golf4]

I wish I was playing, it's not even Christmas and I'm sick of winter. I'm hoping to get out Sunday depending if it's raining or not even though I know it's going to be sloppy. I think most of our addicts on this site.

[SilverBullets]

[quote name='lov2golf4' timestamp='1387296179' post='8312647']
I wish I was playing, it's not even Christmas and I'm sick of winter. I'm hoping to get out Sunday depending if it's raining or not even though I know it's going to be sloppy. I think most of our addicts on this site.
[/quote]

It has snowed a lot for December in Columbus. I can remember the last couple of years getting out in early jan and in Feb for some quick 9 hole rounds after work at the Phoenix (best skyline in Columbus haha). I hope this weekend will allow for all the snow to melt so I can get back at it.

[somaplr]

I mentioned Thursday because in southern Ohio it's supposed to be low to mid 50's...the issue is that we have snow on the ground still and it will be super sloppy. Why I'm going about 90 min. south to play. It only warms up for Thursday/Friday and then its supposed to dip back towards freezing temps.

[lov2golf4]

[quote name='somaplr' timestamp='1387310181' post='8313969']
I mentioned Thursday because in southern Ohio it's supposed to be low to mid 50's...the issue is that we have snow on the ground still and it will be super sloppy. Why I'm going about 90 min. south to play. It only warms up for Thursday/Friday and then its supposed to dip back towards freezing temps.
[/quote]

They are actually calling for 50's both Saturday and Sunday in Columbus but it's also suppose to rain Friday, Saturday & Sunday so hopefully all the snow is gone by Sunday morning so I can get out. I just need to play but if I can't will hit the range for sure.

[stringbean502001]

[quote name='SilverBullets' timestamp='1383145623' post='8078470']
Has anyone from Columbus, or really anywhere in Ohio, done a trip to Whistling Straits? I am planning on doing one next summer with my dad and am trying to put together a tentative plan. I'm trying to figure out if we should just drive there from Columbus (GoogleMaps says its 7.5 hours) or if it's worth it to fly. Not sure we would really save much time if we flew because I assume we would fly into Milwaukee then have to drive.

I also wanted to get thoughts on which course to play. From what I have looked it, it seems like I would want to play both Whistling Straits courses (Irish and Straits), one of the Blackwolf Run courses (not sure which is better), and then make the trip down to Erin Hills.

Anyone on here from the Ohio area that has any advice on a trip up there?
[/quote]

I live on the other end, north of Chicago, but make the drive to Ohio periodically. Driving is best, IMO, but make sure (if you can) to go through (I-94) or around (I 294 tollway) Chicago at[u] really [/u]off hours...you can spend an extra hour or more in Chicago traffic.

Courses--No question in my opinion that the ranking would go WS Straits, Blackwolf Run River, then either the Blackwolf Run Meadows or the WS Irish. Straits is a great, and expensive, experience, but I think the River course may be the best of the bunch. Just my opinion.

Have not played at Erin.

[SilverBullets]

[quote name='stringbean502001' timestamp='1387328261' post='8315433']
[quote name='SilverBullets' timestamp='1383145623' post='8078470']
Has anyone from Columbus, or really anywhere in Ohio, done a trip to Whistling Straits? I am planning on doing one next summer with my dad and am trying to put together a tentative plan. I'm trying to figure out if we should just drive there from Columbus (GoogleMaps says its 7.5 hours) or if it's worth it to fly. Not sure we would really save much time if we flew because I assume we would fly into Milwaukee then have to drive.

I also wanted to get thoughts on which course to play. From what I have looked it, it seems like I would want to play both Whistling Straits courses (Irish and Straits), one of the Blackwolf Run courses (not sure which is better), and then make the trip down to Erin Hills.

Anyone on here from the Ohio area that has any advice on a trip up there?
[/quote]

I live on the other end, north of Chicago, but make the drive to Ohio periodically. Driving is best, IMO, but make sure (if you can) to go through (I-94) or around (I 294 tollway) Chicago at[u] really [/u]off hours...you can spend an extra hour or more in Chicago traffic.

Courses--No question in my opinion that the ranking would go WS Straits, Blackwolf Run River, then either the Blackwolf Run Meadows or the WS Irish. Straits is a great, and expensive, experience, but I think the River course may be the best of the bunch. Just my opinion.

Have not played at Erin.
[/quote]

Awesome, thanks for the input. I think driving is definitely the best route. I recently read another poster somewhere on WRX talk about the River course and how much they like it. I think that's going to be a must. I will have to do a little digging on the Irish and Meadow courses but from what I've read it sounds like the Irish may be better for what I am looking for. Now it's just a matter of finding the right time to make the trip with my father up there. This summer is shaping up to have some great courses in my lineup. Making this trip (Whistling straits, blackwolf and Erin Hills) and then I'm heading to HHI for a wedding as part of the bachelor party we are going to play The Ocean Course. Going to be a great year for sure.

[mags300]

Ohio guy's, I'm up here in the Pontiac, Mi. area and was going to wing it on Saturday down to Columbus somewhere. 44-45 and sunny from what I see.

1) Is the snow gone down there?
2) Anything else open besides Oakhaven?
3) if everything works out we are going down with 3-6 guys, anybody want to join and have a game?

[lov2golf4]

[quote name='mags300' timestamp='1387907343' post='8344087']
Ohio guy's, I'm up here in the Pontiac, Mi. area and was going to wing it on Saturday down to Columbus somewhere. 44-45 and sunny from what I see.

1) Is the snow gone down there?
2) Anything else open besides Oakhaven?
3) if everything works out we are going down with 3-6 guys, anybody want to join and have a game?
[/quote]

We just got a dusting today but it will be gone by Saturday. Just to let you know I played this past Sunday(not at Oakhaven) and we got 2 to 3 inches of rain this past Friday and Saturday and the course was soaked, there were puddles on some of the greens. All of the puddles should be gone by then but it still should be pretty wet. I've never played Oakhaven but I have played the Delaware Golf Club and it's a really nice course. I've had people that have played both courses tell me Delaware Golf Club is nicer. It's only about 5 to 10 minutes from Oakhaven, you should try to call them. There's also another course right around the corner called Glenross which is suppose to be nice, I've never played there but I have some friends that have played it.

[pinhigh27]

What is cincy like snow wise? Kinda want to take a trip down and play before Jan 3rd

[Tarantula18t]

Snow is gone, and has been for a few days, but we got pounded with rain on Friday and Saturday. I actually played in the Cincinnati area on Sunday, and the course was a sloppy mess. Which was very much expected. Although this time of the year, I will take whatever I can get.

Fri - Sun looks pretty good for golf down here. Shows sunny and in the 40's. Unfortunately, I will be in Illinois.

[somaplr]

[quote name='Tarantula18t' timestamp='1387992549' post='8347225']
Snow is gone, and has been for a few days, but we got pounded with rain on Friday and Saturday. I actually played in the Cincinnati area on Sunday, and the course was a sloppy mess. Which was very much expected. Although this time of the year, I will take whatever I can get.

Fri - Sun looks pretty good for golf down here. Shows sunny and in the 40's. Unfortunately, I will be in Illinois.
[/quote]

Where did you play? I played on Sunday too and it was just a bit damp lol. Knee down I was covered in mud.

I may be playing on Saturday, says it's a high of 47, although it seems lately that some of these "highs" are a lot colder than what they say on the weather channel.

[pinhigh27]

any specific courses closed or open at this time of year? Just curious if there is a best place to go. From way north(between akron and cleveland) so I don't even know what your normal winters are like and if all the courses close or what. Seems like two completely different areas.

[somaplr]

[quote name='pinhigh27' timestamp='1388174621' post='8355723']
any specific courses closed or open at this time of year? Just curious if there is a best place to go. From way north(between akron and cleveland) so I don't even know what your normal winters are like and if all the courses close or what. Seems like two completely different areas.
[/quote]

I'm going to say that most courses from Dayton down to the river will be open at this point - we havent had snow on the ground for a week.

[lov2golf4]

Anyone want to play somewhere in the Columbus area tomorrow between 11:00 and 1:00?

[Tarantula18t]

[quote name='somaplr' timestamp='1388075258' post='8350113']
[quote name='Tarantula18t' timestamp='1387992549' post='8347225']
Snow is gone, and has been for a few days, but we got pounded with rain on Friday and Saturday. I actually played in the Cincinnati area on Sunday, and the course was a sloppy mess. Which was very much expected. Although this time of the year, I will take whatever I can get.

Fri - Sun looks pretty good for golf down here. Shows sunny and in the 40's. Unfortunately, I will be in Illinois.
[/quote]

Where did you play? I played on Sunday too and it was just a bit damp lol. Knee down I was covered in mud.

I may be playing on Saturday, says it's a high of 47, although it seems lately that some of these "highs" are a lot colder than what they say on the weather channel.
[/quote]

You are right...it never seems as warm as they say. It was pretty windy that Sunday also. I met a buddy over at the Mill course (winton woods). We knew they would be open so we went there. Not our favorite course by any means, but in the winter we will play wherever is open. I think Shaker will be our main course this season especially if it stays in the shape they had it in the second half of the season. Best it has been in years.

Have you played Moss Creek lately? Curious to over know the shape of that place the second half of the year. The Lamberts now own that course as well so I would assume/hope the course improves

[somaplr]

[quote name='Tarantula18t' timestamp='1388252770' post='8359415']
[quote name='somaplr' timestamp='1388075258' post='8350113']
[quote name='Tarantula18t' timestamp='1387992549' post='8347225']
Snow is gone, and has been for a few days, but we got pounded with rain on Friday and Saturday. I actually played in the Cincinnati area on Sunday, and the course was a sloppy mess. Which was very much expected. Although this time of the year, I will take whatever I can get.

Fri - Sun looks pretty good for golf down here. Shows sunny and in the 40's. Unfortunately, I will be in Illinois.
[/quote]

Where did you play? I played on Sunday too and it was just a bit damp lol. Knee down I was covered in mud.

I may be playing on Saturday, says it's a high of 47, although it seems lately that some of these "highs" are a lot colder than what they say on the weather channel.
[/quote]

You are right...it never seems as warm as they say. It was pretty windy that Sunday also. I met a buddy over at the Mill course (winton woods). We knew they would be open so we went there. Not our favorite course by any means, but in the winter we will play wherever is open. I think Shaker will be our main course this season especially if it stays in the shape they had it in the second half of the season. Best it has been in years.

Have you played Moss Creek lately? Curious to over know the shape of that place the second half of the year. The Lamberts now own that course as well so I would assume/hope the course improves
[/quote]

It's been a few years since I've played Moss Creek. I actually went to high school in that area - and my folks lived about 2 miles from that course until recently. I really like the course, but it seems to have gone downhill every year.

[Tarantula18t]

[quote name='somaplr' timestamp='1388426178' post='8368183']
[quote name='Tarantula18t' timestamp='1388252770' post='8359415']
[quote name='somaplr' timestamp='1388075258' post='8350113']
[quote name='Tarantula18t' timestamp='1387992549' post='8347225']
Snow is gone, and has been for a few days, but we got pounded with rain on Friday and Saturday. I actually played in the Cincinnati area on Sunday, and the course was a sloppy mess. Which was very much expected. Although this time of the year, I will take whatever I can get.

Fri - Sun looks pretty good for golf down here. Shows sunny and in the 40's. Unfortunately, I will be in Illinois.
[/quote]

Where did you play? I played on Sunday too and it was just a bit damp lol. Knee down I was covered in mud.

I may be playing on Saturday, says it's a high of 47, although it seems lately that some of these "highs" are a lot colder than what they say on the weather channel.
[/quote]

You are right...it never seems as warm as they say. It was pretty windy that Sunday also. I met a buddy over at the Mill course (winton woods). We knew they would be open so we went there. Not our favorite course by any means, but in the winter we will play wherever is open. I think Shaker will be our main course this season especially if it stays in the shape they had it in the second half of the season. Best it has been in years.

Have you played Moss Creek lately? Curious to over know the shape of that place the second half of the year. The Lamberts now own that course as well so I would assume/hope the course improves
[/quote]

It's been a few years since I've played Moss Creek. I actually went to high school in that area - and my folks lived about 2 miles from that course until recently. I really like the course, but it seems to have gone downhill every year.
[/quote]

I agree on the conditions. We used to make it a point to visit at least once a year (even though it's quite a haul for us), but the conditions turned us away. That 18th hole is the longest par 5 I think I have ever played. I know the carry was just brutal to the fairway.....at about 260 yards or so.

I'm hoping the new owners will get it back to where it used to be. It's really a good layout.

[lov2golf4]

I'm thinking of buying some nice rain gear this year and I wanted to know if there is anywhere I can actually try the gear on instead of just buying over the internet. I hate buying clothes without trying them on. I can't find anywhere with a big selection at all. Golf Galaxy has one nice Nike outfit and they only have one Foot Joy Jacket. I'm probably looking to get Gore-Tex which I hear is the best because it's also breathable and waterproof.