In 2006 (or 2007) The Best of Ohio list was as follows:
Ohio
1. Longaberger, Nashport
2. Shaker Run, Lebanon
3. Boulder Creek, Streetsboro
4. Avalon G&CC (Avalon/Lakes), Warren
5. Hickory Hills, Grove
6. Aston, North Bend
7. Stonewater, Cleveland
8. Rattlesnake Ridge, Sundbury
9. Elk's Run, Batavia
10. Cooke's Creek, Columbus
In 2007, the list looks as follows:
Ohio
1. Longaberger, Nashport (m)
2. Shaker Run, Lebanon (m)
3. Boulder Creek, Streetsboro (m)
4. Avalon G&CC (Avalon Lakes), Warren (m)
5. Stonelick Hills, Batavia (m)
6. Aston Oaks, North Bend (m)
7. Stonewater, Cleveland (m)*
8. Elk’s Run, Batavia (m)
9. Cook’s Creek, Columbus (m)
10. Hickory Hills, Grove (m)*
First off, here is some of the good qualities: Boulder Creek, Stonelick Hills, and Cook's Creek are all good to very good courses and I can see them being on the list. In a previous post last year, I chided Elks Run and Cooks Creek and after replaying them, I do not have a problem with them being on the list. The addition of Stonelick Hills to the list improves the list. Avalon Lakes appears to be deserving of being on the list. I have not played, but people whom I play with speak highly of the course.
Now for the head scratchers: Rattlesnake Run (private course listed on the 2007/2006 list) was replaced by Stonewater (or at least moved up) a private course outside of Cleveland. Longaberger GC is still #1. It is a decent Hills course that I do not dislike as much as others on this board, but I do not believe it is the BEST the state has to offer. Aston Oaks does not belong on the list, but I think I know why it is on the list. It is in the Cincinnati area which means it most likely gets played by more raters than some of Ohio's more deserving courses (the Nicklaus Group name most likely does not hurt). Hickory Hills is the Jack Kidwell course they must have decide to put on the list (over Salt Fork and Mohican Hills, I am a little shocked).
If this list is going to be called the "best courses you can play," one needs to make a simple call to each course to confirm that they are still public or have some public access.
Here of some of the Ohio courses I would consider (at least by juxtaposition to several of the courses on the current list, I feel they are better or worthy of consideration):
Little Mountain CC (Concord, OH)- H&F course that could replace Stonewater.
Black Diamond GC (Millersburg, OH) - Barry Sarafin course on wild terrain that was the topic of a recent post by a rater that spoke highly of it. I posted over a year ago before that post praising it.
The Quarry GC (Canton, OH) - Brian Huntley course that is most likely too new for the list, but if scooping the other magazines is the goal this course is top 10 in the state.
Auman Timbers GC (Dover, OH) - For wow factor alone of half of the holes, this course is a blast to play. Some awkward routing issues on the back of the property may preclude it.
Deer Ridge GC (Bellville, OH) - Huntley course on very rolling terrain.
Salt Fork State Park GC (Lore City, OH)
Mohican Hills GC, Jeromesville, OH) Jack Kidwell courses that I would consider over Hickory Hills
Sleeply Hollow GC (Brecksville, OH) Very good Stanley Thompson course that used to be private and is now part of the Cleveland Park System golf courses.
Castle Shannon GC (Hopedale, OH) - very gold course on a rolling piece of property - conditions and location may preclude this one.
Blackmoor GC (Wintersville, OH) - Another very good John Robinson course in remote location.
Comparing the Ohio list to the Michigan one, I feel the Michigan is a much better list for the golfer looking to have a good idea of the top courses in the state. What do others think of the Ohio list?