When I turned in my scores, I told Ben that Coldstream was going to be the most notable course NOT represented due to no one having played it. I suspect it would crack the top 40.
I had NCR South over Springfield, but only by a hair.
The private courses in Ohio are really that much better than the public courses. Fowlers Mill is the lone exception in my book. Sleepy Hollow could be really good with some touch-ups and cart path removal. I still need to see Manakiki. The Quarry has a view dull holes that keep it from being special, but it’s solid regardless.
I think the majority of the participants were from Central and Northern Ohio, and the list may reflect that. However, I have no argument the best golf in the state is also up that way. I was glad to see Dayton represented well. Cincinnati was not well represented when I got the list. Carmago, Hyde Park, and Stonelick were accounted for, but I felt a couple with top 40 potential that I’ve played were missing: Clovernook and Maketewah. The former (Langford/Moreau) is the best course in the city I’ve played (have not played Camargo, Coldstream, Hyde Park, or TPC River’s Bend). Clovernook could be even better if they more funds to spend. Mak is much improved after their bunker renovation.
As far as Miami View (not to be be confused with Miami Valley), I’m a member there and I didn’t include it on the list. I love playing out of there. No first hole scares me anymore because of the 477 yard par 4 1st I play all the time. I tell guests be happy with a 10 after the first two holes, because there plenty of birdie holes after that. The course has great variety and land variation. It’s one of the rare golf-only clubs in Cincinnati. We spend the majority of our money on the golf course, and that’s the way I like it. I don’t think it’s not worth traveling for, but I’m happy to host if people want to check it out. We recently approved some minor renovations (Hurdzan Group) that will be taking place over the course of 2018. We also just hired a new superintendent who worked with at Scioto when Hurdzan was doing work out there. I’m excited to see what he can do with the View.
I haven’t seen Glenview in over 10 years, but I can’t see it breaking the top 40. I prefer Sharon Woods over Glenview, but let’s be honest: Stonelick is the only public in SW Ohio worth even considering for top 40.
I haven’t played in NE Ohio since 2015, and that needs to change next year. I must find a way to get, if nothing else, Brookside Canton in my 2018 rota.