Dayton golf

[Matt Dupre]

I've just taken a new job with a company based in Dayton.  I anticipate being out there somewhat regularly, and without knowing the golf related habits of my local co-workers, wonder if there are any courses worth making the effort to carve out the time to see.

[John Nixon]

If you're in the south portion of the city you're not too far from Shaker Run, in Lebanon. Some people like it. Well, lots of people, actually.

[JLahrman]

I'm not a big fan of Shaker myself, but I seem to be in the minority against the golf public.  I haven't been there in quite awhile though.

I know Cincinnati better than Dayton, but here are a couple of spots around town.  These places are actually south of town, I don't know much about options from Dayton north.

My favorite public course in the area is probably Weatherwax which is in Middletown, maybe 20-25 minutes south of Dayton.

Yankee Trace is your typical CCFAD but has some decent holes (used to host the Nationwide Tour).  If you want to go the CCFAD route I would go to Walden Ponds which is a little further south of Weatherwax.  It's a better layout than Yankee Trace in my opinion.

Let me know if you'd like to meet up...I live in Cincinnati, work in Dayton.

[Chris_Blakely]

Moss Ridge is just west of Dayton.  My brother had some good things to say about the course.  Typical CCFAD course.

The National Golf Links of Ohio is northwest of Dayton in South Viena.

Both would be good courses to play if you do not have a lot of time to travel and want a relatively quick round on a solid course.  

[Billsteele]

Matt-Of the private clubs, NCR-South and Moraine are the most notable. Although I have played neither (NCR is on the horizon this summer), this seems to be the consensus of knowledgeable folks I know. I believe that Glenn Spencer has played NCR quite a bit and can speak to its strengths and weaknesses.
   Chris's mention of the National Golf Links brought a smile to my face. It's a fun, inexpensive course right off I-70 near Springfield (which is probably about 30 minutes from Dayton). Jody Kinney designed the course and did a solid job. The wind is a big factor here. There is also some interesting bunkering on a couple of holes.
   The other publics mentioned also have merit (although last time I checked it was Moss Creek, not Moss Ridge).

[Doug Ralston]

I am certain Glenn Spencer WOULD tell you to play Windy Knoll. I have not yet gotten there, both tries were rained out, but it is on our 'to play' list. We enjoyed Sebastian Hills a bit.

[Buck Wolter]

How about Piqua CC North of Dayton? I get to the Dayton area a fair amount and this one always intrigued me.

[Doug Sobieski]

No mention yet of Yankee Trace. I spent quite a bit of time there as an official (used to host a Nike/Nationwide event), but didn't get the chance to play it. However, it looked like a very good public course, especially when compared to what's available in Columbus.

Anybody played it that can chime in?

[Steve Kline]

I've played NCR South and really like. Some very good holes there. I played it as a junior in a tournament and then a few years about two weeks before the senior open. It played pretty tough.

Weatherwax is a tremendous deal. They 36 holes. I think the 36 hole rate the last time I was there was around $35 if you walked. Lots of fun to play. Greens are usually in pretty good shape and a good speed compared to most public courses.

[T.J. Sturges]

I've played 3 in Dayton, which were all quite enjoyable.  I would rank them as follows:

1.  Morraine C.C. -   Nelson won the PGA here which was one of his 11 in a row victories.

2.  NCR South - Very enjoyable Dick Wilson layout

3.  Miami Valley C.C. - a very nice Ross course

I think you will love living in Dayton.  Lots of good golf in Cincy as well, which is not far.  Also, Springfield is close by and Springfield C.C. is a terrific Ross, and you are not far from Columbus which offers; The Golf Club, Muirfield Village, Double Eagle, Scioto, Scarlet and others.  You'll have fun searching all these out.

TS

[Matt Dupre]

Thanks for all the recommendations - I've searched them out on Google Maps and have at least an idea of some places to explore.

Ted, I won't be moving to Dayton - it would take an awful lot for me to leave Philly and Rolling Green  

[noonan]

I've played 3 in Dayton, which were all quite enjoyable.  I would rank them as follows:

1.  Morraine C.C. -   Nelson won the PGA here which was one of his 11 in a row victories.

2.  NCR South - Very enjoyable Dick Wilson layout

3.  Miami Valley C.C. - a very nice Ross course

I think you will love living in Dayton.  Lots of good golf in Cincy as well, which is not far.  Also, Springfield is close by and Springfield C.C. is a terrific Ross, and you are not far from Columbus which offers; The Golf Club, Muirfield Village, Double Eagle, Scioto, Scarlet and others.  You'll have fun searching all these out.

TS

Spot on.

Public best:

1. Reid Park North - Springfield
2. Yankee Trace - Centerville
3. Walden Ponds - Hamilton
4. Moss Creek - Clayton

[JLahrman]

Steve, currently Weatherwax is $30 to walk on weekends.  The greens always do roll well and there are very few weak spots in the 36 holes.

[mike_malone]

 Matt,

  Don't wimp out! Please compare Dayton golf to Philly after you play them.

[Glenn Spencer]

Matt,

Private message me if you have any questions. I lived and played there all my life. Most of the guys are right on about the Gem City though. The absolute most enjoyable public situation is Windy Knoll. The pro out there Jim Neff, is a super guy and the golf course is usually pretty accessible and it has 18 great holes. They even have the half sized pins out there. I don't think it gets a whole lot better in or around Dayton on the public side. Doug Ralston really needs to play it soon!!! If you need a place to hit balls after landing. Turn right on 40, go about 2 miles and find the National Road Driving Range. Ask for Gary Hickman and tell him that I sent you. Let him look at your swing and see if he can't help you out.

Moss Creek? Skip it
Reid North? Skip it
Yankee? I don't like it,some do. If it is windy it can be a challenge. Flat greens with NO break.
Walden Ponds? I don't know how this got in the Dayton conversation, but I like this little golf course. The last three holes are pretty good, amongst others.

7 and 8 are questionable out at Springfield, but the other 16 are really good Ross holes. I like this course. Miami Valley is a treat, would be more of one if it played a little faster. Moraine and NCR come down to preference. I don't see much comparison, but I can see how people differ. Moraine is one hell of a golf course. Haven't seen Rolling Green, but I am guessing Moraine would remind you of home most. NCR actually allows access through your professional. $90 with member, $125 without. The North Course is a steal at $55. Windy Knoll is about 15-20 minutes from the airport so I don't think Weatherwax is very viable.

Piqua? I have only played it twice. I thought there were some really good holes and then a few that were a little strange. A short, but fun Ross golf course. Not as easy as the scorecard says it should be.

If you would like to play a good golf course with possibly one of the toughest 25 holes in the world, play Walnut Grove CC. 5 minutes from downtown. You won't have to ask which hole.

Cassel Hills is down the street from the airport. I can't say that I recommend it, but it has some things worth seeing. If you are in a jam.

DO NOT miss NCR, Moraine or Miami Valley on the private side. Windy Knoll on the public. Play Walnut Grove if you can and also check out Greene CC. I think you might like that one. FAST greens if you are there on the right day. Springfield, also. I haven't been out to Country Club of the North in a few years. I have heard all sorts of stories. Nicklaus course that is okay, but I would say feel short of expectations. Not a big deal either way on that one. Indian Springs is a little ways away, but a good golf course. 40 min.?

[Doug Ralston]

Doug Ralston will; thanks Glenn!

Doug

[Jim Sweeney]

Guys-

I did not realize there are so many of us in the SW Ohio/No KY area. We should try to get together. MAybe in the fall- Shaker would be a good choice due to its location, or Walden Pond.

If there is any interest, I'd be happy to make arrangements.

[Steve Kline]

I'm interested. I've played Shaker Run several times but have never played Walden Pond. Since I joined Ivy Hills last year and grew up playing at Terrace Park I haven't played many of the public courses in the area. I did spend one year playing Elks Run, which is about 10 minutes from my house.

[JLahrman]

Walden Ponds? I don't know how this got in the Dayton conversation, but I like this little golf course. The last three holes are pretty good, amongst others.

I'll admit it's stretching it to call this Dayton, but if I'm looking for a CCFAD I'd drive down here rather than go to Yankee.  The scenery isn't pretty with all the homes going up, but there are quite a few good holes.

[noonan]

I'm in for an outing.

[Glenn Spencer]

Walden Ponds? I don't know how this got in the Dayton conversation, but I like this little golf course. The last three holes are pretty good, amongst others.

I'll admit it's stretching it to call this Dayton, but if I'm looking for a CCFAD I'd drive down here rather than go to Yankee.  The scenery isn't pretty with all the homes going up, but there are quite a few good holes.

Agreed, partner. I am a Yankee fan, but not Yankee Trace. That place bores me to tears. I knew a few guys that played on the Nike Tour and followed them for a while and they said it was one of the 10 best or so. Couldn't believe it. Of course, they still didn't think a whole lot of it.

[Jeff Shelman]

I agree that Walden Ponds is pretty good. I played there a few times when I lived in Cincinnati. Another place I played a couple of times and didn't think was bad was Heatherwoode (where the Nike Tour was before it went to Yankee Trace).

In looking something up on the web, I came across the fact that you can join Miami Valley (a Ross and the host of the last match play PGA Championship) for a $2,000 initiation and about 300 bucks a month. To me that sounds like a heck of a value for a good private club.

[Glenn Spencer]

JAL,

What holes don't you care for at Shaker. The entire third nine and?

[JLahrman]

Oh hell man, as mentioned I haven't played it in a long time.  I just don't remember being as taken with it as everyone else is, or I'm sure I would have been back.  The huge drop on the par 3...is that #4?  I don't care for drops that severe.  The par-5 with the tree in the fairway.  I haven't played the new 9.

[Chris_Blakely]

Glenn Spencer:

I orginally mentioned Moss Creek as a decent public course to play for a quick round (little in travel and access is not a problem).  But it was not intended as a must see.

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