Golfer teeing off at a Youngstown, Ohio golf course.

Get to Know Youngstown’s Best Public Golf Courses

Warm weather is on the horizon in Ohio, and it’s time to dust off those golf clubs!

If you’re looking for the best public golf courses to play in northeast Ohio, look no further! We’ve got your list of locations from Youngstown and beyond; see for yourself why Golf Digest ranked the Youngstown area as #4 in the country for top-quality, affordable courses!

Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just learning how to play, there’s a place on this list for you. Not only do our local and regional courses offer unique challenges, but they’re also filled with history and have hosted countless tournaments!

Now, grab your golf bags and take a swing at some of the best public golf courses in northeast Ohio.

Mill Creek Golf Course

Golfers walk the Mill Creek Golf Course.

Nestled in the heart of the Mahoning Valley (Mill Creek MetroParks), Mill Creek Golf Course has two beloved par-70 courses for public use – the North Course and the South Course.

Both 18-hole courses were designed by “the father of golf course architecture” – the famous Donald Ross. Having designed more than 400 golf courses over his career, Ross’s philosophy was to make each hole present a different problem. While the North Course has tall, majestic trees throughout, the South Course is flat and tree-lined, and more than 100 bunkers accent the 36 holes.

The South Course was selected by Golfweek as one of America’s 30 Best Municipal Courses and is the host site for the American Junior Golf Association. (Additionally, Cleveland.com recognized Mill Creek at #9 on their listing of Ohio’s best courses!)

Golfers of all skill levels are invited to play, and the course’s dedicated staff, which includes PGA professionals, make it a point to deliver a memorable, enjoyable experience. There is also a state-of-the-art practice facility, clubhouse and a PGA-recognized golf shop onsite.

Visit the course’s website to book a tee time.

Mill Creek Golf Course

1 West Golf Drive

Boardman, OH 44512

Kennsington Golf Club

Scenery at Kennsington Golf Club.

Five sets of tees ensure golfers of any skill level can enjoy Kennsington Golf Club, an 18-hole, par 71 course that spans an impressive 7,050 yards with lakes, elevation changes, ravines and many tree-lined fairways! Designed by award-winning architect Brian Huntley, there’s also an expansive practice area that includes a large, two-level grass tee area and target greens bordered by bunkers.

If you’re looking to play golf in good weather and in bad, take a swing at one of Kennsington’s three Full Swing Pro Series simulators, open year-round (and 7 days a week). Utilize advanced features, like real-time feedback on your swing, and after you’re done, grab a bite to eat at Kennsington Grille.

This stunning course is located just minutes from the state Route 11 and U.S. 224 interchange. Call or visit the website to schedule your tee time.

Kennsington Golf Club
4171 Westford Place
Canfield, OH 44406

Reserve Run Golf Course

Reserve Run Golf Course golfers.

Rated as a 4-star Ohio course by Golf Digest, Reserve Run has been a golfer’s dream destination since 1999 when it opened. This par 70 public golf course has been repeatedly recognized as one of Ohio’s top public courses, thanks to its rolling fairways, lakes and manicured greens. Designed by Barry Serafin, there are 18 holes totaling 6,162 yards that are conducive to all skill levels.

After you complete your round, stop by Another Round Bar & Grille, which has outside dining and live music in the summer.

Reserve Run Golf Course
625 E. Western Reserve Road
Poland, OH 44514

Links at Firestone Farms

Aerial view of Links at Firestone Farms.

The Links at Firestone Farms is yet another pristine course for golfers of all ages and experience levels. This course’s par-72 layout is highlighted by bent grass tee boxes, lush fairways, challenging greens and five sets of tees (playing between 5138 and 7207 yards).

The Links is an award-winning course also designed by Brian Huntley (who was the architect at Kennsington Golf Club), and is ranked 9th in the nation by Golf Digest for public golf courses. For the history buffs who double as golfers, this breathtaking property sits on the rolling hills of Harvey Firestone’s original homestead.

Additional features include a stocked pro shop, a full-size driving range, manicured putting greens, golf lessons and a full-service restaurant – Riser Tavern, an up-scale sports bar located on the property.

The Links at Firestone Farms Golf Course
105 St. Andrews Drive
Columbiana, OH 44408

Branching Out: 4 Additional Top Ranking Ohio-Based Public Courses

Want to make your way around northeast Ohio for some golf? If you’re heading toward Lake Erie or Medina, it’s worth checking out some of these other notable courses.

Fowlers Mill Golf Course

Located in Chesterland, Ohio, Fowlers Mill Golf Course, is about an hour northwest of Youngstown. The course, which was built in 1971, offers 27 stunning holes designed by Pete Dye. (Fowlers Mill is ranked as the 8th best Pete Dye course in the country.) Check out their three 9-hole circuits: Lake, River and Maple.

Fowlers Mill Golf Course
13095 Rockhaven Road
Chesterland, OH 44026

Firestone Country Club

Firestone Country Club is known far and wide for hosting decades worth of PGA tours and tournaments. Located in Akron, the golf club includes three courses: the North Course, the South Course and the Fazio Course. Firestone also has BigShots Golf (a competitor to Topgolf), lessons and more.

Firestone Country Club
452 E. Warner Road
Akron, OH 44319

Manakiki Golf Course

Located 17 miles east of downtown Cleveland, and part of the Cleveland Metroparks system, Manakiki Golf Course is another beautiful property designed by Donald Ross. Water hazards, doglegs, and back-to-back par 5s make this a challenging experience, whether you’re playing a full 18 holes or a quick round of nine.

Manakiki Golf Course
35501 Eddy Road
Willoughby, OH 44094

Sleepy Hollow Golf Course

Experience the pristine conditions of Sleepy Hollow Golf Course, a championship course located within the Cleveland Metroparks. Stanely Thompson, a Royal Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member, designed the course, which originally opened in 1924 as a private country club.

Sleepy Hollow Golf Course
9445 Brecksville Road
Cleveland, OH 44141

Make a Weekend (or Week) of It: Even MORE Youngstown Golf Courses To Play

You can easily spend several days visiting the public golf courses throughout the Youngstown area. To the east of the city is Bedford Trails Golf Course, which is neighbor to Knoll Run Golf Course, both located in the quiet community of Lowellville. To the west is Lakeside Golf Course in Lake Milton (designed by Ed Ault and built in 1963), where you can enjoy its serene, small-town atmosphere – including beautiful Lake Milton (a popular boating and recreation spot).

Not too far is Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course, which overlooks scenic Lake Milton and a Revolutionary War-era cemetery. Then, in the City of Youngstown, there’s the historic 9-hole Henry Stambaugh Golf Course. Stambaugh himself donated the land where the course was built, lending to its name.

Salem Hills Golf & Country Club, designed by Jack Kidwell, is just a short drive from Youngstown. It’s a 7,059 yards, par 72 course. And, Flying B Golf Course, also located in Salem and spanning 6,288 yards, has been hosting golfers for more than 50 years.

Work on Your Short Game: Mill Creek MetroParks’ Par 3 Course

Golfers walk the Mill Creek Golf Course.

Situated in what locals call “Rocky Ridge” in the Wick Recreation Area of Youngstown’s Mill Creek MetroParks is the popular Par 3 Golf Course. A favorite for families, golf clinics and golfers in search of a short game, this golf course has 18 holes and is great for all ages.

Par 3 Golf Course 
1861 McCollum Road
Youngstown, OH 44509

 

 

Other Ohio Courses to Tee Up On Your Calendar

From Highland Heights to Hinckley, there are a host of other courses in Ohio to keep in mind.

  • Boulder Creek Golf Club – Streetsboro, OH

  • Pine Hills Golf Club – Hinckley, OH

  • Windmill Lakes Golf Club – Ravenna, OH

  • Shale Creek Golf Club – Medina, OH

  • Big Met Golf Course – Fairview Park, OH

  • Little Mountain Country Club – Painesville, OH

  • The Tanglewood Club – Chagrin Falls, OH

  • StoneWater Golf Club – Highland Heights, OH

Stay and Play Some Amazing Golf in Youngstown!

Now that you have all the info at your fingertips, start planning your next golf trip to some of the best public golf courses in northeast Ohio! With lush grounds and stunning views, these courses are ideal for a weekend getaway with friends or family. If you’re making a few days of it, be sure to check out the Stay-and-Play packages available in Youngstown and Mahoning County.

From parks and attractions to arts and culture, there’s never a dull moment in our vibrant city! For more ideas that are guaranteed to make your stay a memorable one, visit Youngstown Live – Mahoning County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website today! We look forward to helping you make memories that will last a lifetime!