Nestled approximately 40 miles east of Columbus in Nashport, Ohio, The Virtues Golf Club consistently garners attention as not just the top public golf course in Ohio, but also one of America’s finest. But does this reputation hold true, or is it merely hype? As expert editors, we’ve scrutinized every aspect to deliver a comprehensive review. This article will delve into what makes The Virtues an exceptional golf destination, exploring its championship design, unparalleled amenities, and crucial tips for an optimal playing experience that truly sets it apart.
A Legacy Transformed: The Virtues Golf Club’s Story
Have you ever experienced a golf course that feels inherently special, where the design perfectly complements its natural surroundings? The Virtues Golf Club embodies this sentiment, offering an experience designed to captivate and challenge every golfer. This isn’t just a round of golf; it’s an immersion into a landscape masterfully shaped for the game.
Originally known as Longaberger Golf Club, a testament to its development by the now-defunct basket company, the course underwent a change in ownership in 2013 when Four Virtues purchased the property. Two years later, it was rebranded as The Virtues Golf Club. This historical evolution underscores its enduring quality, as its reputation has only grown under its current name, solidifying its place among the nation’s elite public golf destinations. The club is ranked #84 in the 2021 Golf Digest America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses and proudly holds the No.1 public golf course title in Ohio by The Golf Magazine.
The Course at a Glance: A Masterpiece by Arthur Hills
The Virtues Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course, a true masterpiece designed by the legendary Arthur Hills. It stretches an impressive 7,243 yards from the back tees, promising a robust challenge for experienced players while offering multiple tee options to ensure an enjoyable round for golfers of all skill levels.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Course Type | Parkland (a style of course characterized by tree-lined fairways and natural landscapes that provide a stunning backdrop for every shot, requiring thoughtful shot placement and strategic course management) |
| Designer | Arthur Hills (renowned for creating courses that blend seamlessly with their natural environment, presenting both aesthetic beauty and strategic depth) |
| Par | 72 |
| Yardage | 7,243 yards from the back tees, with multiple tee options to accommodate players of all skill levels, ensuring a rewarding experience for everyone from beginners to seasoned pros. |
| Location | Nashport, Ohio (approximately 40 miles east of downtown Columbus), offering a serene, isolated setting amidst rolling countryside and tree-covered hills. |
| Notable Accolades | Consistently ranked as a top public course in Ohio and the U.S., including #84 in Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses 2021, and #1 public golf course in Ohio by The Golf Magazine. |
The course’s rolling fairways, pristine greens, and mature tree-lined vistas provide a stunning backdrop for golfers of all skill levels. Its acclaimed parkland-style design, celebrated for its panoramic views and strategic layout, ensures a memorable experience. The Virtues is committed to exceptional course maintenance, with well-manicured Bentgrass adorning the tees, fairways, and greens. This premium turf, while occasionally showing signs of heavy play, offers a superior hitting surface rarely found on public courses.
Navigating The Virtues: Elevation, Strategy, and Signature Holes
Successfully tackling The Virtues Golf Club requires more than just a good swing; it demands a thoughtful approach and strategic preparation. The course enjoys dramatic property with huge elevation changes, leading players over hills, through meadows, and into forested areas, creating an extraordinary variety of shots. This unique terrain means walking the course is not feasible for most golfers, as the extreme changes in elevation will quickly eliminate that option. Over 70 strategically placed bunkers and water hazards on eight holes further emphasize the need for precision and thoughtful course management, solidifying its reputation as a demanding, yet fair, test of golf.
Signature Challenges & Strategic Insights
The Virtues Golf Club is peppered with memorable holes that blend drama with strategic demand. Here are three that truly define the experience:
- 4th Hole – 563-Yard Par 5: This hole begins with an exhilarating tee shot from a towering tee box that plummets over 150 feet to the green below. You can certainly gain an extra 50+ yards of distance on your tee ball due to the extra carry and subsequent roll down the tumbling fairway. The fairway eventually terminates at a pond that fronts the green, offering just a sliver of short grass around the left side of the hazard next to a pair of bunkers en route to the putting surface. While the severe drop in elevation makes the green reachable in two for long hitters, the challenging target to hit will make players think twice about how aggressive to be. What strategy will you employ to navigate this visually stunning, yet treacherous, par 5?
- 9th Hole – 187-Yard Par 3: The front nine concludes with this challenging one-shotter that plays over water to a shallow green. There is only 14 yards of green depth to hit between the water and a bunker on the left side, while more depth is available to pins placed on the right third. Distance control here is critical because coming up short is a watery grave, and going long risks the dreaded bunker shot back towards the water. A high fade is often the ideal ball flight, allowing for the most forgiveness and a better chance at par.
- 13th Hole – 480-Yard Par 4 (“Bogey Beware”): When speaking with the pro before a round, this was noted as one of his favorite holes because it required two great shots to walk away with a par. His analysis is spot on. A carry of approximately 270 yards is required to cover the bunker on the right, which offers the most direct line to the green. If you bail out to the left, you need to stay short of the bunker protecting that side, leaving you with over 200 yards into the raised green. To make things tougher, the putting surface calls for a towering approach shot to hit and hold the green. There isn’t anything overly fancy here, just a long, tough hole that you likely will be trying to get up and down on to prevent carding a bogey. Precision and power are paramount on this demanding par 4.
Beyond the Fairways: World-Class Amenities and Clubhouse Experience
Beyond the exceptional playing surface, The Virtues Golf Club offers a comprehensive suite of amenities that elevate the entire experience, making it a premier destination for more than just golf.
- Practice Facilities: Golfers can refine their skills at the club’s excellent practice facilities, which include a driving range with natural grass tees, a dedicated putting green, and a short game area designed for chipping and pitching practice. These facilities are meticulously maintained, providing the perfect environment to warm up or work on specific aspects of your game.
- The Majestic Clubhouse: The club features an impressive 60,000-square-foot clubhouse, serving as the social heart of The Virtues. Here, you’ll find a well-stocked pro shop offering the latest in golf apparel and equipment, comfortable locker rooms, and exquisite cuisine served in a full-service restaurant. The panoramic views from the dining areas and the lovely verandah overlooking the golf course provide a breathtaking backdrop for any occasion.
- Premier Event Venue: The elegant banquet and event facilities, complemented by diverse dining options and stunning natural scenery, make The Virtues Golf Club an unparalleled venue. It’s perfectly suited for events ranging from golf tournaments and corporate outings to intimate rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, lavish wedding receptions, holiday parties, and fundraisers. Considered the best event venue in Licking, Muskingum, and Coshocton County, its beautiful outdoor spaces offer picturesque settings for ceremonies and al fresco luncheons.
Sharpening Your Game: Player Development and Expert Instruction
The Virtues is committed to fostering golf talent across all ages and skill levels, with programs designed for continuous improvement and a true passion for the game. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to shave strokes off your handicap, there’s a pathway for you.
- Weekly Group Lessons: Take advantage of the weekly group lessons offered to refine your fundamental techniques and connect with fellow golfers. These sessions are designed to enhance your overall game effectiveness, with a reported 92% success rate in improving core skills among participants. It’s a fantastic way to learn in a supportive, communal environment.
- Year-Long Programs: For a more comprehensive development path, year-long programs focus on systematically improving skills across all aspects of the game, providing structured learning and consistent feedback from seasoned professionals. These programs are tailored for those seeking dedicated, long-term improvement.
- PGA Junior League: For young golfers (ages 5-15), the PGA Junior League offers a structured, team-based environment for skill development, fostering a love for the game in a fun, competitive setting. Packages include five practice sessions, six matches, two parent-junior scrambles, a hat, two team golf shirts, a drawstring bag, and team shoes. Registration is currently underway, with practices teeing off the last week of April. Don’t forget to provide your junior golfer’s shoe size upon registration!
- Mini Birdies Program: The Virtues Mini Birdies Program is launching soon, specifically designed for young beginners. This engaging introduction to golf fundamentals ensures a fun and accessible entry point for the club’s youngest enthusiasts.
For personalized guidance, golf instruction is available from seasoned professionals like Scott Holmes. His rates include:
- 1-hour Adult Lesson: $125.00
- 1-hour Junior Lesson: $55.00
- 1-hour Military/Senior Lesson: $85.00
- 9-hole Playing Lesson (inclusive of green fee): $250.00
Why Virtues Stands Apart: A Comparative Edge
When planning a golf trip, discerning players inevitably ask, “How does The Virtues Golf Club compare to other top courses?” Its consistent recognition places it firmly among the nation’s elite public golf destinations, and for good reason. It’s acknowledged as the best and most exciting public course to play in Ohio, a high standard in a region known for its golf richness.
The Virtues distinguishes itself through several key attributes:
- Dramatic Property and Design: Arthur Hills’ design gracefully winds its way through dramatic property with huge elevation changes. This creates unique and memorable holes that test every shot with uphill,
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