By 1808Delaware
Some of Ohio’s best road trips now begin with a tee time.
TourismOhio has launched the Ohio Golf Trail, a new travel experience that invites residents and visitors to explore the state through 182 public golf courses. Available now at Ohio.org, the guide brings together courses ranging from scenic state parks and lakeside fairways to historic clubs and championship-caliber destinations. The trail is designed not only for serious golfers, but also for travelers looking to build a day or weekend around the game. Along the way, the guide highlights nearby communities, restaurants, attractions, outdoor recreation, golf festivals, major tournaments, and places that have helped shape Ohio’s golf identity.
Several courses included in the new guide are located within the 1808Delaware coverage area, giving central Ohio golfers a new way to plan local outings or larger trips across the state. The full list can be accessed here.
A Trail Built Around Public Play
The Ohio Golf Trail was curated with help from Ohio’s county convention and visitors bureaus. According to TourismOhio, special consideration was given to courses that are open to the public or available without a membership requirement. That public access is central to the trail’s appeal. It positions golf as a statewide travel experience, not just a private club pursuit.
“Ohio is home to some of the finest golf courses in the country, and the new Ohio Golf Trail gives residents and visitors an opportunity to experience many golfing destinations across the state,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Whether you are a life-long golfer or picking up the clubs for the first time, this trail showcases some great golf courses for you and your family to enjoy.”
Lt. Governor Jim Tressel added a lighter note.
“I’ve spent enough time around golf to know two things: first, Ohio has some great courses, and second, my wife Ellen is a much better golfer than I am,” Tressel said. “Golf is a good way for families and friends to get outside and spend time together. I encourage you to check out what the Ohio Golf Trail has to offer!”
More Than the Scorecard
Tourism officials are framing the trail as part golf guide, part road map to Ohio’s communities. For some travelers, the draw may be a well-known course or a tournament destination. For others, it may be a state park course, a small-town layout, or a weekend built around food, lodging, and outdoor recreation.
“Golf has a unique way of bringing people together and connecting them to a place,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “Whether you’re traveling to watch a tournament, crossing a course off your bucket list, or simply spending a day outdoors with family and friends, the Ohio Golf Trail gives people another reason to get out and explore everything our state has to offer.”
State Tourism Director Sarah Wickham said the new guide is meant to appeal beyond the most competitive players.
“You don’t have to be chasing a championship to enjoy Ohio’s golf story,” Wickham said. “The Ohio Golf Trail is for anyone who loves the game and believes the best golf trips are about more than what happens on the course.”
Planning the Next Ohio Golf Trip
The full Ohio Golf Trail guide is available through Ohio.org. Travelers can also explore the newly refreshed Ohio Sports Road Trip, the Ohio Summer Events Guide, and other seasonal trip-planning resources through the Summer in Ohio landing page. For golfers in Delaware County, northern Franklin County, and surrounding communities, the new trail offers a convenient reminder: the next Ohio getaway may be closer than expected, and it may start on the first tee.
Source: Tourism Ohio
