The elite private clubs around Columbus are the epicenter of Ohio golf, but there are plenty of really strong public golf courses spread throughout the state.
Want to know where to find the best public golf courses in Ohio? We’ve got thousands of golfers on the ground ready to help.
GolfPass releases a Top 25 Public Golf Courses in Ohio every March thanks to YOU. We create our annual Golfers’ Choice lists by curating the reviews submitted by everyday golfers. We use GolfPass’ Ratings Index logic that weights newer reviews and combine it with a course’s subcategory averages.
Each course needed at least two reviews and at least some public access to qualify. Ohio’s three major cities – Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus all offer quality public golf course experiences.
We make our Golfers’ Choice best-of lists user friendly. Simply click on the photo of each course to learn more about the facility or to book a tee time (in most cases).
Want to get involved with determining the top public golf courses in Ohio or any other future Golfers’ Choice lists? Click here to review your latest round.
Ohio golf courses reviewed in 2025: 189
Reviews of Ohio golf courses in 2025: 4,383
How the Rankings Are Determined
We analyzed nearly 4,400 reviews of Ohio golf courses published on GolfPass in 2025 (until our Dec. 1 cutoff date) to determine the list. Each course needed at least two reviews by real golfers to be eligible.
This was created to provide a more accurate indication of a golf course’s current overall rating. Newer reviews are weighted heavier than older ones, as are reviews from golfers who leave more reviews. (In this way, they become trusted sources).
Who This List Is Best For
Golfers’ Choice measures what every day golfers think makes a course great, including playability, enjoyment, value and service not just architectural prestige or pedigree. Golfers’ Choice ranks the best golf courses based on real golfer reviews – highlighting prestigious, architecturally significant courses alongside hidden gem public golf courses that everyday golfers genuinely love and recommend.
Best public golf courses in Ohio