Darby Creek Golf Course

The mature hardwoods and gently rolling terrain of central Ohio create natural amphitheaters for several standout holes, particularly the downhill par-4 14th where Creek runs diagonally across the fairway 80 yards short of a well-bunkered green. Water hazards come into play on five holes without feeling contrived, and the course rewards strategic thinking over brute force—a rarity among Ohio's public tracks. For the money, few daily-fee courses in the Columbus area offer this combination of thoughtful routing and conditioning.