Denison Golf Club at Granville - Granville, Ohio

Jim S.

Absolute fantastic course. The service inside club house and out on the course was outstanding. Enjoyed speaking with course Ranger, funny guy a real pleasure. Course is in terrific shape. Greens running true and challenging. Well manicured course and I plan to come back soon to Plat it again. If you reside in the Columbus area make it a point to play this gorgeous course.

David T.

The Granville Golf Course – better known these days as Denison Golf Club - has long been recognized as one of the best public courses in the Midwest. Ross stuck to his philosophy of using as much of the land’s natural topography as possible and with Granville’s naturally rolling wooded and hilly terrain, the task was easy. Tight, sloped fairways lead to firm and fast Bentgrass greens, and the 63 strategically placed sand bunkers will keep you honest.

Like most Donald Ross courses, what Denison lacks in length, it makes up for in challenging approach shots and small greens. Ross’s belief that a golf course should take full advantage of natural hazards before creating one is on full display here, with woods and water coming into play on several holes.

Denison Golf Club offers golfers five sets of tees with yardages ranging from 5,157 to 6,559 yards. Par here is 71. The Blue Tees (6,210 yards) with a moderate slope of 132 provided a good challenge and still let me leave with a little dignity. Choose the yardage that best suits your game and you’re sure to enjoy this Donald Ross Classic.

Before Denison took over, the golf course had fallen on some bad financial times. To keep the course afloat, some of the land was sold to a real estate developer and three of the best holes on Ross’s original layout were replaced with three holes that ran through part of the community. The only “complete hole” that was part of this land grab was the 16th, considered to be the club’s signature hole. I read somewhere on the Internet that within the next few years, Denison is considering hiring a well-known golf course architect to redesign holes 14 – 16 and tweak some others.

The last three holes are some of the most memorable golf holes I’ve played in Ohio. Number 16 is a short 324-yard par 4 that requires accuracy off the tee. Large pine trees frame the narrow landing area of the fairway. Your approach shot is blind and plays uphill into a small, round green that slopes from back to front and is protected by a lone bunker front right. You’ll need pinpoint accuracy to hold the green!

The par 3, 17th hole plays 147 yards into a green tucked away in the hillside. Missing the green to the right is not good because the severe slope will send your ball down the hill and leave you with a tough up and down for par. The green slopes from back to front and can make a shot from the front-right bunker very challenging.

If anyone has ever told you about their favorite hole at the Denison Golf Club, it’s probably Number 18. It is easily the club’s signature hole. As you stand on the tee box, forget about golf and take in all this refreshing view has to offer. You tee off from a very elevated tee box downhill to a fairway framed with bunkers on either side of the landing area. From up here, it seems the ball will stay in the air forever. A well-struck drive that finds the fairway will leave you with a short-iron approach shot into a small well-undulated green with a single bunker back right. Par is a great way to end!

Warmups are not overrated, and Denison has a full-length driving range where you can hit every club in your bag before heading to the first tee. There’s also a practice putting green where you can get an idea of what you can expect on the course.

After your round, stop by the Bistro at Denison Golf Club. It’s a great place to relax with friends and enjoy one of The Bistro’s craft beer selections as you tally your winnings. The Bistro also offers a variety of appetizers, hot sandwiches, and breakfast sandwiches for those early morning rounds.

If you enjoy playing the Denison Golf Club as much as I did, you may want to consider a membership. Denison offers an Unlimited Season Pass that includes cart fees for $3,200. That’s golf 7 days a week from dusk to dawn. Denison also offers a 5-day (Mon – Fri) pass, a Twilight Season Pass for those who prefer to play in the late afternoon, and a Junior Season Pass. Other family members can be added to any pass for an additional fee.

Stan T.

Weed free and the fairways and greens in great condition. Can tell this is a well taken care of course. Clubhouse has food, sodas, beer, and mixed drinks. Small indoor seating with outside seating area. First time there and definitely will be back.

Dirk F.

Had a great round with family and friends. With mother nature at her best. Can't say enough our great the course and staff was.

Mic M.

What a fun course and in great shape. I played there for a scramble but can’t wait until I go back to play just for fun and see what a score would be. Not an easy course, but definitely a fun time.

Bobby S.

I absolutely love this course. It is the most well kept public course in central Ohio and it’s not even close. With the hills of Ohio as your backdrop on certain holes, you don’t find beauty like this course around. Very challenging greens, but fun and uniquely designed. Will be coming back more often for years to come.

Morgan C.

Fantastic course. I'd like to play it more, but difficult to get a tee time. Fairways & greens were in great shape. Speed of play was good & staff is always very courteous & accommodating.

Kris S.

10/10. Immaculate condition. And if you’re up for a beautiful hike through the some of the best views in Licking county, walk your round - you won’t regret it.