Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

EagleSticks Golf Club

79

Zanesville, Ohio

OH #27
Established
1990
Architect
Dr. Michael Hurdzan
Access
Public
Par
Par 70
Length
4,233 – 6,508 yds
Green Fees
$
The verdict

Ohio's Hilltop Public Gem

EagleSticks delivers a championship-caliber round atop Zanesville’s rolling contours. Expect a playful, varied test with big elevation, strong shot values, and regionally elite conditioning—all at a friendly, value-driven price. From the first tee, you’ll sense why this place keeps making golf travelers’ lists.

Course DNA
Difficulty
78
Scenery
82
Conditioning
84
Shot Variety
82
Walkability
68
Green Complexity
74
Wow Factor
80
Design Quality
79
Don't miss

Pause on the 18th hole’s bridge—crafted from the farm’s original 1950s corn crib—for a unique photo and the best sunset view on property.

At a glance

Quick facts

Original architect
Dr. Michael Hurdzan
Course elevation
Rolling hills and valleys with scenic overlooks
Notable national recognition
Golf Digest Top 100 Public Courses (2004)
Longest hole
No. 11 — 591-yard par 5
Par 3s
Five, stretching from 151 to 193 yards
Architectural highlight
Signature use of natural terrain
Historic bridge
Features repurposed 1950s corn crib wood
Convenient location
Ten minutes from downtown Zanesville, under an hour from Columbus
The design

The architecture

EagleSticks’ design leverages the rolling Ohio hills to create a routing that blends broad vistas, dramatic elevation changes, and strategic shot values. Dr. Michael Hurdzan carved holes across natural ridgelines and valleys, delivering a championship test that demands careful club selection, rewards patience, and brings out the best in each golfer’s approach game. The course’s routing never feels forced—each hole uses the land’s contours to present memorable risk-reward choices and ever-changing stances, culminating in a journey that feels both uniquely local and big-league in ambition.

Hurdzan’s commitment to working with the lay of the land is evident from the opening tee, as each hole flows naturally over Zanesville’s dramatic hillsides, yielding both strategic interest and eye-catching beauty.

Defining features
  • Striking elevation changes on multiple holes
  • Varied mix of demanding par 3s and reachable par 5s
  • Natural hilltop and valley transitions creating shifting wind exposures
  • Creative use of original farm features—like the corn crib bridge
  • Challenging green sites that reward well-planned approaches
Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 10

Valley Overlook Par 3

PAR
3
YARDAGE
193

A long, dramatic par 3 that drops into a natural valley and demands a full, committed carry. The depth of the green and swirling winds amplify the intimidation factor—miss short and you’re facing a challenging recovery.

Play it smart

Play to the heart of the green to minimize big numbers; aggressive players must factor wind and avoid overflying the target.

Where it bites

Short or left leaves a nearly impossible up-and-down from below the putting surface.

Course management

Shots to think about

Long opening tee shot on No. 1
Favor the right side for an uphill angle and don't force it—steer clear of fairway bunkers.
Approaching No. 3 par 5
Lay up to a comfortable wedge yardage unless both your drive and lie set up a clear go.
Club selection on No. 10 par 3
Adjust for wind sweeping through the valley, and play for middle-of-green safety.
Placement on No. 13 par 4
Drive to the center; do not chase the dogleg if you’re not carrying the rough cleanly.
Second shot on No. 18 par 5
Only attack the green in two if your drive splits the fairway—otherwise, lay up short of trouble and wedge in.
Iron play to long par 3s (Nos. 10 & 12)
Accept par as a good score, and never underestimate green firmness.
Late-round scoring on No. 17
Focus on clean contact—par here often gains a shot on the field.
On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Firm fairways, well-kept tees and greens, some natural rough; updated for 2024–2026.

Pace

Varies with season and time; typically brisk but can slow on weekends.

Vibe

Welcoming, locally grounded, with a regional-destination feel and no country club pretension.

Before you tee off

Your game plan

01

Pack for hills

The course is walkable but quite hilly, so bring supportive shoes and pace yourself.

02

Allow time for lunch

The on-site grill is casual and geared for golfers—refuel between rounds or after 18.

03

Check tee-time deals

Discounts are often found for online bookings and off-peak hours.

04

Bring range balls

The club’s practice facility is popular but can get busy mid-morning.

The lore

How it came to be

  1. 1988

    McClelland family begins plans for a new course on former farmland

  2. 1990

    Course officially opens, designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan

  3. 1991

    2nd Runner-Up for Best New Public Golf Course in America by Golf Digest

  4. 2004

    Named to Golf Digest’s Top 100 Public Courses

  5. 2016

    Ranked #7 public course in Ohio by GolfPass

  6. 2024

    Ranks #25 in Ohio on GolfPass top public list

Stories & legends

What makes it special

tradition

The Corn Crib Bridge

EagleSticks features a unique bridge on the course built with reclaimed wood from a 1950s corn crib on the original J.W. McClelland Farm. It’s a nod to the land’s farming roots and an unmistakable on-course landmark.

founding

A Hilltop Vision

In the late 1980s, the McClelland family committed to transforming Ohio farmland into a golf destination, hiring Dr. Michael Hurdzan to turn wild terrain into a course that would earn national accolades in its first years.

accolade

Top 100 Triumph

After opening, EagleSticks quickly garnered Golf Digest's praise, earning a runner-up nod for Best New Public Course and a coveted Top 100 Public Courses ranking—putting Zanesville on the national golf map.

ranking

Golf Digest Recognition

The course’s early architectural success was cemented in 2004 by making Golf Digest’s Top 100 Public Courses list, reflecting both player buzz and critical acclaim.

For the group chat

Fun facts

1

A bridge on the course is built from wood of an authentic 1950s corn crib.

2

Golf Digest named EagleSticks a Top 100 Public Course in America in 2004.

3

Designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, also architect of the 2017 U.S. Open host Erin Hills.

4

Established on former farmland just 10 minutes from downtown Zanesville.

5

Features five distinct par 3s—each offering a different club choice and wind situation.

Build the trip

If you’re making a Zanesville or Central Ohio golf trip out of it

CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Virtues Golf Club
Public

One of Ohio's top public courses, dramatic Arthur Hills design

Moundbuilders Country Club
Private

Golden-age feel, unique indigenous earthworks (guest only—verify access)

Shenandoah Golf Club
Public

Friendly layout, minutes from downtown Zanesville

Denison Golf Club
Public

Classic Donald Ross in Granville, perfect for a second round or trip opener

Plan to stay in Zanesville for immediate access, or Newark if you want easy pivots to both EagleSticks and other regionals like Virtues.

Course DNA

If You Like EagleSticks Golf Club

Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.

Strong DNA Match7.8

Stonelick Hills Golf Club

Batavia, Ohio

Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Stonelick Hills Golf Club's own setting.

Strong DNA Match7.0

Indian Wells Country Club

Indian Wells, California
Conditioning

Why it matches: If EagleSticks Golf Club is your kind of course, Indian Wells Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.

Strong DNA Match7.1

The Club at Grandézza

Estero, Florida

Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in The Club at Grandézza's own setting.

From the community

Community Sentiment

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