Launch of a Neighborhood Hub
Since opening in the late 1960s, Millstone Hills has doubled as a gathering place for the New London golf community. Generations of local golfers have played, worked, and competed here, cementing its place in town lore.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Millstone Hills Golf Club
New London, Ohio
Established
1968
Architect
Frank Cooke; Stuart Cooke
Access
Public
Par
Par 72
Length
5,853 – 6,425 yds
The verdict
Solid, Playable, Local Favorite
Millstone Hills delivers a straightforward public-golf test with a balanced variety of holes and approachable length. While not a destination for architecture buffs or championship history, it’s a reliable community course where every player can find a scoring opportunity or two.
Course DNA
Difficulty
58
Scenery54
Conditioning55
Shot Variety64
Walkability75
Green Complexity52
Wow Factor52
Design Quality56
At a glance
Quick facts
Course architect
Frank & Stuart Cooke (1968)
Bent grass greens
Yes
Seasonal availability
May–October
Longest par 5
Hole 17 – 557 yards
Just 30 minutes from Norwalk
Regional community draw
Consistent par 72 card
Four par 5s, four par 3s, ten par 4s
Modest course slope
Slope 125 / Rating 71.5
The design
The architecture
Millstone Hills offers a straightforward, gently rolling Ohio parkland routing built for the local golf community. The design by Frank & Stuart Cooke showcases functional hole variety with no pretensions, a mix of modest doglegs, and approach shots that reward precision over length. Green complexes are conventional but fair, and the routing maximizes the existing terrain while making for an easy walk. Don’t expect architectural fireworks, but enjoy the reliable variety of four par 5s, four par 3s, and a collection of par 4s that flow seamlessly across the landscape.
Frank & Stuart Cooke brought functional balance to a classic Midwest site, keeping the focus on accessibility and straightforward play.
Defining features
- Balanced mix of hole lengths
- Playable bent grass greens
- Walkable pacing and layout
- Straightforward bunkering
- Plentiful scoring chances
- Gentle movement across rolling terrain
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 2
The Early Gauntlet
PAR
4
YARDAGE
468
A demanding par 4 that stretches to 468 yards, this hole is one of the hardest on the card. A solid drive is essential to even consider reaching the green in two, and a sloping approach requires precision long-iron play.
Play it smart
Favor the left-center of the fairway to open up the green for a long-iron approach. Accept that bogey is a good score if your tee shot finds trouble.
Where it bites
Errant tee shots bring trees and awkward lies into play, and missing long leaves a tricky up-and-down.
Course management
Shots to think about
Second shot on par 5s
Lay up to your favorite wedge distance to avoid fairway hazards and maximize birdie chances.
Windy conditions on the par 3s
Club up and aim for the fattest part of the green to minimize risk and avoid short-sided chips.
Tee shot on Hole 2
Favor accuracy over distance; missing left leaves a tougher angle than a longer approach from the fairway.
Approach on short par 4s
Do not chase pins tucked near hazards—thrive with smart center-green targets.
Long drives on 17 and 11
Prioritize keeping the ball in play and aim for a safe bogey if your tee shot finds trouble.
Club selection on mid-length par 4s
A fairway wood or hybrid may be better than driver for positioning, with safer approaches to greens.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Reliable public-course surfaces with bent grass greens and variable turf depending on season.
Pace
Expect steady but unhurried play; busier on weekends, so call ahead if pace is a priority.
Vibe
Down-to-earth, local, and welcoming—a relaxed, player-focused setting.
Dress code
Typical public-golf attire (collared shirt recommended); confirmation from the pro shop advised.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Book an early tee time
First-off slots give you the best pace and cool morning conditions.
02
Bring extra wedges
Versatile short-game clubs help you attack the mix of receptive and firm greens.
03
Pack for Midwest weather
Be ready for quick temperature and wind changes, especially mid-season.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1968
Course opened for public play
- 1968
Original design by Frank & Stuart Cooke
Stories & legends
What makes it special
The Mammoth Drive Test
Hole 2, a 468-yard par 4, is the unspoken barometer for long hitters: conquering it with par or better always earns clubhouse stories. It consistently ranks as one of the course's toughest holes.
Quiet Consistency, Year After Year
Despite many changes in Ohio golf, the Millstone Hills routing and green complexes have remained largely untouched since their original Cooke debut. Regulars know they can count on the course’s personality to remain true.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The course name nods to the area’s local millstone industry heritage.
2
No major championship has ever been played at Millstone Hills.
3
Every hole has retained its original Cooke-era layout since opening.
4
With both 500+-yard par 5s and 150-yard par 3s, the course delivers true yardage swings.
Build the trip
Planning a North Central Ohio golf day
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Mansfield Lahm Airport Golf Course
Public
Good-value muni option for an easy, nearby round on a classic walkable layout.
Westbrook Country Club
Private
Area private track with an established history—invite through a member if available.
The Sanctuary Golf Club
Public
Stronger Cleveland-area public with modern conditioning for ambitious itineraries.
Norwalk or Sandusky, for quick highway access and a range of public courses nearby.
Course DNA
If You Like Millstone Hills Golf Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match6.4
Burns Park Golf Course
North Little Rock, ArkansasWalkability
Why it matches: Burns Park Golf Course is a natural next stop after Millstone Hills Golf Club: it has a similarly satisfying rhythm on foot.
Strong DNA Match6.7
Orange Tree Golf Resort
Scottsdale, ArizonaWalkability
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Orange Tree Golf Resort has a similarly satisfying rhythm on foot, making it a compelling counterpart to Millstone Hills Golf Club.
Strong DNA Match6.8
Patty Jewett Golf Course
Colorado Springs, ColoradoWalkability
Why it matches: What links these two? Moves through the round with the same walkable flow — a familiar feeling, expressed in Patty Jewett Golf Course's own setting.
Community Sentiment
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