Quarry’s Challenge
The heart of Reserve Run is its reclaimed quarry, lending both drama and risk to holes like the daunting 8th. Lose a ball here, and it's gone to the depths—locals claim it's among the deepest water hazards around.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Reserve Run Golf Course
Poland, Ohio
Established
1999
Architect
Barry Serafin
Access
Public
Par
Par 70
Length
5,634 – 5,933 yds
Green Fees
$
The verdict
Distinctive Ohio Quarry Challenge
Reserve Run delivers a striking round with water hazards and rolling fairways built around an old quarry. The bold use of land and a variety of short and long holes keep the round engaging from start to finish. Fast greens, good conditioning, and approachable green fees make this a go-to public play in northeast Ohio.
Course DNA
Difficulty
70
Scenery76
Conditioning77
Shot Variety73
Walkability68
Green Complexity71
Wow Factor78
Design Quality74
Don't miss
On the 8th tee, check out the vertiginous quarry drop—local lore says golf balls here are truly gone for good.
At a glance
Quick facts
Quarry Heritage
Course is built on reclaimed quarry land
Water Hazards
Several holes border or carry over deep water features
Fast Greens
Greens often stimp above average for public courses
Signature Hole
No. 8 plays 200 yards over quarry water
Public Access
Open for daily-fee play throughout the season
Pace of Play
Frequently noted for quick rounds
Shortest Par 3
Hole 15 plays just 124 yards
The design
The architecture
Reserve Run stands out for its clever use of an old quarry, with Serafin’s routing taking full advantage of dramatic water features and risk-reward angles. The course blends approachable yardage with tactical demands, using lakes, rolling terrain, and several short par 4s to tempt and test the shotmaker. Greens are quick and can be punishing, while bold approach angles make club selection and placement key. The quarry not only shapes the visuals but anchors the strategic heart of several memorable holes.
Serafin’s vision brought an old industrial site to life, shaping a regionally celebrated public test.
Defining features
- Stunning quarry water carries
- Short, tactical par 4s
- Par 3s ranging from wedge to long iron
- Fast, well-kept greens
- Rolling fairways with subtle elevation changes
- Strategic bunkering and risk/reward layups
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 6
Three-Swing Gamble
PAR
5
YARDAGE
523
Stretching to 523 yards, this par 5 demands three well-considered shots, especially if you dare to reach in two. The fairway undulates subtly, and bunkers tempt the bold while punishing the errant.
Play it smart
Favor placement off the tee and lay up smartly rather than blasting for home—it sets up a lower-trauma birdie look.
Where it bites
Overaggressiveness brings water and bunkers into play quickly, while missing wide leaves a complicated recovery.
Course management
Shots to think about
Tee ball on short par 4s
Resist driver temptation and choose a club to your best angle—overaggression leads to penal angles and high scores.
Long iron at 8th
Take an extra club and aim for center green, even if the pin beckons—water eats anything fractionally short.
Aggressive play on par 5s
Play to your favorite yardage instead of forcing a heroic second; risk is rarely fully rewarded here.
Downwind approaches
Control spin and trajectory—hard greens and slick surfaces make for tough stops if you get greedy.
Uphill putts on fast greens
Be patient with your speed—reserve aggression for uphill rolls only.
Approach shots near quarry edges
Aim center or left of hazard lines to keep doubles out of play; par is seldom a bad score in these sections.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Expect quick greens and well-kept fairways, with water hazards factor on several holes year-round.
Pace
Rounds commonly finish under four hours; efficient operations keep pace moving briskly.
Vibe
Peaceful suburban parkland with a local crowd and a no-pressure atmosphere.
Dress code
Standard golf attire strongly encouraged; confirm with shop for specifics.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Bring Extra Balls
The quarry carries on 8 and other water holes can be punishing, even for accurate players.
02
Prepare for Fast Greens
Practice downhill lag putting; several greens run at a pace above typical public courses.
03
Leave Time for Pace
Early morning and late afternoon tee times often move fastest, letting you sail through 18.
04
Gauge the Wind
Several quarry-adjacent holes play longer or shorter depending on prevailing breeze—plan accordingly.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1999
Reserve Run Golf Course officially opens on July 1, designed by Barry Serafin
- 2015
Highlighted regionally as a must-play public course near Youngstown
- 2020
Featured by Ohio Magazine for its scenic quarry setting and playability
- 2024
Celebrates 25 years in continuous public operation
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Speedy Greens Surprise
While many public tracks slow things down, Reserve Run’s greens are often slick and true. Get above the hole and even confident putters sweat the break.
A Pace-Setter
Regulars rave about the pace: with efficient staff and a sensible layout, 18 holes here can often be finished in well under four hours. It’s an underrated delight for golfers tired of marathon rounds.
Short But Strategic
Don’t be fooled by the crest of short par 4s—Reserve Run’s angles and risk lines can punish careless play much faster than its yardage hints. Scoring takes smarts, not just muscle.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The deepest water hazard at Reserve Run is said to be the former quarry pit—rumored to be almost bottomless.
2
Reserve Run opened on July 1, 1999, on the land of a repurposed industrial quarry.
3
Golf Digest once rated Reserve Run as a four-star public course in Ohio.
4
The shortest hole, No. 15, plays just 124 yards but trips up even skilled players.
Build the trip
If You're Making a Mahoning Valley Golf Trip Out of It
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Knoll Run Golf Course
Public
Challenging local 18, easily bookable and a smart pairing with Reserve Run.
The Lake Club
Private
Poland’s preeminent private; if you get an invite, it’s a high-end area treat.
Pine Lakes Golf Club
Public
Well-established player-friendly course perfect for an easy second round.
Oak Tree Country Club
Private
Solid private option if you can arrange guest access in the Youngstown corridor.
Stay in Boardman or Poland for the best access to Reserve Run, other public tee times, and local dining.
Course DNA
If You Like Reserve Run Golf Course
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.8
The Kittansett Club
Marion, MassachusettsWhy it matches: There is real overlap here. The Kittansett Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Reserve Run Golf Course.
Strong DNA Match8.6
Secession Golf Club
Beaufort, South CarolinaWhy it matches: There is real overlap here. Secession Golf Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Reserve Run Golf Course.
Strong DNA Match7.9
Silverado Resort North Course
Napa, CaliforniaWhy it matches: Silverado Resort North Course is a natural next stop after Reserve Run Golf Course: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Community Sentiment
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