Columbus, Ohio
The Scarlet Course at Ohio State is an authentically challenging, expertly restored MacKenzie/Maxwell design famous for its tournament pedigree. Its championship routing, polished conditioning, and rich Ohio golf lore make it a destination worth the trip for serious golfers.
After your round, visit the OSU golf trophy room—packed with memorabilia and history from Buckeye legends who played the Scarlet.
Scarlet’s classic routing showcases Alister MacKenzie’s strategic intentions, brought to life through Perry Maxwell’s construction and later polished by Jack Nicklaus’s restorative hand. Long, demanding par 4s, cunning bunkering, and elevated green complexes reward placement and imagination more than just raw power. The Nicklaus restoration reintroduced lost MacKenzie-era features, removed trees to reopen vistas, and lengthened the course for modern distance—retaining a championship feel grounded in Golden Age design.
MacKenzie's legacy—refined by one of his most famous players—makes Scarlet a true study in golf architecture evolution.
A long, testing par 4 that bends through mature trees and tightens at the landing zone. The hole sets an early standard: only precise tee shots and confident approaches can find safety here. Get out of position and you’ll face a demanding recovery over well-placed bunkers.
Favor the left half of the fairway to open up the green; don’t be tempted to cut off too much or you risk blocked angles.
Miss right and heavy trees or deep bunkers can turn par into an early stumble.
Consistently high-level, with tournament-ready greens and meticulously kept bunkers.
Generally steady, but expect slower rounds at peak collegiate or public times and during events.
Polished, championship-focused, with Buckeye pride on display in every corner.
Club attire—collared shirts, golf shoes, and no denim; expect Division I college standards.
Advance booking is required for public play—premium times fill fast, especially during Ohio State golf season.
MacKenzie/Maxwell greens are nuanced; you'll need more touch than power to score.
Many greens run off sharply—know where the safe sides are before firing at pins.
Scarlet at full stretch is a serious walk—plan snacks and hydration for a marathon not a sprint.
Alister MacKenzie submits Scarlet Course design plans
Scarlet Course opens with Perry Maxwell overseeing completion
Hosts the first women's collegiate golf championship
USGA Junior Championship played at Scarlet
Hosts NCAA Women’s Golf Championships after renovation
Hosts NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship
Jack Nicklaus returned to restore the Scarlet Course where he launched his legendary career, carefully bringing back classic MacKenzie features while stretching the course for modern competition. The blend of Buckeye pride and architectural reverence is unmistakable.
From the first women’s collegiate golf championship in 1941 to hosting NCAA and USGA events, Scarlet has been a proving ground for Ohio State greats and rising stars alike. Its major-event legacy is still visible in every pin position.
Scarlet is one of only a handful of MacKenzie originals open to the public in the U.S., letting everyday golfers test themselves on architecture shaped by one of golf’s grandmasters. The shaping, bunkering, and green contours all echo a Golden Age vision.
Jack Nicklaus both played collegiately and later restored the course.
Scarlet was the site of the country’s first women’s collegiate golf championship.
The bunkers were restored to original MacKenzie specs—some with deep faces and dramatic shapes.
Scarlet remains one of a few MacKenzie/Maxwell collaborations open to the public.
Famed Jack Nicklaus design and PGA Tour host, if you can swing an invite.
On-site sibling to Scarlet; a fun, more playable option for a doubleheader.
Solid daily-fee alternative, close to the Columbus Zoo.
Regional favorite with rolling terrain and an unpretentious vibe.
Ultra-exclusive, modern private design for an epic coup if you get on.
Stay in Upper Arlington or downtown Columbus for the best access to Scarlet, the Gray Course, restaurants, and night life.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: If The Ohio State University Golf Club - Scarlet Course is your kind of course, Woodholme Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: Canterbury Golf Club is a natural next stop after The Ohio State University Golf Club - Scarlet Course: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Walpole Country Club's own setting.
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