Akron, Ohio
Firestone's North Course is a shot-maker’s test wrapped in classic tournament atmosphere. It’s less brute than the South, but the water, strategy, and pedigree make it a must for those who can secure an invite—and a serious detour for regional golfers.
North Course opens, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Hosted the PGA Tour American Golf Classic
Hosted the NEC World Series of Golf
Became a member and guest favorite for scenic design
Praised in national golf publications as championship-caliber
More than half the holes at Firestone North bring water into play, demanding both long-game discipline and nerves of steel with a mid-iron. Local lore says members quietly prefer it to the brawnier South because of its balance and beauty.
During the 1976 American Golf Classic, tour pros faced a demanding, unfamiliar championship routing where water forced bold plays and punished tentative moves—leaving more than one great round in a watery grave.
The par-5 16th, dogleg 17th, and risk/reward 18th create a gauntlet so exciting that one GolfSpy reviewer called 17 'the coolest hole in Ohio.' It’s a closing trio that can swing any bet, match, or fantasy finish.
The North Course at Firestone is a quintessential Robert Trent Jones Sr. creation: demanding yet fair, sculpted around lakes and streams that thread through rolling parkland. Its routing parcels drama across both nines, as forced carries, risk-reward options, and subtly contoured greens challenge shot-making and nerve. Frequent water, elevation shifts, and towering trees ensure every hole has a distinct identity, rewarding the player who thinks—a blend of modern championship strategy and timeless Midwest landscape.
Robert Trent Jones Sr. specialized in courses where water and bunkering force smart decisions—Firestone North is Midwest Jones at his most elegant and exacting.
A short but daunting par 3 where a shimmering pond awaits any mis-hit. The green is narrow, tough to hit, and almost entirely surrounded by water; a midsummer breeze magnifies the drama.
Focus on precise club selection and judge the wind carefully; doubt leads to disaster.
Short, left, or long—all miss options feed the drink.
Impeccably maintained, fast greens, championship rough and fairways.
Moderate member pace, steady unless major event.
Classic, traditional, big-club ethos with a tournament undertone.
Classic Akron-area private with contrasting style and parkland feel.
Most accessible public round near Firestone; solid shape and booking ease.
A different take on Ohio public golf, good for trip variety.
Akron/Green/Copley area for closest access to Firestone and quick drives to other rounds.
Water-heavy par 3s demand precise 6–8 iron play—practice high, soft carries.
Expect several forced layup decisions; rehearse hybrids/fairway woods off the tee.
Putts at Firestone North can be sneaky—work on green-reading and pace control.
Wind off the lakes can make club selection tricky on key holes.
Water hazards come into play on over 10 holes, far more than the average Midwest course.
The North Course once hosted the NEC World Series of Golf—a rare honor for a non-South routing.
Several members and reviewers quietly consider the North more enjoyable than the famed South Course.
The closing stretch (16, 17, 18) is hailed as among the most exciting in Ohio golf.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.—one of golf’s true architectural legends.
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