Golf in Newark

When the morning fog clears, a bridge fashioned out of five rustic corncribs appears to pay homage to EagleSticks Golf Club's roots. Originally used to feed the horses that grazed on the erstwhile farm, the wood from the corncribs now arches over a creek that splits the fairway on the 11th hole—a 591-yard par 5 dubbed the course's signature attraction for its bending fairway, elevated tee box, and visible ties to a bucolic past. Designed by renowned Ohio architect Dr. Michael Hurdzan, the 6,508-yard course challenges golfers with constant elevation changes—some of which exceed 100 feet—that demand accuracy, sound course management, and the ability to activate the cart's hang-gliding wings. Throughout the round, bentgrass fairways and greens present a much more hospitable landing place than the course's thick, bluegrass rough. At various hillcrests and elevated tees, players can take in a full view of the course's scenery, which includes several waterfalls and woodlands populated by oak, maple, ash, locust, and cherry trees ripe for the hugging.

After a day on the links, golfers can gather at Mac's Sports Bar to quiet rumbling bellies with a menu of classic American food such as burgers, sandwiches, and pizza. Guests can unwind in Mac's dining room—which features eight televisions, an open-beam ceiling, and other contemporary touches—or at the adjoining patio, which attracts summertime breezes and ghostly golf balls trying to reconnect with their long-lost owner.

Course at a Glance:

• Designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan

• 18-hole, par 70 course

• Length of 6,508 yards from the farthest tees

• Bentgrass fairways and greens, bluegrass rough

• Scorecard

Shooting a 55 over nine holes isn't much to brag about. But doing it your first time on a golf course makes it noteworthy, and being 12 years old at the time makes it remarkable. Since then, PGA member Chip Inks has shown his natural golfing ability in more than 50 PGA section events and led more than 10,000 lessons. Whether at the driving range or on the course, Chip coaches golfers until they play consistently using any club in the bag. A V1 video-analysis system meticulously compares students' swings to those of professional players and Western saloon doors. Chip is also certified to fit players with Callaway, Titleist, and Mizuno clubs.

From his home base at Scioto Reserve Country Club, The Powell Golf Academy's director of instruction, Brent Kalb, helps students of all ages and skill levels improve their golf skills. Each of Brent's private lessons, youth camps, and group clinics takes a step-by-step approach to instruction, allowing for the development of a dependable swing. On-course instruction helps players formulate sound mental strategy, which can include decisions on club selection and whether to attack the pin head on or sneak up on it in a camouflage jacket.

Green Acres Golf Course presents a relatively short gauntlet of six par 4s and 12 par 3s for 3,746 yards of pristine golf. The length and lack of par 5s make the course ideal for working on putting on the slick greens and precision on short iron approaches. The course superintendents work tirelessly to keep the course in optimal condition, aiming to please all golfers from beginners to the ghosts of Scottish shepherds looking to discover the latest in walking-staff technology.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par-60 course
• Total length of 3,746 yards from the back tees
• Three sets of tees per hole