Things to Do in Westerville

A PGA member since 1986, Chuck Mayhew employs a fundamentals-first teaching methodology, thoroughly familiarizing students with the basics of swing mechanics before moving on to more complicated tweaks. Though certain golf tenets are universal, Mayhew knows that any single teaching method won't work for every player. Some are visual learners, some learn by repetition, and still others can only learn when a cast of singing hand puppets teaches them. Private lessons begin with an assessment of each player's current ball positioning, alignment, and swing posture—key components that must be corrected before beginning any backswing. Mayhew conducts lessons at Four Seasons Golf & Fitness Center, a full-service indoor golf-instruction facility that can stay open despite rain or bunker sandstorms.

At Scarborough East Tennis & Fitness Club, manager Bob Hilborn and his dedicated staff of tennis professionals impart cross-court wisdom to racket wielders of all ages. The team keeps members and guests in shape year-round by hosting lessons on indoor courts during cold months and on outdoor courts when it starts to rain inside. Membership programs gives ball swatters the ability to reserve courts, plus they get access to the workout facility, complete with computerized bikes, rowing machines, free weights, saunas, and towel service. Members can also take advantage of exclusive opportunities such as the yearlong junior program. This multilevel program pairs up to four students with an instructor who will attempt to help them hone their forehands and fine-tune their volleys.

Floodlights replace the sun during nightfall at Four Seasons Golf and Ski Center, keeping the miniature golf courses and batting cages aglow for nighttime visitors. During the summer, guests can wind through miniature fairways that incorporate small-scale replicas of The Statue of Liberty, Niagara Falls, and the world's smallest caddies. During the winter, Four Seasons’ slopes welcome copious amounts of snow to facilitate skiing, snowboarding, and snowtubing. The newly renovated facility also hosts a game room and specialty ice cream shop.

Upon crossing the threshold at United Skates of America, a barrage of shimmering lights and colors assault the senses. A disco ball scatters rainbow shards of light across metallic streamers and low barriers striped with colorful lights. A glossy wooden rink acts as the centerpiece of the whimsical decor, packed with roller skaters during public hours. The vibe of open sessions evolves throughout the week in stride with rotating jams, from Top 40 hits to the hip-hop and R & B of the '80s, '90s, and 1890s. Frequent cameos by childhood icons, such as Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants, captivate kids, who can grab hold of supportive Skate Mates as they round the rink. Novice rollers glide like pros after skating lessons, held in five-week sessions by a team of veteran rollers, and partygoers zoom around the oval track during birthday bashes. An arcade and snack area offer safe haven for the athletically averse or those still mastering bipedality.:m]]

Designed by renowned golf-course architect Arthur Hills, the 18-hole Kinsale Golf Course features smooth fairways, lush rough, and greens fortified with surface-to-ball defense lasers. Central Ohio’s largest irrigation system ensures that the course is maintained and moisturized like Mother Nature fresh from a day-spa visit. A balanced layout proves challenges to experienced club-swingers while remaining accessible for beginning ball-propellers. Between holes nine and 10, use a food voucher at the concession stand for a quick lunch of a hot dog, chips, and a soda or water.

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.