COLUMBUS, OH -- Summer is in full swing at the six Ohio State Parks golf courses with a variety of mid-week, twilight and other specials available, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
Ohio State Park courses are found in some of Ohio's most scenic terrain and offer challenging play over 18-hole layouts. Best of all, they are close to home, and located in resorts that offer a variety of other recreational activities.
More than 162,000 rounds of golf were played last year on state park courses, said Dan West, Ohio State Parks chief. More and more people and discovering the aesthetic and dollar value of playing at state parks.
DEER CREEK STATE PARK (Pickaway County, central Ohio)
Less than an hour's drive from Dayton, Columbus and Cincinnati, the 18-hole course at Deer Creek features manicured fairways that are "perfect, smooth and true." Twilight specials (before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. weekdays) include 18 holes and a cart for $24; $15 for golf only. Nine holes and a cart are $17; $12 for golf only.
Stay-and-play packages available through the nearby resort lodge include two nights in a double room, two days of unlimited golf with a cart, and $40 in coupons for the lodge's Rafters restaurant for $174 per person Sunday through Thursday, based on double occupancy. The same special for one of the resort's family cottages is $159 per person, based on a four-person occupancy.
Deer Creek State Park Lodge is currently taking reservations for its fall golf packages that include two nights in a lodge room, 36 holes of golf with cart and $40 in Rafters restaurant coupons for $189 per person, based on double occupancy. The same package for four people in a cottage is $174 per person. Fall package prices are good all week. Call 877-678-3337 or 740-869-3088 for details.
MAUMEE BAY STATE PARK (Lucas County, northwest Ohio)
Designed by Art Hills, the course at Maumee Bay has a Scottish-links character with thick, tall fescue grass on the roughs and numerous bunkers and ponds. Winds off nearby Lake Erie can present a challenge to even the most experienced golfers.
Twilight specials are currently available seven days a week after 2 p.m. The special includes 18 holes of golf with cart for $29.50. Nine holes with cart, $20.50. During September, that same rate is available after 1 p.m. During October, twilight special prices are good any time of day.
During August, Maumee Bay also offers multi-play card specials during the week. Golfers who play three rounds at the early and mid-day rate of $38 for 18 holes with cart will get a fourth round for free. Golfers playing five rounds at the regular rate will get two rounds free. Persons age 17 and under can play anytime at Maumee Bay for half the posted greens fees.
Stay-and-play packages are available in September, October and November through Maumee Bay's popular resort lodge. Each golfer receives one night's lodging, two breakfasts and two dinners in the lodge dining room, and 18 holes of golf with a cart. Package prices are $250 per person, Sunday through Thursday; $265 per person, Friday and Saturday, based on double occupancy. Call 419-836-9009 for details.
PUNDERSON STATE PARK (Geauga County, northeast Ohio)
More than $1.7 million in improvements to the course at Punderson were recently completed, making it one of the premier courses of northeast Ohio. New irrigation and drainage systems keep its semi-open, rolling fairways and greens in great condition, despite dry conditions elsewhere.
As part of the grand reopening, Punderson is offering 18 holes of golf with a cart for $28 Monday through Friday; $34 on Saturday and Sunday and holidays. Seniors age 60 and older can play 18 holes with a cart any time Monday through Friday for $25. The course is open 7 a.m. to dusk.
Stay-and-play packages are available through Punderson Manor. The lodge package includes two nights' stay, two breakfasts, two dinners, 36 holes of golf and a cart for $239 per person, Sunday through Thursday; $279 per person Friday and Saturday. The special is based on double occupancy and runs until October 31. Call 440-564-5465 for details.
HUESTON WOODS STATE PARK (Preble County, southwest Ohio)
The oldest course in the Ohio State Parks system just might also be the prettiest. The course was not sculpted, but laid into the natural terrain. It features dozens of trees and an abundance of wildlife in a true park-like setting.
Twilight specials are available after 3:30 p.m. daily. Eighteen holes of golf with a cart are $22.50 Monday through Friday; $27.50 on Saturday and Sunday. Golf alone is $14 Monday through Friday; $19 on Saturday and Sunday. The course also hosts Super Tuesdays through October. Eighteen holes with cart are $25.50 from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Hueston Woods Resort Lodge offers a stay-and-play package through September 3. The package includes two nights of lodging, two breakfasts, two dinners, and 36 holes of golf with cart for $239 per person Monday through Friday; $269 on Saturday and Sunday. Prices are based on double occupancy in a standard room. Call 513-523-8081 for details.
SALT FORK STATE PARK (Guernsey County, eastern Ohio)
The challenging, hilly course at Salt Fork received a four-star rating in Golf Digest's Places to Play last year. The course's only flat lies are on the tee areas. Twilight specials begin at 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Nine holes with cart are $15; 18 holes with cart are $25. Those same prices are good anytime Monday through Thursday.
Stay and play packages are available through the Salt Fork Resort Lodge, located a short walk away from the course. Through September 3, golfers receive two nights lodging, two breakfasts and two dinners, a gift certificate for the lodge gift shop, as well as 36 holes of golf with a cart for $239 per person Sunday through Thursday; $269 per person Friday and Saturday. Prices are based on double occupancy.
Reservations are now being accepted at the lodge for fall golf packages which include all the same amenities as listed above for $229 per person Sunday through Thursday; $259 per person Friday and Saturday. Call 740-432-7185 for details.
SHAWNEE STATE PARK (Scioto County, southern Ohio)
A spectacular view of the Ohio River Valley from the signature 5th hole awaits golfers at Shawnee State Park. Situated in Ohio's "Little Smokies," the course is rolling, but easy to walk. Standard greens fees are good seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nine holes are $19 with cart; $11 for golf only. Eighteen holes are $33 with cart; $19 for golf only.
Swing Fever packages (including taxes) are available through Shawnee State Park Lodge until October 31. A package includes two nights' lodging, two breakfasts, two dinners, 36 holes of golf with cart for $229 per person, Sunday through Thursday; $259 per person Friday and Saturday. All prices are based on double occupancy. Call 740-858-6681 for details.
For additional information on Ohio State Parks, visit the ODNR web site at Ohiodnr.com or call 1-800-BUCKEYE.
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For additional news online, check out the ODNR Press Room at Ohiodnr.com
For Further Information Contact:
Jean Backs, Ohio State Parks
(614) 265-7077
-or-
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860