Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Scioto Country Club
Scioto Country Club
2196 Riverside Dr
Columbus, OH 43221-4021
United States
Overview
The Donald Ross design at Scioto was the site of three prominent tournaments—the 1926 U.S. Open, won by Bobby Jones, the 1931 Ryder Cup and the 1950 PGA Championship (Chandler Harper). That course was gone by the time the ’68 U.S. Amateur came to Scioto (Bruce Fleischer), replaced in 1963 by a modern design from Dick Wilson who delegated one nine to associate Joe Lee and the other to associate Robert von Hagge. Several other renovations by Michael Hurdzan and Jack Nicklaus, who grew up playing the course, followed in the 2000s creating yet a third iteration of the course. Enough, the club said. They hired Andrew Green in 2021 to restore the course to the full Donald Ross version based on drawings, photos and an old aerial illustration from the '26 Open. Green lowered green complexes, emboldened contours, recreated Ross’ sharp-faced bunkering and returned the small green at the par-3 17th to the near side of a creek where it originally was.
About
Awards
100 Greatest: Ranked since 1966.
2023-'24 ranking: 60th.
Previous ranking: 68th.
Highest ranking: 22nd, 1987-1988.
Best in State: Ranked Top 5 in Ohio since 1977.
2023-'24 ranking: 5th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Scioto is a proper test of golf. Many of the undulations and design features are really emphasized by the firm and fast playing conditions. While Scioto doesn't offer an outstanding selection of shot options, it still requires a thoughtful approach, and rewards the proper strategy. One example is the par 4 3rd hole...a short - mid length par 4 has a daunting bunker guarding the front of the green. A more aggressive tee shot in the fairway leaves a short enough approach where you can hold the green just over the bunker. Approaching that green from the rough, or from longer distance makes it extremely difficult to keep the ball on the front 2/3 of the green. The par 3s at Scioto offer some nice variety. Not only do you have different clubs and elevation change, but you have really interesting green complexes that offer varying pin locations, challenging putts and chip shots, and they require strategic thinking on each shot. From the consistently interesting and demanding greens matched by the stellar conditions, Scioto is quite worthy of its spot in our top 100."
Read More2024
Review
“Located in Upper Arlington, 10 min from downtown Columbus, Ohio, Scioto CC opened in 1916 and was designed by Donald Ross. It’s been the site of the the 1926 US Open, 1931 Ryder Cup, 1950 PGA Championship, 1986 US Am, 1986 and 2016 US Senior Championships. Renovated in 2021 by Andrew Green to restore it to the original Donald Ross design, such as widening fairways and restoring bunkers."
Read More2024
Review
“Never pass up the opportunity to play where Jack learned to play. Classy club, terrific Ross restoration."
Read More2023
Review
“Impressive and incredible green complexes protected by bunkers await golfers here. The majority of golfers will find themselves with at least one 3 putt on the day due to the undulations and speed. Couple good strategic holes - can’t bomb every drive, need to think about landing areas and how you want to play shot #2. Bunkering around greens is challenging but also becomes monotonous throughout the round. Routed well through the property and good use of the creek on numerous holes"
Read More2023
Review
“Scioto occupies a wonderful piece of land with gently rolling hills and a creek meandering through the property, extraordinarily well suited for golf. The course layout makes great use of these features with the creek coming into play on six holes, and the gentle valley slopes towards the creek coming into play on even more. Andrew Green's restoration added surface area and slopes to the set of greens here. Short grass chipping areas meld seamlessly into the green surfaces, juxtaposed by creative and diverse bunkering schemes."
Read More2023
Review
“Wonderfully restored Ross gem. Challenging but fair for all levels. A visual experience with great vista's and an varied selection of short and long holes all guarded with beautiful, sharp, bunkering and undulating greens. A must play while in Columbus, OH."
Read More2023
Review
“An incredible restoration by Andrew Green. Reminds me of the work that was done to Oak Hill. The full revamp of the par 3 17th is particularly special. Love that they turned a 200+ yard hole w/water carry into a dynamic short par 3 that brings birdie/easy bogey into play. Thought it was a very diversified and solid collection of 16 holes with 2 holes that left me scratching my head. Par 3 14th is a long par three where player will be hitting long iron/wood, but bunkering is ~60-80 yards short of the green. And incredibly difficult green complex considering the length of the tee shot with a massive ridge in middle of green. 16th is also a big of a head scratcher. Par 4 that is designed to have a player lay up to top of hill, but this leaves a very long iron shot in. Would like to see there be a patch of longer grass in front of the big creek to at least cause some balls to stop if they are just rolling down from the hill, rather than roll right in. Conditioning was immaculate (little surprised greens were not quicker, but would imagine green complexes take on a very different beast nature with 11.5+ on stimp). Overall very nice restoration work and a beautiful ambiance (trees do nice job of hidding majority of homes/street although you can clearly hear traffic noise while teeing off on 13."
Read More2023
Review
“An old time course that was recently remodeled after the first remodel. The 8 hole was not a Ross hole and has been restored. Opportunities to use both ground and aerial game, design variety is good, and conditioning is also good."
Read More2023
Review
“A wonderful walk playing the Donald Ross classis that Jack first learned to play on."
Read More2023
Review
“Scioto Country Club is a prestigious golfing destination that exudes timeless elegance and a rich history. Located in Upper Arlington, Ohio, this renowned club is celebrated for its meticulously maintained course and challenging layout. The club has undergone recent renovations by the talented architect Andrew Green, enhancing its appeal and adding a fresh perspective to the overall experience. The conditioning of the course at Scioto Country Club is truly exceptional. The fairways are expertly manicured, providing a velvety carpet-like feel underfoot. Golfers can expect lush, well-maintained turf that allows for ideal ball placement and predictable bounces. The well-defined rough surrounding the fairways demands precision and accuracy in shot selection. The beautifully shaped bunkers are strategically placed to test a player's skill and strategy. In conclusion, Scioto Country Club stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of traditional golf courses. The impeccable conditioning, diverse shot options, and challenging layout make it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts. With Andrew Green's renovations, the course has been further elevated, offering a blend of classic and modern elements that test golfers in every aspect of their game."
Read More2023
