APPLE VALLEY GOLF CLUB

The rolling farmland east of Columbus yields surprisingly dramatic elevation changes that architect puts to masterful use, particularly on the back nine where doglegs plunge through hardwood corridors before climbing to elevated greens. Water comes into play on six holes, but it's the strategic bunkering around the large, undulating putting surfaces that separates scoring rounds from struggles. This public track delivers genuine shot-making challenges without the pretense, making it a favorite among Ohio's serious stick-and-ball crowd who appreciate value and variety in equal measure.