ROLLING MEADOWS GOLF CLUB

The wide fairways and forgiving rough fool you into thinking this central Ohio track will be a pushover until you reach the back nine, where elevated greens and strategically placed water hazards demand precision over power. What separates this public gem from the pack is its commitment to firm, fast conditions year-round—the superintendent clearly understands that real golfers prefer bounce and roll to soft, target-style play. The quartet of par-3s provides the best value, especially the downhill 16th that plays a full club shorter but punishes anything left of the pin.