Cooks Creek

NOTE: As of July, 2021, Cooks Creek seems to have ceases golf operations, outside of their driving range. The future of the property has not been announced.

Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf may be the most famous alums of the Ohio State University golf program, but neither were able to collect a team title while playing for the Buckeyes. John Cook was the star player on the 1979 national championship team, and he has remained a stalwart part of the Columbus-area culture ever since.

Part of that was his collaboration with Michael Hurdzan to create Cook’s Creek Golf Club south of the city, on a piece of property that sits at the confluence of the Scioto River and Walnut Creek. Although those bodies should not come into play, wetland abounds on the front nine, while the second half of play will travel across a more hilly part of the property.

Although not a pushover, it is playable and fair, and accordingly offers one of the better values on a tee time, eye-catching for both casual and committed golfers. Although Cook temporarily removed himself from operations at the course (when it underwent the name change “Raintree South”), he and his family have recently repurchased the course and currently operate it.