Ohio State University (Gray)

Ohio State University is known for its scarlet and gray color scheme, so for the school’s championship route, the Scarlet, there must also be an 18 dedicated to the Gray.

The course has always and ever lived in the shadow of its brighter-toned brother, but there is still considerable charm to be had on the shorter course. For one thing, it provides students and membership a considerably less severe challenge than the Scarlet, with smaller sand hazards and much shorter yardage (maxing out at just 5,800 yards across 18 holes).

Fans of historic golf may find other positives to take from Gray. It’s a traditional route that begins and ends at the clubhouse, without returning in-between. Perhaps more relevant to readers of this site, the original Alister Mackenzie design (constructed by Perry Maxwell) remains untouched here, whereas the Scarlet course was significantly overhauled by alum Jack Nicklaus during the early part of the new millennium.