Westbrook

Mansfield, Ohio was once home to one of the most diverse manufacturing scenes in the United States — ranging from home appliances to merry-go-rounds — so it is only appropriate the city’s premiere golf course came from Donald Ross, who himself was rather diverse in style.

The Ross who arrived at Westbrook Country Club eagerly defended his undulating putting surfaces with ample and — in many cases — deep greenside bunkers. Holes nos. 13, 14, and 15 have Ross featuring bunkers both alongside his greens and in the landing areas leading up, with strategy shifting accordingly depending on whether the hole is a par four or par five. As with many classic clubs of the era, the clubhouse at Westbrook sits upon the highest point on the property, allowing both some extra distance off of the first tee, and an especially long-seeming 400 yard closer.

Although the fortune of Mansfield has shifted along with many industrial belt cities in northern Ohio, Westbrook has managed to maintain its status as it approaches its centenary during 2022. Here’s looking forward to the next 100.