Though the course is only nine holes and a par 35, the Ohio University Golf Course hosts more than 20,000 rounds each school year and is an attraction for many in Athens.
The course, managed by the Campus Recreation staff, is open year-round. Fees vary for students, faculty, adults and children, and also differ per season and day of the week.
Benjah Miller, interim director of the OU Golf and Tennis Center, oversees all operations because he is the only professional staff member.
“I think that we are one of the — if not the — busiest golf courses in the state,” Miller said. “It’s tough to maintain because of the heavy use, but I think we do a good job keeping it playable and fixing all the ball markings.”
About 40 students maintain the greens and serve at the desks for the course and the driving range. Miller, who is also in charge of scheduling, puts two employees at each desk, but, outside, employees’ hours and duties depend on weather.
Because the course is short, Miller said golfers normally want to play two rounds of nine holes, increasing the marks from balls and clubs compared to a regular 18-hole course. He trains employees to keep every hole in good shape for the players.
“I just love working with people who love golf,” employee Julia Wright said. “It’s a great job; you get to work outside on the beautiful course and help people out with the same interests you have.”
Wright said she and her colleagues work about 20 hours per week for the golf course. Though the hours are long, she said she sees some perks, such as golfing for free during her spare time.
The course underwent a few changes in 2001 when the construction of the Ping Center impeded on its land.
While the course is open to the public, both Bobcat golf teams use the on-campus facilities to practice and fine-tune their game between meets. But the athletes are allowed to practice for free whenever they please.
“We work really well with the golf teams,” Miller said. “If they want to go out and play two holes, or 18 holes, or just practice some putts, it is very easy to work them in.”
The course has four different tee set-ups. The championship-level tees are the farthest from the hole, followed by the member’s tee, men’s tee and women’s tee. Even though the course is nine holes, the yardage of 3,289 at the Championship Tee for nine holes is similar to other university courses, such as Ohio State’s Gray Course.
However, the course only has 31 bunkers and four water hazards, allowing for play to have minimal risk.
While some outsiders might overlook the small course on the south side of campus along the Hocking River, Miller said the course hosts about 2,000 paid rounds per month and is open seven days a week.
cl027410@ohiou.edu
