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Course Report
Scioto Country Club is where Jack Nicklaus learned the game, mentored by legendary instructor Jack Grout—an origin story for one of golf’s greatest champions.
About
Scioto Country Club, founded in 1916 and designed by Donald Ross, is a storied parkland course in Upper Arlington just outside Columbus. Renowned for its challenging layout and rich tournament history—including five major championships—the course was updated in partnership with Jack Nicklaus and Michael Hurdzan, emphasizing both tradition and modern play. The club is known for its exclusivity and enduring place in Ohio golf.
Caddie Tip
Be mindful of approach shot angles—Donald Ross’s signature greens are subtle but unforgiving to shots from the wrong side of the fairway. Missing below the hole is vital, especially on fast, sloping putting surfaces. Trust your club selection on the long par 4s, and plan for wind on exposed holes.
The Main Challenge
Scioto's greatest challenge is its demanding green complexes—subtle false fronts, raised surfaces, and classic Donald Ross contours place a premium on precision iron play and short game control. The rough is penal, especially around the greens, so recovery shots require creativity and nerve.
The Good
Members consistently praise the timeless Donald Ross routing and the superb conditioning, especially the greens. The history—having hosted multiple majors and being Jack Nicklaus’s boyhood course—makes every round feel significant, and the quiet, exclusive atmosphere provides an unmatched experience in central Ohio.
The Not So Good
Some members have called for selective tree removal to improve turf conditions and restore intended lines of play. Play can be slow on busy tournament days. The course’s prestige leads to very limited access, so even prospective members face extended waits or difficult entry processes.
Signature Hole:
#
8
The 8th hole is a par 5 stretching 494 yards that features a narrowed fairway and strategic bunkering. A bold approach shot into a well-guarded green rewards those who challenge the dogleg and play for position, making this the most memorable and daunting scoring opportunity on the historic layout.
Clubhouse
The clubhouse features fine dining, casual grill room, locker rooms, banquet facilities, and social event spaces. Members benefit from tennis, fitness, and pool amenities in addition to extensive golf facilities. Service standards and special events uphold the club’s prestigious tradition.
Practice Facilities
The club offers an expansive practice range, short game area, and putting green, all maintained to match the course’s conditioning. Instruction is available from seasoned PGA professionals, and there’s also space for bunker practice. Indoor winter simulators keep members sharp year-round.
Dress Code:
Prestigious
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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