1926 U.S. Open
Course: 18 Hole Private
Architect: Donald Ross
Founded: 1916
Location: Columbus, OH
Website: http://www.sciotocc.com/
Date Last Played: Fall of 2008
Score: 79
I have a confession to make. I think I'm in love with Donald Ross....designed courses. Sorry, it got a little weird there for a second. Mr. Ross designed over 400 golf courses on which over 100 U.S. national championship have been contested. Coincidentaly, of the eight U.S. Open courses that I have played, Mr. Ross designed 4 of them. Not to gush about Mr. Ross any further, but he also played in 8 U.S. Open Championship finishing in the top 10 five times. Not bad for a humble golf pro.
Scioto Country Club was established in 1916 and has since then played host to 5 major championships including the 1926 U.S. Open Championship won by Mr. Bobby Jones. This was a very significant win in Open Championship history as Mr. Jones became the first golfer to hold both open championship titles (U.S. and "British") in the same year.
The golf course is one of the best in the state of Ohio which is a big deal when you consider it's up against the likes of Canterbury, Inverness, The Golf Club, Muirfield Village, The Country Club of Pepper Pike, Brookside Country Club, Firestone, Double Eagle, Camargo, NCR, Kirtland, Sand Ridge....I could go on. Seriously, I could. Situated in the suburbs of Columbus (which I try not to hold Scioto's geographic location agains it...Go Blue!), it is surrounded by beautiful homes that look like they were built at the same time as the course. Expert stone and wood work make them almost as captivating as the holes that they overlook.
Before we tee off, I must mention a few things about the clubhouse. Other than boasting an amazing collection of Jack Nicklaus memorabilia, they have something else to offer golfers to make their day a little more special. The men's locker room sports its very own barber shop. I really enjoy things like these as I truly believe they make a club more memorable for guests. The key is finding the right niche for the right club. To Scioto: "Well played". Another "cute" thing was at the Starter's Shack where they had an amazing collection of pictures of birds. I don't remember the story behind these pictures as I was more concerend with finding a second golf ball after I pull-hooked my first tee shot.
Notable Holes: Hole #1 There is not really anything spectacular about this hole, but I did love the little "turtle backs" (which I named) in the bunker off of the first green (pictured above left). Hole #2 Ranked in the top 500 golf holes by Golf Digest will generally get you into my "Notable Holes" selection. The real reason I'm mentioning this hole is that it gives you a glimps into what you are instore for and let's just say you start to feel "giddy".
Hole #4 I specimin of Donald Ross Design, this 188 yard par three should be removed and put into a glass case for safe keeping. Holes 5 through 7 are each great in their own way, but I'm far too excited to talk about hole #8 to worry about those. Hole #8 You have an interesting choice on the tee at the eigth. You can play it as a par 5 from 509 yards or a par 4 from 494 yards (as they do during championships). I made par, but I'm not telling what tee I played. The couple extra yards do come into play as the green is completely surrounded by water. One must be sure of their second shot if going for the green in two.
The 8th Green.
Hole #13 is next up on the list mainly for it's tee shot. At the time I was draw-biased driver of the golf ball. With trees and OB guarding right, I was forced to attempt a fade which turned into about a 120 yard double-cross, snap hook. I still made 5.
Hole #17 A tantalizing par three that fits my eye perfectly as the green is very receptive to my afore mentioned draw. This hole has some historic value as it is the one instance where the "trade" could have been made. The "trade" is when you trade positions with your oppenent in match play and either gain or lose a stroke depending on the situation. Example: My opponent is the the bunker with a bad lie and I'm 40 feet away on the green not feeling good about my stroke. The "Trade" would position me in the bunker and would lie zero while my opponent would lie one from where my ball was. Very rarely does the trade actually make sense, but this was the one instance it did. Poorly played Mr. McKinley.
Hole #18
The hole is almost as notable as the BOMB I dropped from the back of the green for Birdie.
I did fail to mention one of my favorite characterstics that Scioto has to offer. The hazard that runs through the course is defined by a rock/brick wall that gives it a great clean look. You can tell that a lot of time and money went into this project and I believe it was well worth it. Scioto Country Club is a true gem and deserves whatever accolades that it has acquired over the years. Although the U.S. Open will more than likely never find its way back here, I hope I do soon.
Fairways and Greens,
Joe
