Toledo has a very deep and rich golf history.
Since S.P. Jermain established Ottawa Park as the first public golf course west of New York city in 1898, Toledo has been making golf history.
Frank Stranahan was one of golf’s finest amateurs and won major championships. Before Arnold Palmer became the “King,” a young Jack Nicklaus watched him win the 1954 Ohio Amateur at Sylvania Country Club.
The Inverness Club has hosted four U.S. Opens, two PGA Championships, the U.S. Amateur and two U.S. Senior Opens. It will also host the 2019 U.S. Junior Amateur and the 2021 Solheim Cup.
The Marathon Open is one of the longest-running events on the LPGA Tour and has generated over $10 million for area charities.
Yes, Toledo has a rich in golf history, but one of the area’s more hidden secrets, is that, it is the home for Arthur Hills, who is responsible for designing and renovating over 300 courses, on nearly every continent.
Hills very first designs were in Toledo at Brandywine Country Club and Detwiler Park Golf Club, plus he renovated The Inverness Club in 1999. His designs can be seen around the world, and golfers in Michigan and Ohio are privileged to see his very finest.
For the first time several of Hills’ courses are banding together to create the Arthur Hills Golf Trail, a golfing experience that will rival any golf destination.
The courses are all within a short drive of each other and the Toledo area offers several options for accommodations.
The Legacy
The Legacy by Arthur Hills sits just a couple of miles north of the Ohio/Michigan state line in Ottawa Lake and opened for play in 1997.
It features naturally rolling terrain, bent grass fairways, as well as, an Island Green on the par-3 eighth hole. Players can experience tournament quality golf in a setting directly out of a golfer’s dream.
The restaurant at The Legacy is the perfect place to catch a sandwich and a cold one after your round, or enjoy a more intimate dining experience. The menu is complete with a tasty morsel for every palate.
The Legacy also has facilities to host large group outings, weddings, family reunions or a corporate event.
The Legacy provides every golfer a country club feel and is available for every golfer.
Find out more about The Legacy by Arthur Hills at: https://www.playlegacy.com/
Stone Ridge 
Stone Ridge Golf Course sits on the western edge of Bowling Green, Ohio. It is the home to the BGSU Falcons golf team and annually hosts the Ohio High School District Golf Championships.
This 18-hole, Arthur Hills-designed public golf course is surrounded by rolling hills, dissected by small creeks and water hazards, plus the bunkering is some of Hills finest work. The course is an easy drive and located just two miles off I-75.
Stone Ridge has been voted one of “The Best Public Courses” you can play and is always immaculately maintained.
The clubhouse overlooks the ninth and 18th greens, plus houses the restaurant that is the perfect place to enjoy a sandwich or more formal dining experience.
Learn more about Stone Ridge at: http://www.stoneridgegolfclub.org/
Leslie Park in Ann Arbor
Leslie Park Golf Course can be found at the northern edge of Ann Arbor. The course was originally designed by E. Lawrence Packard and opened for play in 1967. Packard is also known as the architect of the wonderful courses at Innisbrook Resort in Florida, home of the Copperhead Course, which hosts the Valspar Championship every year.
Arthur Hills renovated the course in 1995 and said,
“I thought this was the perfect piece of land to create a great golf course… It had everything you could hope for, and the natural roll of the land was beautiful.”
Like most golf facilities, Leslie Park suffered through the economic downturn in 2009-2010, but the municipality recognized the treasure they had and have allotted the funds necessary to keep the beauty relevant in today’s golf world.
Leslie Park has been rated as the “Best Public Golf Course in Ann Arbor” and locals will attest to that fact. Reserve your tee time or learn more about historic Leslie Park at: https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/parks-places/leslie-park/Pages/default.aspx.
Stonebridge 
The Stonebridge Golf Club opened for play in 1991. The facility features an 18-hole championship course, driving range and beautiful clubhouse. Plus, it’s located near the Ann Arbor airport and close to the University of Michigan.
The course is always ready for tournament play and combines trees, water and sand strategically placed to create an enjoyable golfing experience for any skill level golfer. The natural beauty of the terrain is matched by meticulous care and impeccable maintenance. Several tee options accommodate all levels of play.
Stone Bridge is the perfect place to host your next family, charitable or corporate outing.
To make a tee time or learn more visit: https://stonebridgegolfclub.net/
Maumee Bay State Park
Maumee Bay State Park makes a great vacation getaway for the entire family. Kids can play on the beach and enjoy splashing in Lake Erie’s waters. Mom will like the lodge and cottages that can house the whole clan, while dad looks for birdies at the Arthur Hills’ designed Maumee Bay State Park championship golf course.
This par 72 was one of the first true American Links-style courses constructed in this country. It can be stretched to 6,941 yards or play to 5,221 from the red tees.
Maumee Bay State Park sets along the Lake Erie shoreline and offers 1,336 acres of the finest of recreational facilities in the Midwest. It is a unique natural environment created by the convergence of the land and water.
The lodge, cottages and golf course are nestled among the scenic meadows and lush marshes teeming with wildlife. The balance of recreational facilities with the natural world gives visitors a diverse experience in a coastal environment.
Watch this video to get a better idea of the spaciousness and beauty of Maumee Bay State Park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wMw6iOVnDk
For more information visit their website at: http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/golf/maumeebay#overview
Stay & Play
Every major chain has properties in the Toledo area and the Arthur Hills Golf Trail will design a ‘stay & play’ package that is right for your group or family. Maumee Bay State Park has a lodge and cottages perfect for buddy’s golf trips, girl’s getaways or family vacations.
Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan golfers have long known about the quality and heritage of Arthur Hills designed golf courses. Now everyone can visit these great golf tracts and play some of the best golf that can be found anywhere in the country.
The Arthur Hills Golf Trail courses understand the value of the dollar. Golfers can play more for less and reduce the strain on their wallet. Find great golf, accommodations and dining on the Arthur Hills Golf Trail at a fraction of the cost.
If your group or family is seeking a destination that offers outstanding golfing opportunities, as well as, attractions for the entire family for a reasonable price, Toledo and the Arthur Hills Golf Trail is the answer.
For more information about the Arthur Hill Golf Trail visit the website: http://arthurhillsgolftrail.com/, or contact: Fred@Back9MediaGroup.com.
