By David Theoret
In the early 1970s, Jack Nicklaus was winning major tournaments and the golf industry was on the verge of a boom. The Frank family wanted to build a high-end course in Tuscarawas County to capitalize on that golf momentum.
Once they raised the capital and purchased the site, near Zoar, Geoffrey Cornish was hired to build the new course.
No matter what the task, every member of the Frank family – ages 8 to 70 – was involved in the building of the Zoar Golf Course. Whether the task involved welding, trenching, surveying, operating heavy equipment; or picking up thousands of stones so that the grass could be planted, everybody lent a hand. Construction of the clubhouse was completed in March of 1975, and on April 19, 1975, the course was open for business. The Frank family took great pride in their new golf facility, a trait that is evident to this day. 
Zoar Golf Club has been a “must play” for Northeastern Ohio & Western Pennsylvania golfers for 44 years! Google Reviewers give Zoar Golf Club 4.6 Stars. The club plays host each year to the Gatorade Collegiate, The Yuengling Scramble Series, the Zoar Memorial, the Zoar Senior Amateur, and several other amateur events.
Zoar offers five sets of tees and plays 6733 yards from the back tees with a par of 72, a course rating of 71.4, and a slope of 12. The Blue (6,329/68.5/116) and the White 5,750/67.4/115) tees also offer a good test for those of us who no longer hit the ball as far as we used to. Seniors will enjoy the Gold (5,223/69/111) tees while the ladies and juniors will find companionship in the Green (5,132/69/111) tees. No matter your level of ability, Zoar offers tees that will fit your game.
Most of the greens are surrounded by grass mounds and some of the greens can be very interesting. Several slope back to front while others have multiple levels and ridges running through them. Number 8 has one of the most interesting greens out here. From the middle of the green, it slopes severely to the left. There is also a mound in the middle of it. Left side pin placements will make three putts all too commonplace.
It’s not often that a par 3 receives such a high handicap, but at 212 yards, Number 13 at Zoar Golf Club is the No. 9 handicap hole. Trees and out of bounds make up the left side and grass mounds around the green can make for a difficult up and down should your tee shot not find the putting surface. There are no bunkers, but plenty of challenges.
Before your round warm-up on Zoar’s full-length driving range where you can hit every club in the bag. There’s a short game area with practice bunkers and a large practice putting green.
Making a vacation out of your golf trip to Zoar Golf Club has never been easier. The Club has partnered with several nearby hotels and they will work with you to make your stay as rewarding as possible. Whether it’s a couples getaway an outing with the guys – or gals – you’ll enjoy all that Zoar has to offer.
Located just a few miles off I-77 south of Canton, Zoar Golf Club makes the perfect destination for a drive-in golf day for Buckeyes, as well as, Western Pennsylvania golfers.
Check out the links on their website www.zoarvillagegolf.com for participating hotel information.
