If you live in or near Dayton, you’ve got access to some seriously underrated public golf. Whether you're chasing a low score or just trying not to embarrass yourself on a Saturday, these nine courses are a great place to start. I’ve played them. I’ve sliced drives on them. I’ve even sponsored a hole at one of them. Here's my honest take — including my favorite hole at each.
1. Heatherwoode Golf Club – Springboro
Why it’s great: Former Nike Tour stop, tight layout, and elevated tee boxes that make you feel like a pro (until you chunk your 7 iron). Always in great shape.
Favorite hole: Hole 18 – A risk/reward par 5 with water on the right. Go for it in two if you’re feeling bold, or lay up and play it smart.
2. Pipestone Golf Course – Miamisburg
Why it’s great: Well-kept, with elevation changes and a nice blend of open and tree-lined holes. Challenging enough to be interesting, but fair.
Favorite hole: Hole 10 – Downhill par 5 with a great landing area and opportunity to go big — if you keep it straight.
3. Yankee Trace – Centerville
Why it’s great: Easily one of the most polished public courses in the region. There are 27 holes here, and all of them play like private club quality.
Favorite hole: Hole 6 (Vintage) – A beautiful par 3 over water with a deep green that rewards the right club selection.
4. Jasper Hills Golf Club – Xenia
Why it’s great: Fun layout, peaceful setting, and surprisingly good food. If you’re hungry after your round, don’t leave without hitting the clubhouse.
Favorite hole: Hole 9 – Elevated tee shot on a par 4 that gives you a great view (and a chance to bomb it).
Pro tip: Best clubhouse food of any course on this list.
5. Graywolf Golf Club – Clayton
Why it’s great: It’s a work in progress — not the most manicured, but the layout and privacy are unmatched. Wide fairways, interesting routing, and no packed tee sheets.
Favorite hole: Hole 14 – Long par 5 (used to be hole 5 before they flipped the 9s). It’s my sponsored hole — and easily one of the best risk/reward layouts out there.
Disclosure: I’m a member here, so it's more painful when I chip for the third time inside of 50 yards at the home course.
6. Reid Park (South Course) – Springfield
Why it’s great: Solid layout, plenty of room to miss, and one of the most scenic courses in the fall. Fairways lined with trees that actually feel like fall golf is supposed to.
Favorite hole: Hole 13 – Slight dogleg left with trees framing both sides — tough off the tee, but rewarding.
7. Sugar Isle Golf Course – New Carlisle
Why it’s great: Budget-friendly, laid-back, and perfect if you want to sneak in 18 without the wait. Course is walkable, fun, and local favorite status.
Favorite hole: Hole 8 – Par 3 with a tough green. Short doesn’t mean easy.
8. The Practice Center – Franklin
Why it’s great: One of the best-value short courses around. Par 3 layout is great for beginners or sharpening your short game. Driving range is clean and convenient.
Favorite hole: Hole 5 – Slightly uphill shot with a narrow green. Feels like a real test even though it’s a short course.
9. Miami Shores Golf Course – Troy
Why it’s great: Fast play, flat walk, and a great option when you’re short on time but still want a full 18. Just be warned: a slice will get you in someone else’s fairway real quick.
Favorite hole: Hole 12 – Short par 4 that plays tighter than it looks.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to drop a hundred bucks to play a great round in the Dayton area. These courses offer something for every type of golfer — whether you're chasing low scores, playing casual rounds with buddies, or just trying to stop hitting from the wrong fairway.
Have a favorite I missed?
DM me or email me through my website — I’m always looking to try a new course (or take a mulligan on one I haven’t mastered yet).
