Arthur Hills left nothing on the drawing board when he designed The Virtues Golf Club in Newark, Ohio a mere 40 miles from downtown Columbus. Up until 2016, The Virtues was known as the Longaberger Golf Club; on your way odds are you’ll drive by the abandoned basket shape office building that was once home to the world-renowned basket company. The Virtues Golf Club is the top-ranked public course in Ohio and #73 in Golf Digest’s 2019-20 list of America’s Greatest Public Courses. In 1999 Virtues hosted Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf featuring Dottie Pepper and Karrie Webb; they also hosted the 2004 PGA Club Professional Championship.
The Virtues Golf Club offers golfers 5 sets of tees. The back tees play 7,243 yards with a course rating of 75.2 and a slope of 139. The average golfer will have a lot more fun from the White (6,180/70.2/127) or Gold (5,641/67.4/122) Tees. Ladies typically play from the Green Tee (4,985/67.9/115). Don’t bite off more than you can chew yardage wise and you’ll have a great time.
As you make your way around this magnificent layout, you’ll encounter a variety of holes. Many consider The Virtues a parkland layout, but I think it incorporates several styles. Holes lined with tall, thick fescue grasses are reminiscent of a link-style course while rising and dropping fairways coupled with blind shots are more like something you’d encounter in the mountains. You’ll play through meadows and rolling countryside, around tree-covered hills. The hitting surfaces are incredible: well-manicured
Virtues Golf Club is one memorable hole after another. Number 4 is a par 5 that plays 563 yards and is memorable not only because of its challenge but also for the views it provides. There’s a significant change in elevation from the tee to the green and from the elevated tee box, you can see for miles. It also gives long ball hitters a chance to get home in two. Although the awaiting fairway is generous, finding the green can be an arduous task as it is narrow and angles back and to the right, bringing the water into play that much more. Shot selection on your layup shot is important as the water can come into play if you hit it too far. Big numbers are as easy to make as birdies!
Number 16, 527 yards. Yet another risk-reward opportunity at The Virtues Golf Club. The water down the entire right side of this dogleg right hole dares players into biting-off as much of the corner as possible. A good drive just right of the first set of fairway bunkers on the left, followed by a layup shot over the next fairway trap to the right will leave a short pitch shot into a large green that slopes down towards the water. As a rule, your approach shot plays half a club longer.
The Virtues also boasts some pretty impressive practice facilities. Before your round, warm up on their full-length driving range where you can hit every club in the bag. There is also a spacious short game area with a practice bunker and a large putting green nearby.
After your round, be sure to stop by the Overlook restaurant at The Virtues Golf Club. In addition to a wide selection of beers and a full liquor bar, the food is amazing and well presented. Appetizers include traditional clubhouse favorites such as Mozzarella Sticks, Quesadillas, and Chicken Wings. If salad is more your thing try the Nut and Berries Salad – tender baby spinach, mixed greens, spiced pecans, chevre cheese, and dried cranberry tossed in our house-made vinaigrette. They have some unique sandwiches and entrees as well such as The BBQ Meatloaf Sandwich, Lemon Broiled Salmon, and a Grilled Ribeye Steak.
Virtues Golf Club has partnered with several local hotels to create stay and play packages that allow you to play the course a few times rather than just one and done. Or, if you prefer, you can play a different course, Eaglesticks Golf Club in nearby Zanesville. Packages include overnight stays in comfortable guest rooms and access to dining and local attractions. Click on the 9 Stars of Golf icon on their website, fill out the form and they will get back to you quickly. Playing this course on back-to-back days is a golfer’s dream!
Planning a rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, or wedding reception? Virtue’s 60,000 square-foot clubhouse is a great location for your next golf outing or special event. In addition to the clubhouse, there are a variety of beautiful outdoor spaces including a lovely verandah that overlooks the golf course and has provided a picturesque setting for many wedding ceremonies, vow renewals, and alfresco luncheons.