If there’s one game more often associated with retirement than any other, it would be golf. And seniors looking for activities in Cincinnati will find plenty of it. The Tristate features a variety of courses— from easy nine-walks to challenging championship courses— that will satisfy scratch golfers and weekend duffers alike.
Here’s a guide to some of our community favorites.
Woodland Golf Course
- 5820 Muddy Creek Rd, Cincinnati, Ohio 45233
- Holes: 9
- Difficulty: Light
If you’re just picking up the game, or just looking to get in an easygoing nine holes, Woodland Golf Course on Cincinnati’s west side is your speed. With affordable prices, gentle inclines and relatively short fairways (there are no 5-par holes), it’s a great course for practicing or shooting a half-round with friends.
The Cincinnati Recreation Commission (which administers the course) has lowered its age limit for a senior discount to just 55 years, so you don’t even need to be eligible for Social Security to enjoy your $9.50 greens fee! A double round is $15. Senior rates are valid Monday-Friday anytime or after 3 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Cart rentals are available.
Shaker Run Golf Club
- 1320 Golf Club Drive, Lebanon, Ohio 45036
- Holes: 27
- Difficulty: Challenging
Rated the one of the best golf courses in Ohio by Golf Digest, Shaker Run has hosted many high-profile golf events— including the Kroger Senior Tournament Qualifier and the 2005 US Amateur Public Links Championship. The course is located about 25 minutes north of downtown in Warren County. First opened in 1979 with two 18-hole courses designed by Arthur Hills, a third nine-hole run designed by Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry opened in time for the club’s twentieth anniversary year.
Shaker Hills isn’t for the feint-hearted; five of its 27 holes are 5-par and fourteen of the holes have water hazards. But it may just be worth it when you can reward yourself with Montgomery Inn ribs at the club’s bar and grille, Palmer’s Place.
As a bonus for older golfers, seniors who golf with regularity may benefit from a “59 Club” membership. Players 59 years of age and older can purchase a member package for $59 which offers 59 rounds of golf for $29 per outing plus an additional complimentary round.
Legendary Run
- 915 Legendary Run Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45245
- Holes: 18 + 1 bonus short hole
- Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Situated just minutes to the east of Cincinnati in Pierce Township, Legendary Run is another top-rated, Arthur Hills-designed course. Stunningly beautiful with gentle meadows, wildlife sanctuary areas and seven lakes, Legendary Run is also just great fun.
The 18-hole course features diverse, cleverly placed hazards, making it a joy for regular golfers. Its distances are well-marked, so beginners will be able to get a good feel for ranges and develop their game. It even features a just-for-fun, 3-par 19th hole, with a short shot over one of the lakes.
On Mondays through Thursdays, seniors can enjoy 18 rounds, including cart rental and free lunch, for $37. The club also offers an “Evening Special,” which will give a player nine holes, a cart rental and two free drink tickets for just $22. It’s also a great opportunity to spend time with grandchildren; kids play free (one per paying adult) Monday-Thursday after 2 p.m. or weekends after 6 p.m.
Devou Park
- 1200 Park Drive, Covington, KY 41011
- Holes: 18
- Difficulty: Moderate
Though it can be a bit of a strenuous walk, Devou Park’s golf course atop the Northern Kentucky river bluffs, overlooking downtown Cincinnati’s skyline, is a wonderful play. The course’s front nine opened in 1922, and a back nine were added in 1995. The fairways have intermediate slopes, but cart rentals or a nine-hole round make it well worth the trip even for seniors with limited mobility.
Seniors 50 or older are able to purchase nine holes walking for $11 or 18 holes for $17. A cart rental is only $7 for nine holes or $14 for the whole course. And if you get tired early, the course sits in Covington’s Devou Park, which features plenty of after-round activities— including a fishing lake, picnic areas and the Behringer-Crawford history museum.
