Hidden Creek, located in Lima, Ohio, is an incredible golf course that is open for public play. It is not overly long, and with a slope rating in the mid to high 120s for men, it offers both a challenge and a good time.
The Course is owned and operated by the Floyd Young family in Bluffton, OH; a family that has etched its name in golf history, at least in this part of the country. Family patriarch Floyd Young has been in the golf business since 1969. In 1971, the PGA Championship was being held at his home course, and Floyd caddied for Jack Nicklaus. He must have been Nicklaus’ good luck charm because he went on to win the tournament!
In 1989, the family took a leap of faith and purchased Bluffton Golf Club; Hidden Creek Golf Club in Lima was added to the portfolio in 2008.
The course is carpeted in Bentgrass from tee to green and is pretty wide open, making it a favorite of seniors and beginners in the area. Water comes into play on at least 10 holes – more if you spray it. The fairways are lush; the greens roll true and are full of subtle undulations.
Hidden Creek plays 6,852 yards from the Back Tees, not being masochistic, I found the White Tees (6,312 yards) provided a fitting challenge and kept my interest. Five sets of tees provide a suitable yardage for all players, regardless of their ability and enjoyment for all skill levels.
The course has several holes that will test your skills, especially a couple of the par 3s. Number 2 is a 200-yard par 3 that requires a lengthy carry over water into a small green that slopes back to front towards the water.
I love courses that end with a par 3, especially ones as challenging as the 18th hole at Hidden Creek. It plays 199 yards from the White Tees and is heavily tree-lined on both sides, creating an “all-or-nothing” scenario off the tee.
The 10th hole is an interesting par 5. It’s a big dogleg left that plays 490 yards. At the corner of the dogleg is a large boomerang-shaped pond that catches a lot of balls from unsuspecting – or in my case, unknowing – players. Once you navigate the pond, the hole plays uphill into a small green protected by the hills that surround it. It’s a hole that takes thought and patience to play.
Hidden Creek has a driving range and practice putting green, so you can loosen up before your round or just spend the day honing your skills. The clubhouse serves great food, and beverages are available; the pro shop is stocked with everything you’ll need for your round, including logoed apparel that you can take home as a memory.
Hidden Creek’s sister course, Bluffton Golf Club, is just 6 miles away. Each one provides a unique and diverse golfing experience. If you find yourself wanting to go back and play the courses over and over, consider an annual pass.
11 months ago
Great golf course: well kept, price is pretty fair for 9 holes, friendly staff in the pro shop. A fair amount of holes have plenty of room for errant shots, some keep you honest and give a bit of a challenge.
4 months ago
I played here today, 9/1. I am going to get the negatives out of the way first.
1. Initially, I booked a tee time for 9:22. When I arrived, the gentleman in the pro shop said it was 9:37. While I understand that courses may have the right to adjust reservations, I personally have never heard of a course actually do that.
2. When I got to the first tee, there were at least 5 groups waiting to tee off. No starter. Sixsomes and fivesomes going out. It was an utter disaster at the first tee. Once we got off, things moved along okay, but there needs to be a starter, especially for a holiday.
3. The gentleman in the pro shop was rude. When I arrived, he stated that it is going to be a long day and that there are foursomes in front of me. While I appreciate the heads up, it almost came off as if he was discouraging me to play. I drove 45 minutes to play and understood groups would be in front of me on a holiday morning. I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt, perhaps I caught him on a bad day.
HOWEVER, the course itself was awesome. It was in great shape, you can tell they really take care of the course. The greens were really tricky and they had some tough pin positions. It was a really solid test of golf.
The positives outweighs the negatives. I would come back, and recommend anyone to go out and play it.
6 months ago
The course is beautiful green and trees. It's back off the road so it's quiet. The food is really good for lunch and breakfast. The have beer, wine and seltzer. The sell bags, shirts, balls, tees, gloves. The manager wasn't too friendly and seemed more annoyed than anything when asked questions- hopefully he was just stressed out that day but it wasn't pleasant
6 months ago
This is hands down the best public course in the Lima area. They keep the course immaculate. Fast but fair greens, The service and how they treat the golfers is incredible. Definitely a must stop for out of town travelers
10 months ago
