Though Columbus has not had a full swing into warm spring yet, this weekend’s warm spell turned both young and old Buckeyes’ thoughts to playing golf at the Ohio State Scarlet and Gray Courses.
“It’s known by college players and tour players,” OSU men’s golf coach Jim Brown said. “Every time I go to Muirfield (golf course in Dublin) for a tour tournament, all the guys ask how the Scarlet Course is doing.”
Not all OSU students are jumping at the opportunity to belong to OSU’s course, however, as they hesitate at the $550 price tag.
“I will not be buying a membership at the courses because they are not worth the price,” said Steve Catchum, a junior in biological sciences.
Catchum seemed to be among a number of golfing students who opt not to join the golf club due to the price. They argue that as the OSU course is a course for students among other university associates, the price should reflect the low bank accounts of many students.
Members and workers of the course contend that the price is actually very competitive for a course of its caliber.
“Our golf course is actually the second cheapest course in the Big Ten,” said Jason Bucci, assistant golf-pro at the course. “Our course is also the best course in the Big Ten.”
Bucci may be referring to Golf Digest’s report in 2002, which deemed the OSU’s Scarlet and Gray Courses the best collegiate facility in the country and 81st among all U.S. courses. The course has hosted NCAA men’s and women’s golf championships.
Bucci said in the past two years student membership has been lagging. Many students suggest the most obvious way to rejuvenate student appeal is by enacting a greater student discount.
“I would definitely buy a membership out at the Scarlet and Gray Courses if they set a cheaper price for students,” said Adam Grieshop, a junior in business. “They are very nice courses and well taken care of, but the price just isn’t set with students in mind.”
“I love to golf and would like to become a member of the courses, I just need someone else to buy it for me,” said Scott Ranly, a junior in natural resource.
OSU students can choose to pay an $18 green fee to play one round of golf. Bucci emphasizes that this is a great opportunity for students.
“On many other Big Ten courses the green fee can be as much as $125, but we keep ours at just $18 for students to allow them to make use of our greens,” Bucci said. “We are not a public course. We are a university course, and I believe that despite what students may say, our prices are extremely competitive with other university courses — like Purdue, which charges $1,100 for student membership.”
Those who still balk at the membership price have quality alternatives to choose from. Recognized as a golfing paradise, Columbus is home to five of the top 100 courses in the country.
OSU’s golf course is located on Tremont Road and includes membership to the Scarlet and Gray Courses, pro shop, restaurant, driving range and numerous practice greens.
