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4.6
164 Reviews (164)
5 Stars
108
4 Stars
36
3 Stars
14
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
4
Conditions
4.9
Value
4.6
Layout
4.7
Friendliness
4.9
Pace
4.6
Amenities
4.6
98.8%
Recommend this course
147 out of 164 reviews
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0
4 Stars
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3 Stars
0
2 Stars
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1 Stars
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Conditions
0
Value
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Layout
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Friendliness
0
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Amenities
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0%
Recommend this course
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5.0
1 Reviews (1)
5 Stars
1
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
5.0
Value
5.0
Layout
5.0
Pace
5.0
Amenities
5.0
StaffFriendliness
5.0
100.0%
Recommend this course
1 out of 1 reviews
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About

Holes 18
Type Public
Style Parkland
Par 72
Length 7243 yards
Slope 139
Rating 75.2

Virtues Golf Club (formerly known as Longaberger Golf Club) in Nashport is Ohio's no. 1 public golf course and it's also ranked in the top 75 public golf courses in America. Situated about an hour's drive from Columbus, the Arthur Hills design tumbles across rolling hills, stretching from the ridge top down to the valley floor. Wide, undulating fairways flow seamlessly to immaculately manicured greens bordered by beautiful mature trees. The setting will make you feel as though you've been transported to southern Appalachia. You'll be greeted with stunning panoramic views everywhere you turn. Be careful though because the dramatic slopes make the golf course just as challenging as it is scenic. Multiple sets of tees keep Virtues G.C. playable for golfers of all skill levels but no matter which you choose to play from, a bevy of uneven lies await you.

Course Details

Year Built 1999
Fairways Bent Grass
Greens Bent Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Arthur Hills (1999) Spencer Holt (1999)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School Academy Yes
Golf Simulator Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Indoor Practice Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Dress code Proper golf attire required.

Food & Beverage

Snacks, Restaurant

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Banquet Facilities

Accolades

Reviews

4.6
164 Reviews (164)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
19th Hole Scenic Views 26
Drinks 23
Patio Dining 16
Course Challenges Include:
Elevation Changes 44
Water Hazards 35
Bunkers 33
This course/club is great for:
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 34
Advanced Golfers 33
A Bucket list/Top 100 Pick 31
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 44
In the 'Burbs 7

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Virtues Golf Course - A Golfer's Paradise in Ohio

Located in the picturesque town of Nashport, Ohio, Virtues Golf Course (formerly known as Longaberger Golf Course) is a true gem nestled in the rolling hills of Central Ohio. Since taking over control in 2013 and rebranding as Virtues in 2016, this golf course has established itself as the premier public course in the state and is renowned for its incredible design and challenging layout.

Designed by the esteemed architect Arthur Hills, Virtues Golf Course offers a golfing experience like no other. The course's numerous slope changes and elevation shifts provide a thought-provoking challenge for every shot, making it a delight for golfers who enjoy strategic gameplay. From the moment you step onto the first tee, you'll be captivated by the natural beauty of the course and the awe-inspiring views it offers.

One of the standout features of Virtues Golf Course is its meticulously designed greens, which are expertly protected by bunkers and water hazards. This requires golfers to carefully consider their shots and commit fully to their decisions. The course demands precision and rewards strategic thinking, making it an exhilarating experience for players of all skill levels.

One of the most memorable holes at Virtues Golf Course is the Signature number 4. This magnificent par 5 stretches an impressive 563 yards and offers a thrilling elevation drop of 150 feet. Such exhilarating moments can be found throughout the entire course, thanks to the clever integration of elevation changes. Playing at Virtues Golf Course truly feels like a test of skill and endurance, and the experience is only heightened by the stunning surroundings.

To accommodate golfers of different abilities, Virtues Golf Course provides five sets of tee boxes. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice player, you'll find a suitable challenge that allows you to fully enjoy the course. If you're up for the ultimate test, the tips offer a formidable 7,243 yards of unforgettable golfing terrain. With a par of 72 on this masterfully crafted Arthur Hills design, every hole promises excitement and satisfaction.

If you find yourself visiting Ohio and have a passion for golf, a visit to Virtues Golf Course is an absolute must. It's no wonder that this course has earned its reputation as the top public course in the state and ranks among the top 100 greatest public courses in the entire United States. The combination of breathtaking scenery, challenging layout, and impeccable course conditions create an unforgettable golfing experience that will leave you wanting to return again and again.

Whether you're seeking a memorable round of golf or a challenging test of skill, Virtues Golf Course delivers on every front. Prepare to be amazed by the natural beauty, inspired by the course design, and rewarded by a round of golf that will leave a lasting impression.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 96
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Top 1000 Contributor
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great Value for a Top 100

Dont get me wrong, this is a great track, but I'm not sure its top 100 worthy. The elevation changes are dynamite throughout the course and the views can be incredible. Lots of doglegs off the tee makes it hard to gage where to hit the ball, and if you hit it left, your most likely through the fairway, hit it right and youre in the water or brush. You finish with a great #18.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart

Not Worth the Hype as #1 Public Course in Ohio

Decided to make the trip to play the Virtues Golf Course in July 2021. The course does not deserve the #1 ranking for the top public course in the state of Ohio by Golf Advisor or Golf Digest. From entering the property, you can see the property has come under disrepair. The landscaping is overgrown and the parking lot and clubhouse is in rough shape. The pro shop is a hodgepodge of unorganized items and displays. Definitely does not have the appearance of a top course.

Do not play this course if the course is cart path only. I played on a day when it was cart path only. There was no need for cart path only. The course was dry but the path rule was still in effect. Rain was in the forecast but had not rained yet. All cart paths are 40-50 yards away from greens and fairways. It slows down play significantly when you have all golfers on cart path only. The course cart paths need repaved. They are riddled with pot holes and need attending by the staff.

There are numerous bunkers on this course that add to the appeal and course setup. They are placed in challenging locations off the tee and near greens that make the course setup appealing for golfers of all skill levels. The issue is the bunkers are in disrepair. Every bunker was washed out and look like it hadn't been maintained in some time. There is no way that any grounds grew had attended to the bunkers in some time as weeds were growing in most bunkers. Every bunker, including green side bunkers, were all hard pan from washout and poor drainage.

The course setup and appeal was nice. It had generous fairways and very picturesque hole layouts. Great for all skill levels and ability. The green rolled true and fast, which was nice to see from a public facility. You can see that at one point in time the course was a true gem. No longer the case.

At the end of your round, instead of being able to take your clubs to your car with your golf cart, you were left to return your cart behind the clubhouse and carry everything back to your car because there is a strict no carts in parking lot rule. A bad ending to an unimpressive round.

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Fair
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
3.0
First Time Playing

Disappointed

The course in general is both scenic and challenging. However, a 5.5hr round, clueless rangers who could care less at $100/rd? No thank you. I will never go back.

Conditions Average
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Fair
Pace Poor
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 10
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Wet weather
Used cart

Incredible Course

This course is well worth the money and the drive. The staff is super friendly and the food was great. Course was cart path only due to a lot of rain recently, which made it a long day having to walk the hills. We played 36 holes and were all dead tired at the end. Overall a great experience and we will be back. Highly recommend this course!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Amazing layout. Greens need TLC

Beautiful layout through the hills of central Ohio. The architect couldn’t have routed the course any better. Some greens were good, some were beat up, but it’s the end of our season. I would Def play again!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Nice Course but detail is overlooked by far

The course is the nicest layout I have ever seen. The course was in pretty good condition, however there is no detail like it used to be. Even in the last year or so it has gone down hill. No water fountains on the course due to COVID but jugs should be available on the course. No sand on the carts to encourage divot repairs. Weeds all along cart paths, center circle in front of clubhouse, entry by gate, back by patio and walking from parking lot are done maybe 1X a month. Small details would make a HUGE difference in the course and getting it back to what it should be. I am a chemical guy and the use of Lontrel, Glyphosphate, Sureguard, and Grassout would make a huge difference along with a fresh coat of mulch!

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 15
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
4.0
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Keeps falling down my list

Well If I could give it 3.5 stars I would have. My love for this course goes back 20 years. For the longest time it was my favorite public course you could play. About 6-7 years ago it ended up tying with Fallen Oak in MS as my favorite course but the conditioning of the course just continues to go down hill. Yes it is a fantastic layout but my issues today were how wet the course was and there was no reason for it. On the front side it was as if it just rained 2 inches. Better on the back. I know its heating up but this is no way to maintain a course. You will burn it or mold it out this way. This course is more enjoyable when its firm and fast. Greens were slower too and have been last several years. No sand on the carts. Why?????? 70 Bucks to play use to be worth it but no more. It is a shame how they have let this course become just an average golf course. Disappointing for me. LAY OFF THE WATER

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Best Public Track in Columbus-Area

What a fun course to play. Just about every hole has character, elevation changes, and a picturesque view. It's only ~45 minutes outside Columbus, but you feel like you're in the middle of the country. The greens rolled fast and true. Fairways were in good shape. No real complaints at all. If you're in the Columbus area, it's the best course to play (especially for the price).

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 65
Handicap Don't know
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

If Eagle Sticks is 4.5 stars it should be called the 9.5 Stars of Golf

Because The Virtues is definitely 5 stars. Beautiful course with an excellent layout, great scenery and elevation changes, and a nice variety of home types with a strong set of par 3s and one of the better closing holes you will find. It’s a really nice course the first time you play it and it only gets better with each successive round. Even if my ball finding the water on 16 is one of life’s certainties along with death and taxes.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Second Time Playing Here

Another great experience at Virtues / Longagerger. Greens were in good shape and fast. Course layout is very fun’ with lots of elevation changes and really made me think about shots and club selection. There are also a number of holes with risk reward options. We played the White @ about 6200 yards, but with the elevation changes I thinks it plays longer than that.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Previously Played

Poor and Indifferent Management

$84 for the sat 7:30am tee time. Played the front in two hours only to find four foursomes starting off the back nine when we made the turn. Had to wait 1/2 hour. Management didn’t think there was a problem. Won’t be back.

Conditions Average
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Poor
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Play This Course

I consider the Virtues a must-play whenever I'm in the Columbus area, and you should, too. Pleasant staff, superior course conditions and a fabulous design by Arthur Hills.

This is the sort of special course where you'll remember every hole long after your first round. Well-measured doses of drama within a routing that uses the rolling terrain and natural, abundant prairie vegetation like a curtain that raises to reveal each hole just as you reach the tee.

The 400-yard-plus par-4 eighth is a gem, temping a drive that favors the right side, to a steep, swooping right-to-left pitched fairway, which then presents a downhill approach to a thumb of a green surrounded by water. From the tee, it looked like the safe route. Upon arrival, you may face the mother of all hanging lies and a backdrop where it's hard to see anything but the water around the green.

The other option is to challenge the left side with a longish carry from the tee, over scrub to a fairly ample landing area. From a flatter lie, that will leave a wedge or high iron approach, but almost all carry over water. The number 3 handicap hole, it feels like a victory to be putting for birdie, and very satisfying to make par.

Play this course. And then play it again. It's even better when you can enjoy it with someone experiencing The Virtues for the first time.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 310
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Birmingham Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart

Lofty ranking falls a little short

Good layout with a handful of really memorable holes, but I was a little underwhelmed by The Virtues, considering its ranking in both of the top two golf magazine’s Top 100 public courses list.

To be fair, this is the end of the golf season in eastern Ohio, so conditions weren’t going to be top notch. Additionally, the course took on considerable rain the day before. The fairways, despite being damp, were just fine. The greens, however, were very slow for Bentgrass. The biggest detriment was the dire condition of many greens due to unrepaired and poorly repaired pitch marks. Perhaps this isn’t paid as much attention to by the maintenance staff since it is the end of the season. I would be curious if this is a problem in peak season.

As I stated, there were some really memorable holes. The opening par four is unusual. The 90-degree dogleg tempts cutting the corner. But playing at the large tree in the center of the fairway with less than driver leaves 125 yards.

The short par-4 sixth was another standout for me with an excellent risk/reward proposition.

The eighth would appear to me to be the course’s signature hole, though I can’t say that with certainty. Arthur Hills did a great job designing it, providing three options off the tee: one can play out to the right side and take advantage of the Redan-like fairway to feed the ball down the slope. Or one can challenge the corner of the dogleg and set up a wedge approach. Failure to clear it will leave the player in a large grass swale and perhaps dealing with tree trouble to pin placements on the left side of the green. Thirdly, one can play to the small landing area left of the cluster of trees and set up a short second shot. This route requires an approach completely over water though. This hole was well thought out and extremely fun to play.

The back nine played into the valley, so it was flatter than the undulating front half. The eleventh is a good hole that can offer a semi-blind approach if your tee shot is to the left half of the fairway. There is more room left of the green than appears though if you need to bail out.

Course played long in 10-15 mph wind and low 50s temps. Might want to move up a tee box.

I would like to see the staff keep the leaves picked up. Lost several balls in the leaves that should have been found.

The shoulder season rate is a good value and I definitely think it is worth a spin.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

awesome

beautiful course. went by myself, got partnered up with three other players. great experience. course was spectacular.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 24
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

The Virtues is The Best

The title pretty much sums it up. Starting with the staff, always friendly and professional. Course was in excellent shape even considering a year's worth of playing. Have played this course many times and have never been disappointed.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great service but poor condition

Have not played the course in probably 5 years. Service was top notch! Everyone was very nice! Unfortunately, for $90 and the drive, I would have thought the course would have been in better shape. Tee boxes have weeds and the turf has not been properly maintained. Sand was not raked/dragged and mostly muddy. The greens were not much to write home about either...very spotty. Sad to see such a beautiful course with such a wonderful history and incredible views fall into the state it is.

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 99
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Top 250 Contributor
Previously Played

Great

Wonderful course. Long. Beautiful. Scenic. Challenging. My traveling group goes twice a year every year and we will continue too.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
First Time Playing

Disappointed drive

I was excited to play a Top 100 course, as they typically outshine their reviews, however this was not the case with The Virtues. First off the pro shop staff wasn’t very friendly, but that’s not a big deal. The range was beat up with hardly any grass to hit from in between the ropes, I thought the course is probably better. The views from the first tee set my expectations high, and then I got to greens. When dropped $70 on a round I expect a level of smoothness from the greens. These greens didn’t reach the level of a $30 muni, I don’t think anyone repaired a pitch mark on the greens this season, every green I felt like I had to dodge land mines and buried elephants. I was truly disappointed in the greens and the fairways, tee boxes and rough didn’t make up for it. When you add to that the lack of water jugs and the beverage cart not showing up until 7 holes into our 2:30 front nine, I was disappointed and parched. Overall, the routing of the course was demanding requiring well placed drives and accurate approach shots. However, the routing could not overcome the poor conditions, I struggle to believe this course is a Top 100 course in the US, don’t waste your trip, play your local muni!

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Fair
Pace Fair
Amenities Average
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