Avon Fields Golf Course (Cincinnati, OH)

The historic Avon Fields is located minutes from downtown Cincinnati and is reportedly the oldest municipal course west of the Alleghenies. Nine holes was built in 1914 and expanded to eighteen the following year. Who designed it is a muddling question. Both Donald Ross’ and William Langford’s names are mentioned, however, it is William Diddel who ultimately gets credit for his renovation work in 1933. 

Avon Fields is not going to make anyone’s list of places to play but it is a case study for what the future may hold for new courses built in urban settings. It’s a 4,963 yard par 66 comprised of twelve par fours and six par threes. There is not a single par five. The property is a mixture of ridges and valleys, and the course skillfully takes advantage of all these natural features. It’s a lovely round of golf and can be enjoyed in three hours or less by everyone who shows up. In a world where time is a factor that stymies the growth of the game, Avon Fields offers a practical solution. 

(The 354 yard par four fifth plays atop the ridge before dropping down to this green in the valley. Note the homes in the background of this urban playground. Now take a look at the steps leading up to the sixth tee…
…this 142 yard par three has the unusual hazard of having that wooden railing being in play albeit a rancid shot…
…the hole itself is artfully placed in the corner of the property. Drop offs short and right with a hazard left makes this a well earned par.) 

Another historical footnote pertains to the segregation of golf where African Americans struggled to find a place to play. Avon Fields was open to everyone and many black golfers called it home. Like Highland Park here in Cleveland, or Rackham in Detroit, Avon Fields is full of stories of men who never had the chance to prove themselves. 

For those not familiar with William Diddel, Avon Fields will be a fine introduction to his natural routing philosophy. He felt that a good routing doesn’t need any bunkers. There are several here but they are not needed. The holes either stay on the ridgeline, play across the valleys, or climb up the hills. The putting surfaces are tilted either to the front left or front right. It’s difficult to have a straight uphill putt. For a sub 5,000 yard course, it’s a fine golfing examination. It is a solid 4 (above average)(worth driving 30-45 minutes to play). 

(The course record is -11 under 55 set by local pro Hank Wilms.)