Turkeyfoot Golf Links (Akron, OH) [Updated]

Turkeyfoot has not been immune to the rash of closings seen in the region the past several years. The third nine, also known as the Lake nine, was sold to developers late last season. The main course is still intact and will be celebrating its centennial anniversary in 2025. For area golfers, this is a wonderful place to learn the game. The lack of water hazards, except for the par three thirteenth, allow players to hit the ball without the fear of losing it to a poor shot. The sandy soil keeps the turf in fine shape and is always dry even at the beginning of the year. 

(Looking from the twelth green, the severe pitch of the thirteenth is boldly evident. Players know to keep below the hole to have an easy two putt par, but when the pin is in the front, like today’s, all hell breaks loose as you oscillate between being too precise, like the pin shot next to the hole, or ultra conservative to the middle of the green where a heavy hand can scurry the ball past the cup and down the fairway.) 

For me, Turkeyfoot represents a bygone era full of quirk and charm. It consistently challenges the single handicap player despite its short stature of 6300 yards. How is this possible? First, the par threes are all long. Two of the five play well over 200 yards. Second, the handful of short par fours, including a few driveable ones, have the most difficult greens. Birdies are not on the menu unless you execute a very good shot. Thirdly, OB makes its appearance, specifically on 10,11, and 18, in bold fashion. The white stakes are literally just a few yards from the action, all on the right. A mistimed slice is a legitimate fear. Finally, the par fives, which everyone views as birdie holes, are very long with a couple clocking in at 570+. Only a select few are reaching these in two shots. The rest of us must string three shots together. 

(The fourth hole plays as a par five from the regular markers but a par four from the back. It enjoys a great view of the Portage Lakes. The green is a simple one but the nuance breaks are difficult to read.)

Turkeyfoot also has my favorite drive. I love cruising through the Portage Lakes, peering at the canals and the homes that line them. There’s a seaside town vibe that permeates the air. The Upper Deck is directly across the street and is the perfect place to recap the round. The scenery isn’t too shabby either if you know what I mean. Everything about Turkeyfoot makes for a fun day. It’s an easy walk, the greens rival any in the area, and a good score is available for those playing well. I’d put it on the short list of best public courses in Akron. I give it a solid 5 (good)(worth driving an hour to play). 

(View of nine green from the first tee.)