Don Easterday designed Wilkshire in 1969. As an amateur architect, Easterday did a pretty good job. The course has a good flow to it, the greens are beautifully shaped, and the bunkering is well placed. I think it's a shame that several traps that protect the greens are filled in. I think they would be awesome if restored back to sand.
Easterday owned a nursery and he planted thousands of trees and shrubs on the property. In some cases he planted too many. Any kind of mishit will lead to tree trouble. The river holes 12-14 are very picturesque. They re the ones seen from I77 as you drive past Bolivar/Zoar exit.
Wilkshire has several good holes that make this worth the hour trip. I particularly like the third and sixth greens. While they are ample size, both have smaller back portions that are tiered several feet above the front and middle sections. When the pin is located in the rear, players will be forced to hit an excellent shot to get close to the pin. The last four holes are well thought out. All par fours that demand well positioned tee shots and precise executed approach shots. I'm fond of sixteen where the drive has to perfect to avoid the water left. Finally eighteen is a classic ending hole. The green is elevated in an amphitheater just below the clubhouse where those enjoying post round drinks can watch the action coming in.
I ve never played here in the summer. There are just too many really good courses. But when the winter months come, I'm amazed how dry the course is and I enjoy Wilkshire immensely. It's a solid a 3 rating (average).
A classic finish (18th hole)
Approach into 17
This sub 300 yard par 4 has a wide bunker protecting the entrance.
Wouldnt be great if they could reincorporate the left trap back into sand?!
The mighty Tuscarawas River.
It doesnt really come into play except on tee shot of 12.
Note the back upper tier.
Both 3 & 6 have this feature.
(this is the third hole)
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