Raymond Memorial Golf Course (Columbus, OH)

Designed in 1954 by Robert Trent Jones Sr, Raymond Memorial showcases “twin par threes,” an interesting concept that was meant to speed up play by having faster players use the “twin” hole, and play through slower groups. It’s the only time I’ve ever seen an architect tackle the pace of play issue. Obviously the idea never gained traction, I’m guessing because it requires more land, or it could possibly be a safety issue, but the fact the city of Columbus maintains all eight par threes makes the course an architectural anomaly. 

Raymond occupies a flat piece of property with minimal elevation change. A creek winds through on the western half, influencing play on 11-13. While the course is wide open, making it a favorite among all levels of players, the greens are downright treacherous with bold internal contouring. Many of the putting surfaces are defined by mounds with deep, gaping bunkers cut into them. For the high skilled player, it’s an examination of ball striking, and for better or worse, lag putting. There are some confounding slopes where putting even from twenty feet can lead to a three putt. 

(The 175/162 yard par three fifth is pretty straightforward. The twin hole is to the left and has its own tee, fairway, bunkers, and green. Nowadays, they just alternate them to give golfers variety.) 

(The 447/422 yard par four seventh is a great hole that angles to the right off the tee. A good drive leaves a long iron shot to green guarded by two cresting bunkers. An extra club is recommended for the approach.) 

Raymond Memorial is one of the busiest public courses in Ohio with over 60k rounds per year. Wilson Road, an executive nine holer, is literally next door. Like Big Met and Little Met here in Cleveland, they’ve been growing the game of golf for decades. I love these kind of pairings where players can graduate from a lil course to a big course and vice versa as they get older. I give Raymond a 4 (above average)(worth driving 30-45 minutes to play). 

(The 420/405 yard par four tenth only requires one doesn’t hook it left into the trees. There’s plenty of room down the right side to drive the ball. An open entrance allows a run up shot.) 

[I played the front nine on a mild 50+ degree day in March from the white tees at 3,177 yards. The par fives were pretty simple but 2,3,7 were bruiser par fours, especially with the soft conditions. I shot a modest 42 with three pars and six bogeys.]

(The 489/481 yard par five first hole is easy until you get to the green. A steep slope in the front climbs up to the center where a pimple like feature forms opposing pin locations back right and left. The pin in pic is on the very top.) 

(Notice how the mounding defines the perimeter of the green, housing the bunker on the outside, and creating a big slope on the inside for the ball to work back to the middle of the green. RTJsr created some really cool greens here.)