Toledo cherishes its
annual moment in the sun

For one week each July, Toledo and northwest Ohio becomes the center of the Ohio golfing world. The LPGA Jamie Farr (of M*A*S*H. fame) Kroger Classic is played at Highland Meadows Golf Club in July, and normally subdued, blue collar Toledo gets its moment in the Buckeye State sun.

Highland Meadows has hosted the tournament since 1988. It is a private course, so you can't play it during your visit, but with Toledo-native Farr involved, the pro-am always attracts an entertaining, if bizarre, mix of characters. Previous years’ lineups have included former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, actress Elke Sommer and former presidential chief of staff John Sununu.

A traditional and straightforward course, Highland Meadows is well bunkered and, with thin fairways and small rolling greens, can cause trouble for some golfers. Highland Meadows covers 6762 yards from the black tees and has a slope rating of 131. But no fear, worried golfers can take advantage of a driving range, chipping area and practice bunker before taking the course on.

There are plenty of public courses in Toledo for even the most discerning golfer. One is Ottawa Park Golf Course. Opened in 1908, Ottawa Park is one of the oldest courses west of New York. And it has always been one of Toledo's most popular courses.

Ottawa Park has been kept in fine shape throughout its many years, so it offers the same challenges it did when it opened nearly 100 years ago. This narrow course has several elevated tees, but landing areas are usually big targets. Trees lining the fairways can come into play on any given shot and water hazards affect four holes.

Ottawa Park has been around for so long that some Toledo residents may take it for granted and weekend rates are very good. Whether on or below the golf radar, Toledo's golf courses are some of the best in Ohio and leave little to be desired, even when compared to bigger city selection.