Read why Tony Grossi from ESPN Cleveland radio rated EagleSticks his top choice for public golf in central Ohio.
- Condition (5.0)
- Playability (5.0)
- Par‑3s (5.0)
- Amenities (5.0)
- Value (4.75)
When radio personality and golf reviewer Tony Grossi pulled into EagleSticks Golf Club in Zanesville, he expected a good public track. What he found instead was one of the most unique pieces of golf property he’s played—defined by elevation on every hole, undulating greens, and deep, strategic bunkering that challenge golfers of every level.
A Course That Refuses to Be Flat
From the very first tee, EagleSticks makes it clear you’re not in flat central Ohio anymore. Every tee is elevated, every hole plays either dramatically uphill or downhill, and true level lies are almost nonexistent.
Grossi described the terrain as “West Virginia‑like,” praising fairways that roll and tilt, forcing players to think about every shot rather than simply aiming at flags from flat lies. That constant negotiation of stance and slope is part of what makes EagleSticks so memorable—and so fun.
The Vision Behind EagleSticks
During the episode, Grossi sat down with Kelly Morrow, PGA Director of Golf and General Manager at EagleSticks, to talk about how this distinctive course came to be.
Morrow explained that EagleSticks was originally a horse farm owned by the McClelland family, who lived in the farmhouse still visible near the entrance. Over time, the family acquired a neighboring restaurant and ultimately decided to transform the property into a golf course, opening EagleSticks in June 1990.
Renowned architect Dr. Michael Hurdzan—also known for Little Mountain Country Club and Stonewater Golf Club—was charged with turning this rolling farmland into a playable yet demanding layout. The result is a par‑70 course where the yardage (just over 6,100 yards from the blue tees) tells only part of the story; the true test lies in the elevation changes, uneven lies, and the strategic placement of 90 deep bunkers.
Signature Holes That Tell the Story
Ask regulars and first‑time visitors which holes define EagleSticks, and two numbers keep coming up: 8, 10, and especially 11.
- Hole 11 – The Corn Crib Par‑5
Kelly highlighted the par‑5 11th as the hole most golfers remember. It features three bridge segments made from sections of an old farm corn crib, repurposed from a single long structure that once stood on the property. Those distinctive bridges, combined with the hole’s difficulty, give #11 a ton of character and make it an instant standout for visiting golfers. - Hole 10 – The Picture‑Perfect Par‑3 Over Water
Both Morrow and Grossi pointed to #10 as another signature. A downhill par‑3 over water, framed by bunkers and elevation, it’s the kind of hole that ends up in countless photos and social feeds—a “pretty hole” that’s as visually striking as it is demanding. - A Set of Five Distinct Par‑3s
EagleSticks offers five par‑3 holes with varying yardages, elevations, and green complexes. Some play straight uphill, others straight downhill, but none are flat. Deep bunkering and narrow, undulating greens ensure that accuracy and club selection matter on every one‑shot hole.
These holes collectively showcase what EagleSticks is about: creative design, dramatic visuals, and shot‑making challenges that reward thoughtful play.
Destination Golf in Little Zanesville
Although EagleSticks sits in “little Zanesville,” it attracts golfers from well beyond its local market. Morrow shared that the club intentionally pivoted away from competing solely for local play and instead targeted destination golfers through trade shows across Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and Indianapolis.
Today, it’s common to see groups from Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and other major cities teeing it up at EagleSticks, often as part of multi‑day trips. The location helps: about two hours from Cleveland and roughly an hour east of Columbus, the club sits in a sweet spot for weekend golf getaways and stay‑and‑play packages.
EagleSticks also participates in Nine Stars of Golf offerings alongside courses like The Virtues, Apple Valley, and Denison Golf Club, making it an ideal anchor stop on a broader Ohio golf itinerary.
Weddings, Events, and Mac’s Sports Grill
The same dramatic terrain and tree‑lined vistas that make EagleSticks memorable for golfers also make it a sought‑after wedding and event venue. Morrow noted that the club is a wedding destination in central Ohio, hosting multiple ceremonies and receptions, often on back‑to‑back days.
A scene that stuck with Grossi was the white chairs lined up near the eighteenth hole, a visual reminder that EagleSticks is as picturesque for couples as it is for foursomes.
Off the course, Mac’s Sports Grill anchors the amenity package. This isn’t just a snack bar—it’s a full sports bar and restaurant that fills up with non‑golfers as well as players, with multiple TVs and a menu that impressed Grossi enough that he mentioned a standout Bloody Mary at the turn.
Operational touches like active rangers and call‑ahead food ordering from the ninth tee also contribute to pace of play and overall experience, demonstrating that the club thinks about the full day, not just the scorecard.
How EagleSticks Earned 5.0 Ratings
In the “Tee It Up” segment, Grossi methodically rated EagleSticks across several categories—Condition, Playability, Par‑3s, Amenities, and Value—providing a structured perspective for listeners.
- Condition (5.0) – Tees and greens are kept in excellent shape, the rough is cut short yet remains penal, and the 90 deep bunkers, a hallmark of Hurdzan’s design, are well‑maintained. Undulating greens ensure that “flat putts” are rare, adding interest on every hole.
- Playability (5.0) – Despite its modest yardage at par 70, Grossi emphasized that the course plays significantly tougher than its rating and slope suggest because of the elevation and uneven lies. Every tee is elevated, every hole runs uphill or downhill, and scenic views abound, making the course both visually and strategically engaging.
- Par‑3s (5.0) – With five par‑3s featuring varied yardages, elevation profiles, and bunkering, EagleSticks delivers one of the more memorable collections of short holes in the region.
- Amenities (5.0) – The driving range, Mac’s Sports Grill, rangers, and call‑ahead ordering not only enhance the golf experience but also support pace of play and off‑course enjoyment.
- Value (4.75) – Greens fees on weekends place EagleSticks on the higher end of public golf, but Grossi stressed that golfers are paying for something they don’t see every day. Midweek senior specials help widen accessibility, and the course’s uniqueness and trip‑friendly location round out the value proposition.
Across the board, EagleSticks comes close to a perfect public‑course score, a rare feat and a testament to its conditioning, design, and overall guest experience.
A Teacher’s Course, and a Teacher’s Home
Beyond his role as general manager, Kelly Morrow is recognized by co‑host Jimmy Hanlin, PGA golf professional and owner of Little Mountain Country Club and Stonewater Golf Club, as one of the best instructors in Ohio. Hanlin noted that once late afternoon hits, Kelly is often on the range tee giving lesson after lesson.
EagleSticks is the kind of course that rewards that teaching mindset. With balls frequently above or below a player’s feet and approaches playing uphill or downhill, golfers must think before every swing—especially on seemingly simple 120‑yard shots into greens that can punish straightforward, flag‑aiming swings.
Those uneven lies and elevation changes mirror the kinds of challenges tour players face and make EagleSticks an ideal place to learn how to manage trajectory, aim, and course strategy with professional guidance.
Source: Adapted from the “Tee It Up” radio show episode featuring EagleSticks Golf Club, with Tony Grossi, Kelly Morrow, and Jimmy Hanlin.
Listen to the full episode: Tee-It-Up radio show episode – EagleSticks Golf Club
