You’re driving through that manicured, white-fenced stretch of New Albany, Ohio, and you see the signs for a golf club. If you’re like most people, you probably assume it's another ultra-exclusive, members-only enclave where you need a secret handshake and a six-figure initiation fee just to look at the grass.
Honestly? You’d be wrong.
New Albany Links Golf Course is one of those rare birds in the Columbus golf scene: a semi-private track that actually wants the public to show up. It’s got the "country club" aesthetic—the winding creeks, the wetlands, the fancy clubhouse—but without the gatekeeper energy. It was designed by Barry Serafin and opened in 1999, tucked right into a massive 400-home community.
People often confuse it with "The Golf Club" (the hyper-private Pete Dye masterpiece nearby) or the Jack Nicklaus-designed New Albany Country Club. Don't do that. You can actually get a tee time here without knowing a Senator.
The Layout: Why It’s More Than Just a Neighborhood Course
A lot of suburban courses feel like they were squeezed into a housing development as an afterthought. You know the type. Every hole is lined with backyard trampolines and nervous-looking windows.
New Albany Links is different.
📖 Related: Michael Phelps Long Putt: The Day the GOAT Broke Golf (Sorta)
Serafin took advantage of the naturally rolling terrain. The course plays to a par 72 and stretches out to a healthy 7,004 yards from the back tees. It has a rating of 73.3 and a slope of 137, which tells you it’s not exactly a walk in the park if you're playing the tips.
The "links" in the name isn't just marketing fluff, though it’s definitely an Ohio version of the concept. You’ve got the native grasses, the wetlands, and the wind. Oh, the wind. Since the course is relatively open in sections, a 15-mph breeze can turn a simple par 4 into a psychological battle.
The Water and the Woods
You'll encounter meandering creeks and lakes that seem to pop up exactly where your slice wants to land. The wetlands are protected, meaning if your ball goes in, it belongs to the local turtle population now.
- Holes 1-6: Open, breezy, and very "linksy."
- The Middle Stretch: More trees start to creep in, demanding tighter accuracy.
- The Finish: A mix of risk-reward shots that can absolutely ruin a good scorecard in the final three holes.
The greens are historically fast. They’re undulating, too. If you leave yourself on the wrong tier, you're looking at a three-putt before you even pull the flatstick out of the bag.
The Reality of Course Conditions
Let’s be real for a second. If you look at reviews from the last year or two, you’ll see some back-and-forth.
Some golfers rave about the "sharp and crisp fringes" and the fast greens. Others have complained about rocky bunkers or brown spots during the peak of a dry Ohio July.
It’s a semi-private course that sees a lot of play. That’s the trade-off. You get a championship-caliber layout for a fraction of a private club price, but that means the tee boxes get chewed up and the pace of play can occasionally crawl on a Saturday morning.
If you want the best experience, try to snag a mid-week morning time. The maintenance crew is solid, and the course usually looks its best before the weekend rush beats it down.
Membership and the "Columbus Collective"
New Albany Links is part of what’s known as the Columbus Collective. This is a big deal if you live in the area and play a lot of golf.
🔗 Read more: How Old Is Federer Tennis Player: What Most People Get Wrong
Basically, if you get a membership here, you’re not just stuck playing the same 18 holes until you’re bored to tears. Depending on your tier, you get access to other "Collective" courses like:
- Bent Tree
- Royal American Links
- Glenross
- Clover Valley
- Golf Club of Dublin
For 2026, a standard "Home Course" membership at the Links runs around $3,600+. It’s not cheap, but it’s a steal compared to the $20k+ initiations you’ll find down the street.
One thing to note: New Albany Links does not have a driving range. Yeah, you read that right. It’s the biggest quirk of the property. If you need to hit 50 balls to find your swing before you tee off, you’re out of luck. They have putting greens and a chipping area, but for full swings, you have to go elsewhere. Most members just use the range at the Golf Club of Dublin if they have the multi-course pass.
The Social Side: The Links Pub
You don’t even have to like golf to end up here. The Links Pub is open to the public and is actually a legit neighborhood hangout.
The menu is a mix of American and Italian. We’re talking pizzas, pastas, and the "Twisty Links"—which is basically their signature appetizer (provolone, pepperoni, and salami wrapped in dough and brushed with garlic butter).
It’s got that relaxed, "everyone knows each other" vibe. There are 16 flat-screen TVs around the bar, so it’s a massive spot for Buckeyes games in the fall.
💡 You might also like: What's the Sixers Score? Finding Real-Time Results and Why the Numbers Matter Right Now
Amenities Beyond the Grass
Since it serves a 400-home community, the club functions as a social hub.
- The Pool: Private for members, and they have a competitive swim team.
- Tennis & Pickleball: Pam Lippy runs the program there, and yes, the pickleball craze has fully taken over the courts.
- Fitness Center: It’s a 30,000 sq. ft. facility (shared with the community) that's way better than your average hotel gym.
Planning an Event?
If you're looking for a wedding venue that doesn't feel like a stuffy ballroom, the clubhouse is solid. It has stone fireplaces and high ceilings that give it a "rustic-grandeur" feel. They can handle about 125 guests, which is that "Goldilocks" size—not too small, not a massive gala.
How to Play Your Best Round Here
If you’re heading out for the first time, keep these things in mind.
First, forget the driver on some of the par 4s. The bunkers are strategically placed right where a 250-yard drive wants to settle. Sometimes a 4-iron to the fat part of the fairway is the smarter play.
Second, watch the wind. Because the terrain is rolling and somewhat exposed, the wind can swirl. Check the flags on the nearby holes, not just the one you're on.
Third, prepare for the greens. They are often faster than they look. If you’re above the hole, just breathe on the ball.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Columbus Collective Website: Before booking a single round, see if there are "Resident Card" specials. If you live in specific zip codes, you can get weekday rounds for around $44.
- Call the Pro Shop (614-855-8532): Ask about the current green conditions. Since there’s no range, ask if the practice chipping green is open so you can at least loosen up your arms.
- Book 7 Days Out: If you aren't a member, that's your window. The good morning times on weekends disappear within minutes of opening up.
- Try the Twisty Links: Seriously. Even if you play a terrible round and lose six balls in the wetlands, those things make the trip worth it.
New Albany Links isn't trying to be the most prestigious club in the world. It’s a high-end, accessible, and challenging course that feels like a neighborhood backyard. Just don't expect a driving range, and you'll have a great time.