If you grew up in Lorain County, you know "The Bob." You’ve probably spent a Saturday morning there, squinting through the early fog, wondering if your slice is going to find the French Creek or just get lucky in the rough. For over 50 years, Bob-O-Link Avon has been more than just a place to hit a little white ball. It’s been a community hub, a family legacy, and one of the most accessible public courses in Northeast Ohio.
But things are looking a lot different lately. If you haven't been out to Center Road recently, you might be surprised to see that the sprawling 36-hole layout many of us memorized over the decades has shrunk.
What’s actually happening to the course?
The Fitch family, who has owned and operated Bob-O-Link for generations, made a massive decision a couple of years back. They sold about 45 acres of the property to the Lorain County Metro Parks.
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Honestly, it’s a bittersweet move. On one hand, we’re losing nine holes of golf. On the other, that land isn't becoming another crowded subdivision or a strip mall. It’s being folded into the Miller Nature Preserve. The goal is "natural reclamation"—basically letting the wetlands and woods go back to their wild roots.
As of 2026, the transition is essentially complete. The course has officially downsized from a 36-hole facility to a 27-hole layout. You’ve still got three distinct nines to play:
- The Blue Course: Established in 1988, this one is a local favorite for its consistent play.
- The Gold Course: The "newest" addition from 2008, which adds a bit of modern challenge.
- The White Course: This is where the real work happened. It was significantly redesigned in 2024 to accommodate the land sale while keeping the flow of the game intact.
Why people still flock to Bob-O-Link Avon
Let’s be real: Bob-O-Link isn’t Augusta National. It doesn't try to be. That’s exactly why people love it. It’s flat. It’s walkable. It’s the kind of place where a high-handicapper doesn't feel like they’re being judged by the guys in the group behind them.
The terrain is famously easy on the legs. If you're someone who prefers walking over riding a cart, this is arguably the best layout in the Avon area. You won't find soul-crushing elevation changes here. Instead, you get a straightforward challenge that rewards accuracy over raw power.
There's also a sense of history that’s hard to replicate. The White Course originally opened back in 1969. Think about that for a second. That’s over half a century of divots and frustrated putts. When you play here, you’re playing on the same soil where thousands of local kids learned the game.
The 2024 Redesign: What to expect
If you haven't played the "new" White Course yet, the vibe has shifted. Because of the land transfer to the Metro Parks, the routing had to change.
The Fitch family used this as an opportunity to upgrade. They’ve been working on a larger driving range and a better practice area. If you’re like me and your short game is basically a disaster, the new practice facilities are a godsend. They’ve also been thinning out some of the older, dying trees and replacing them with saplings, which has opened up the views across the property. It feels less "claustrophobic" than it used to.
Essential details for your next round
Planning a visit? Here is the "boots on the ground" info you actually need:
- Location: 4141 Center Road (State Route 83), Avon, OH. It’s right between I-90 and I-480, making it a breeze to get to even if you're coming from Cleveland or Elyria.
- The Layout: 27 holes total. When you check in, the staff tells you which two nines you’re playing for your 18-hole round.
- The Amenities: It’s classic "munchie" food. We're talking hot dogs, beer, and a snack bar that hits the spot at the turn. They have 162 carts if you aren't feeling the walk, and they even offer GHIN handicap services for the more serious sticks.
- Instruction: LPGA Professional Vicki Harshberger is the go-to here. If you’re struggling with a snap hook, she’s the one to call.
The verdict on the "New" Bob-O-Link
Some regulars were worried that losing nine holes would make the course feel crowded or "lesser than." But the reality is that 27 holes is still a lot of golf. It allows for leagues and outings to happen on two nines while keeping the third nine open for public play. It’s a smart way to keep a family business alive in an era where golf courses are disappearing to developers every single day.
The Fitch family is still at the helm. That matters. In a world of corporate-owned clubs, having a family-run spot where the owners actually care about the greens and the community is rare.
What you should do next:
If you haven't seen the changes yet, book a tee time for the White Course. It’s a chance to see how the redesign has breathed new life into the oldest part of the property. Also, take a peek at the border where the course meets the Miller Nature Preserve. Seeing that land return to its natural state while you're lining up a birdie putt is a pretty unique Northeast Ohio experience. Check the weather, grab your bag, and get out there before the weekend rush hits.