You’ve probably driven past it a dozen times if you live near Kent or Stow. It’s tucked away on State Route 59, looking unassuming from the road. But Raccoon Hill Golf Course Ohio has this weird, magnetic pull for people who actually live here. It isn't a country club. It doesn't pretend to be Oakmont. Honestly, that’s exactly why people love it.
Golf is getting expensive. Like, "rethink your mortgage" expensive. But Raccoon Hill stays in that sweet spot where you can grab a tee time without selling a kidney. It’s a par-71 layout that manages to be both approachable for the guy who only plays twice a year and frustratingly technical for the low-handicapper.
The terrain is the real story here. Northeast Ohio isn't exactly the Rockies, but the rolling hills on this property will absolutely mess with your club selection. You’ll stand on a tee box thinking you have a simple 150-yard shot, only to realize the elevation change makes it play like 135 or 165. It’s a mental game as much as a physical one.
What to Expect on the Fairways of Raccoon Hill
The course layout is a bit of a mix. You’ve got these wide-open spaces where you can really let the driver rip, and then suddenly, you're staring down a narrow corridor of trees that makes your palms sweat. Most local regulars will tell you the back nine is where the real character shows up.
There’s water. Not a "Florida-style lake at every hole" kind of water, but enough strategically placed hazards to ruin a perfectly good scorecard if you’re being cocky. The greens are generally kept in solid shape—better than you’d expect for the price point, frankly. They aren't lightning-fast, but they're consistent. That consistency is huge for local amateur tournaments and the heavy league play the course hosts during the week.
If you’re looking for a "resort experience," keep driving. But if you want a place where the beer is cold, the grass is green, and nobody is going to give you a hard time about your slightly-too-loud golf shirt, this is it. It’s authentic. It feels like Ohio golf used to feel before everything became a "luxury lifestyle brand."
Navigating the Elevation and Layout
Let’s talk about the hills. They aren't just for show. Because the course is built on such undulating land, your lie is almost never flat. You’re hitting uphill, downhill, or with the ball three inches above your feet.
- The opening holes give you a chance to warm up without too much trauma.
- The middle stretch starts to tighten up.
- If you can survive the closing stretch without losing three balls in the brush, you've had a good day.
Maintenance is always a hot topic for public courses. At Raccoon Hill, they do a lot with what they have. The drainage is decent, though after one of those classic Ohio thunderstorms, you might find a few "squishy" spots in the low-lying areas. That’s just part of the charm (or the challenge, depending on how much you care about your white shoes).
Why the Location Matters for Kent State Students and Alumni
Being so close to Kent State University gives the course a specific energy. On any given Tuesday afternoon, you’ll see a mix of retirees who have played here since the Nixon administration and college kids trying to figure out which end of the club to hold.
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It’s an accessible entry point.
Most people don't realize how intimidating golf can be for beginners. Raccoon Hill lowers that barrier. The staff is generally laid back. They know they aren't hosting the US Open. This "come as you are" vibe has kept the business thriving even when other local courses have folded or turned into housing developments.
The practice facilities are functional. You have a driving range and a putting green. Is it the most high-tech range in the world? No. But it gets the job done when you need to iron out that slice before the Saturday morning scramble.
The Pricing Reality
Let's be real: we're all looking at our wallets. Green fees here are some of the most competitive in Portage County. They offer various rates for seniors, juniors, and twilight hitters.
- Weekday rates are a steal.
- Weekend mornings are busy, so book ahead.
- The "twilight" specials are the best kept secret for getting 9 holes in after work.
Managing the Technical Challenges of the Par-71
A par-71 means you have to be smart. You can't just "bomb and gouge" your way through 18 holes. There are several par 4s where taking a 3-wood or even a long iron off the tee is the smarter play because the fairway runs out or a dogleg catches you off guard.
The bunkers are... well, they’re bunkers. Some days they’re fluffy; some days they’re a bit packed down. It’s a public course in the Midwest. Adjust your expectations and your sand wedge technique accordingly.
One thing people often overlook is the wind. Because of the way the course sits on the higher ground of the "hill," a breeze that feels like nothing in the parking lot can be a two-club wind once you’re out on the exposed fairways. Always check the treetops before you commit to a club.
Real Talk: The Clubhouse and Amenities
The clubhouse is classic. It’s got that smell of old wood, golf spikes, and hot dogs. It’s the kind of place where you actually want to sit and have a drink after the round. They have a snack bar with the essentials—pretzels, chips, and basic sandwiches.
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They also handle outings surprisingly well. If you’re planning a charity event or a corporate "get away from the office" day, the staff at Raccoon Hill knows the drill. They’re efficient at getting 72 people out on the course and fed without a massive headache.
Comparing Raccoon Hill to Other Portage County Courses
Northeast Ohio is actually spoiled for choice when it comes to golf. You’ve got everything from the high-end designs like Boulder Creek to the more rugged municipal tracks.
Raccoon Hill sits right in the middle. It’s better maintained than your average "cow pasture" muni, but it’s far more relaxed and affordable than the premium daily-fee courses. It fills the "everyday golfer" niche perfectly. It’s the course you play every week while you save the $100+ rounds for special occasions.
One local golfer, Mike D., who has lived in Kent for twenty years, puts it simply: "I've played the fancy spots. They're nice. But at Raccoon Hill, I know the guys in the pro shop, I know where the hidden rocks are in the rough, and I don't feel like I have to apologize for being a 15-handicap."
Seasonal Changes and When to Visit
Ohio golf is a seasonal sport. Raccoon Hill usually opens as soon as the frost breaks in the spring—sometimes as early as March if we get a lucky warm spell.
The course looks its best in late May and early June. Everything is lush and green. By August, like most courses without a multi-million dollar irrigation budget, the fairways might get a little "crispy" and fast. That’s actually fun, though. You get an extra 20 yards of roll on your drives.
Fall golf here is spectacular. The trees surrounding the course turn brilliant shades of orange and red. There is nothing quite like hitting a crisp iron shot into a backdrop of autumn leaves on a 60-degree October afternoon. Just watch where your ball lands; white Titleists have a way of disappearing under yellow maple leaves.
Actionable Tips for Your First Round at Raccoon Hill
If you're heading out there this weekend, keep these specific things in mind to save a few strokes.
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First, trust the yardage markers. Don't eyeball it. The elevation changes will lie to you. Use a rangefinder that has a slope function if you have one, but if not, always lean toward taking one more club on the uphill shots.
Second, stay below the hole. The greens here generally tilt from back to front. If you end up above the pin on a hot summer day, you’re looking at a defensive putt that might end up off the front of the green if you aren't careful.
Third, mind the doglegs. Several holes require you to shape the ball or at least aim at a specific landmark rather than just the center of the fairway. If the starter tells you to aim at the big oak tree on a specific hole, listen to them. They've seen thousands of rounds; they know where the trouble hides.
Lastly, check the local rules regarding the hazards. Sometimes local conditions (like heavy rain) change how they play certain areas. A quick 30-second chat with the person behind the counter can save you a penalty stroke and an argument with your buddies later.
Final Gear and Preparation
Don't overcomplicate it. Make sure you have plenty of balls—the woods are hungry. Bring some water, though they do have coolers and a beverage cart on busier days.
Most importantly, go in with the right mindset. Raccoon Hill is about enjoying the game in its purest, most unpretentious form. It’s a community hub. It’s a place where families play together and friends settle bets over 18 holes.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Book Online: Check their official website or use a third-party booking app, as tee times fill up fast on weekends.
- Check the Weather: Being on a hill makes it windier and slightly cooler than the surrounding valley areas.
- Arrive Early: The parking lot can get tight during peak hours, and you’ll want a few minutes on the putting green to gauge the speed before the first tee.
- Support the Local Pro Shop: They often have deals on gloves and balls that rival the big-box stores.
Raccoon Hill Golf Course Ohio remains a testament to the idea that golf doesn't have to be exclusive to be excellent. It’s rugged, it’s challenging, and it’s quintessentially Ohio. Whether you’re a KSU student looking for a cheap afternoon out or a seasoned local pro, the hill is waiting. Get your bag ready. The 1st tee is open.