You’ve probably driven past it. If you live anywhere near Westerville or the northeast side of Columbus, you know that stretch of road where the trees get thick and the houses start looking a bit more established. But honestly, most people just see a sign and keep driving toward Easton. That’s a mistake. The Golf Club at Little Turtle isn't just another suburban course where you hack away for four hours and go home. It’s got this weird, brilliant history and a layout that will absolutely ruin your scorecard if you show up with an ego.
Pete Dye did the original design. If you know golf, that name usually means two things: railroad ties and a lot of swearing. Dye was known for making golfers feel like they were playing through a minefield, and while Little Turtle has seen some serious changes over the decades—including a massive renovation project that wrapped up a few years back—that "Dye DNA" is still very much in the soil. It’s a par-71 that doesn't rely on massive length to beat you. Instead, it uses angles, water, and some of the most frustratingly beautiful greens in the 614.
The Hurdzan-Fry Transformation: Not Just a Facelift
For a long time, Little Turtle was struggling. It’s okay to say it. The course had some drainage issues, and the layout felt a bit cramped in spots as the surrounding residential area grew. But then the club brought in Hurdzan-Fry Golf Course Design. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry are the guys behind Erin Hills—the monster in Wisconsin that hosted the U.S. Open.
They didn't just move some dirt around. They fundamentally changed how the course breathes.
The renovation was massive. We’re talking about a total overhaul of the irrigation system, which was the "hidden" hero of the project. Before, a heavy rain meant you were playing in a swamp for three days. Now? It drains. It plays firm. It plays fast. They also redesigned several holes to improve the flow and, frankly, to make the course more playable for the average person who doesn't carry a +2 handicap. But don't get it twisted—it’s still a beast from the back tees.
The new layout emphasizes "strategic" golf. You can’t just pull driver on every hole and pray. Well, you can, but you'll be buying a new box of Pro V1s by the turn. Take the par-4s here; many of them demand a specific side of the fairway just to have a look at the pin. If you're on the wrong side, you’re staring at a hanging branch or a bunker that looks like it was dug by a giant.
Why the Back Nine Will Break Your Heart (In a Good Way)
The back nine at Little Turtle is where the drama happens. Seriously.
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The stretch of holes that winds through the lower part of the property is some of the most scenic golf in Central Ohio, but it's also incredibly tight. You have Big Walnut Creek hovering nearby, and the elevation changes are subtle but deceptive. One of the standout features of the modern Little Turtle experience is the conditioning. Since the private club was acquired and revamped by the current ownership group, the greens have become some of the truest in the region.
- The Greens: They are fast. Not "I might fall over" fast, but fast enough that if you're above the hole on a hot July afternoon, you're looking at a three-putt.
- The Bunkering: It’s intentional. There aren't bunkers just for the sake of having sand. They are placed exactly where your "miss" usually goes.
- The Water: It’s everywhere. Or at least it feels like it. It forces you to make decisions.
I talked to a regular there once who described the course as a "chess match with a high probability of losing your ball." That’s accurate. But that’s also why people join. You don't get bored here. You can play this course a hundred times and still find yourself in a spot you've never been in before, wondering how on earth you're going to save par.
It’s Not Just About the 18th Green
A lot of private clubs feel like they’re stuck in 1985. You know the vibe—smoky locker rooms and a dining room that requires a jacket. Little Turtle went a different way. When they renovated the course, they also poured a ton of money into the clubhouse and the social side of things.
The fitness center is actually usable. It’s not just a treadmill in a basement. They’ve got modern equipment and programs that actually cater to people who want to stay fit for golf. And the pool area? It’s basically a resort. During the summer, that’s where the life of the club is. It’s less about "old money" and more about families who want a place to hang out that isn't a public park.
The Tavern at Little Turtle is another spot that deserves a mention. Usually, "club food" means a mediocre burger or a club sandwich that’s been sitting under a heat lamp. Here, the culinary game is surprisingly high-end. They’ve leaned into the "social club" aspect, making it a place where you actually want to grab dinner on a Tuesday night even if you didn't play a round.
Membership Realities: What You Should Know
Look, let’s be real. Joining a private club is a big decision. It’s an investment. The Golf Club at Little Turtle is private, which means you’re paying for the privilege of not having a five-and-a-half-hour round behind a bachelor party.
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Is it worth it?
If you live on the northeast side—New Albany, Gahanna, Westerville—the location is unbeatable. You can be on the range in ten minutes. That "proximity factor" is what usually sells people. But the real value is in the community. It’s a younger membership than it used to be. You see a lot of families, a lot of working professionals, and a lot of people who just genuinely love the game.
They also offer different tiers of membership. You don't necessarily have to be a "full golf" member if you're just looking for the social or fitness side of things, though if you’re reading this, you’re probably here for the grass.
The Technical Side: Understanding the Slope and Rating
For the gearheads and the stat nerds, the numbers at Little Turtle tell a story. From the championship tees, it might look "short" on the scorecard compared to some of the 7,400-yard monsters they build today. Don't let that fool you. The slope rating is high because the margin for error is thin.
When the wind kicks up off the creek, the par-3s become absolute nightmares. There’s one in particular where you’re hitting over water to a green that feels about the size of a postage stamp. If you're short, you're wet. If you're long, you're in a bunker or deep rough with a downhill chip back toward the water. It’s the kind of hole that makes you question why you play this game, right up until the moment you stick an 8-iron to five feet. Then you're hooked again.
The fairway turf is typically bentgrass, kept tight. This allows for those creative chip shots around the greens—if you have the hands for it. If you’re a "chunk and run" kind of player, you’re going to have a rough time on the tight lies around these complexes.
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Common Misconceptions About the Club
People think it’s still the "old" Little Turtle. It’s not.
I hear it all the time: "Oh, isn't that the place that floods?" or "Isn't that course really cramped?"
Those critiques were valid fifteen years ago. They aren't now. The massive investment in infrastructure turned the drainage around, and the redesign by Hurdzan-Fry opened up sightlines that didn't exist before. It feels like a modern championship course now, just tucked into an established neighborhood.
Another misconception is that it’s "unapproachable." There’s this idea that private clubs in Columbus are all stuffy and elitist. While there’s certainly a level of prestige, Little Turtle has a much more "come as you are" vibe than some of the other clubs in the area. It’s friendly. The pro shop staff actually knows your name. It’s the kind of place where you can find a game on a Saturday morning without having to schedule it three weeks in advance.
Actionable Steps for Interested Golfers
If you’re thinking about checking out The Golf Club at Little Turtle, don't just stare at the website. Here is how you actually figure out if it's for you:
- Request a Preview Round: Most private clubs, Little Turtle included, will allow prospective members to play a round or tour the facilities. Do this. You need to see the "flow" of the club on a busy day, not just a quiet Monday.
- Check the Social Calendar: Ask to see their events for the last three months. A club is only as good as its culture. If they have events that interest you—whether it's wine tastings, junior golf clinics, or competitive tournaments—that’s a huge plus.
- Evaluate Your Commute: Seriously. The best club is the one you actually use. If you’re within a 15-minute radius, you’ll find yourself hitting the range after work. If you’re 45 minutes away, you’re paying for a membership you’ll use twice a month.
- Talk to the Members: When you're there, strike up a conversation at the bar. Ask them what they don't like. Usually, you'll hear honest feedback about the pace of play or the bunker consistency. At Little Turtle, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive since the renovations, but it’s always good to get the "boots on the ground" perspective.
- Look at the Practice Facilities: The range and short game area were part of the upgrade. If you’re a range rat, make sure the setup meets your needs. Little Turtle’s practice area is solid, especially for working on those tricky 40-yard wedge shots you'll need on the course.
The Golf Club at Little Turtle has survived the ups and downs of the Columbus golf market by evolving. It’s a survivor. It’s a Pete Dye original that grew up, got a sophisticated makeover, and decided it wanted to be the coolest kid on the block. Whether you're looking for a punishing test of golf or just a really nice place to have a beer by the pool, it’s worth a second look. Just bring some extra balls. You’re going to need them.