Tam O'Shanter Golf Course Review

Tam O'Shanter Golf Course, located in Canton, Ohio, is one of the best public golf courses in Northeastern Ohio. In fact, Tam O'Shanter has been voted the best public golf course in Stark County for the last two years and is an excellent all-around test of one's golf game. With 36 holes, 5 practice greens, and a spacious multi-target driving range, it has a lot to offer everyone from the casual golfer who is there to enjoy an outing to the serious low-handicapper who is there to practice his short game.

Course Conditions
Tam O'Shanter is, for the most part, a well-maintained golf course. The tees and fairways are well manicured and the greens, although a bit slow for some golfers' tastes, roll true. The rough is kept at a manageable height although specific spots on the course can be more penal in that regard. For instance, if you miss the fairway on the short par 5 3^rd hole on the Hills course, be prepared to take a mighty hack in order to advance your ball anywhere near the green. This year has been a particularly dry one in Northeastern Ohio and all public courses are suffering to some extent. Tam O'Shanter is no exception but the course has remained, on the whole, a beautiful, green oasis of golf.

Layout and Design
According to their website, the fairways on the Dales course were naturally sculpted by glaciers¹. When you see the course, you will not doubt that statement. The fairways are rolling and undulating and offer many uneven lies to test your game. The greens will also test your ability with the flat stick and your skill at reading break. If you can decipher the undulations - some small and some very large - you will be richly rewarded.

The Hills course, which opened in 1931, has very small greens and will require solid approach shots in order to score effectively. Like the Dales course, the Hills course at Tam O'Shanter has some significant shape and elevation changes throughout its 18 holes. With several semi-blind tee shots and many dogleg holes, accuracy and shot making are at a premium.

In general, you will find Tam O'Shanter Golf Course's layout to be challenging and diverse, if not overly long. The Hills course plays to 6,362 yards from the back tees and the Dales course weighs in at 6,538 yards (both are par 70).

Pro Shop and Practice Facilities
The Pro Shop at Tam O'Shanter carries a variety of name brand clothing, shoes, golf balls, and equipment at reasonable prices. The selection is not extravagant - especially when it comes to golf clubs - and the prices aren't as low as you'll find at a large sporting goods store or an online retailer. But if you need to restock on golf balls or grab a rain jacket, you'll get by quite nicely.

In comparison to other Northeastern Ohio public golf courses, the practice facilities at Tam O'Shanter golf course are top notch. With three putting greens, a chipping/approach green, and a green meant for practicing bunker shots, Tam O'Shanter allows you to practice multiple ways to improve your short game. The driving range is long and wide, allowing between 30 to 40 golfers to take aim at six different targets or try to iron out the kinks in their drivers.

Value
While Tam O'Shanter's layout and practice facilities are greater than those of other courses in the area, its prices are not. Eighteen holes with a cart on a weekday will cost you $28.00 and that gets bumped up to $38.00 on the weekends (unless you play after 1:00pm, in which case you'll still only get charged $28.00).

Conclusion
Tam O'Shanter Golf Course is only minutes away from the Pro Football Hall of Fame and beckons you to come visit if you're ever in the area. It is a well-maintained and interesting layout that will allow you to hone your short game and your short irons and not leave you short on cash. If you live in Northeastern Ohio or find yourself in the area with your golf clubs in the trunk, stop by and tee it up. You won't be disappointed.