By Fred Altvater
Many times, when you are excited about an upcoming event, like visiting a new golf course, the experience does not live up to the hype and we come away disappointed. That will never be the case at Firestone Country Club.
Since opening as a private club for Firestone employees and their families in 1929, few have gained access to play on the three courses that comprise the club.
We have all seen Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods win multiple titles on the historic south course and only dream of one day walking those same fairways.
Well, now you can.
Firestone Country Club has recently announced a new ‘Stay & Play’ program that allows golf fans to stay on the grounds and play all three courses at Firestone. 
The South Course has hosted numerous PGA Tour events over its 93-year history. The World Series of Golf was held on the South Course 1962-1998. Eighteen WGC Bridgestone Championships were competed on the South Course, plus it was the site of three PGA Championships. In all, 68 professional golf tournaments have been held at the iconic club.
It is known for the tall trees that line every fairway and the par-5 16th hole that Arnold Palmer dubbed ‘The Monster.’ In fact, a plaque was dedicated in 2017 to recognize Palmer and his frustration with the treacherous hole.
The North Course can’t claim the tradition and history of its sister, the South Course, but in many aspects, it is the most interesting 18 holes on the property.
The Tuscarawas River winds through the valley of the North Course and affects play as your round begins, plus the routing returns back to it at the completion of the front nine. It is ready to catch errant tee shots as you begin the back nine and drastically affects play at the par-5 16th, par-3 peninsula green 17th and must be crossed twice at the par-5 18th hole.
The rolling terrain also provides several scenic views and interesting golf shots, as you make your way around the course.
The West Course is possibly the most enjoyable for the average golfer. Built by Tom Fazio, it opened in 2001 and the green complexes are magnificent. It is home to the Ohio Senior Open and the members prefer this course for competitive matches.
Renovations to the bunkers on the West Course began in October 2020 and will make the West Course even better.
I personally enjoyed the South and North, but if I could only play one course at Firestone, it would be the West.
Add to this experience world-class dining in the clubhouse and first-class accommodations either in the cottages, or clubhouse rooms and you have the ultimate golf experience.
Man does not live by golf alone, side trips to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in nearby Cleveland, or to the NFL Football Hall of Fame in Canton, will provide hours of enjoyment for every visitor.
Don’t wait to book your buddies trip, or girl’s golf getaway. Space is limited and tee times for 2021 will quickly fill up. Visit: https://www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/Firestone-Country-Club/Stay-Play.
For more information on Firestone Country Club, watch this video on Back 9 Report TV with Director Golf Tommy Moore. https://youtu.be/2YAdVb8q2w0
