Hidden Creek and Bluffton Golf Clubs, located in Lima and nearby Bluffton, OH, are two incredible golf courses that are open for public play. Neither is overly long, and with slope ratings in the mid to high 120s for men, they offer both a challenge and a good time.
Both courses are owned and operated by the Floyd Young family in Bluffton, OH; a family that has etched its name in golf history, at least in this part of the country. Family patriarch Floyd Young has been in the golf business since 1969. He worked at several golf courses in Germany and Japan from 1967 to 1969. When he returned to the States, he went to work at PGA National, where he remained until 1975.
In 1971, the PGA Championship was being held at his home course, and Floyd caddied for Jack Nicklaus. He must have been Nicklaus’ good luck charm because he went on to win the tournament! Floyd turned professional in 1972 and headed north to Firestone Country Club in Akron, OH, where he served as an assistant under Bobby Nickels for 7 years. He left Firestone to become the Head Golf Professional at Cambridge Country Club, serving in that capacity for fourteen years. In 1989, the family took a leap of faith and purchased Bluffton Golf Club; Hidden Creek Golf Club in Lima was added to the portfolio in 2008. In 2014, Floyd Alan Young was inducted into the Lima/Allen County Golf Hall of Fame.
Ask any golfer who played Bluffton Golf Club before the Young family purchased it and many would tell you that it was in terrible shape, often referred to as “a goat track.” Ask them what they think of it now, and you’ll hear it’s one of the best-maintained public courses in the area. You’ll quickly see why “See the difference, Play the difference” has been the Club’s mantra for many years. It is the home course of several schools in the area, including Bluffton High School, Ada High School, Temple Christian, and Cory Rawson High School.
What they have is truly a family affair. The lush, green course conditioning can be attributed to Floyd’s son Luke, who oversees maintenance at both courses. Luke may have a “managerial” title, but you’ll often see him on the course trimming the grass around one of the many ponds, running a mower, raking a bunker, or doing whatever it takes to keep the facility as lush as it is. Luke takes great pride in the courses and is very hands-on.
Luke has been the superintendent at Hidden Creek Golf Club since 2009 and at Bluffton Golf Club for the past 5 years. With his wife Drue’s recent retirement, Floyd’s daughter Wendy Young has taken on the daily operations at both clubs. If you’re looking to host a tournament or catered event, give Wendy a call! She’ll make sure everything runs smoothly!
Bluffton Golf Club was built in 1937 by PGA TOUR professional Ken Mast, a local man better known for basketball in the state than golf. Bluffton GC gives you five sets of tees to choose from, so finding a yardage that suits your game, and you’re sure to enjoy yourself. From the Blue Tees, the course plays 6616 yards with a slope of 129 and a par of 72. yards. Move up to the White Tees and the yardage and slope drop to 6,148 and 118 respectively. These tees provided a fitting challenge and allowed me to leave with some dignity! Ladies, juniors, and seniors will enjoy the Red Tees at 4,490 yards.
The course features Bentgrass tees, fairways, and greens. Looking at the size of the trees that line several fairways, you can tell that Bluffton GC is a mature golf course. The winding Little Riley Creek comes into play on 13 holes, often cutting across the fairway immediately in front of the green, taking away any chance of running the ball up to the hole. There are also a few small lakes to play over and around.
An interesting aspect of Bluffton GC is the back-to-back par 5s at the 2nd and 3rd holes. Number 2 plays 502 yards and is straight as an arrow. A couple of small fairway bunkers dot the landscape in the landing area off the tee, as do mature trees here and there on the peripheries. A good drive will leave an opportunity to go for the green in two. With very little trouble around the green, it’s a good chance to make up a stroke or two. The 3rd hole is another straight par 5 that plays 472 yards. The creek is in play off the tee but shouldn’t pose a problem for most golfers. Your approach shot will require accuracy as several large trees shrink your margin of error and a grass bunker crosses the fairway directly in front of the green.
In 2009, the Young family took another leap of faith and purchased Golf at Sugar Creek in Lima and changed the name to Hidden Creek Golf Club. After several years of neglect, it was heading in the same direction that Bluffton was when they purchased it. Luke accepted the challenge of resurrecting a once mighty golf course, and today’s finished product is a testament to his hard work. The course is carpeted in Bentgrass from tee to green and is pretty wide open, making it a favorite of seniors and beginners in the area. Water comes into play on at least 10 holes – more if you spray it. The fairways are lush; the greens roll true and are full of subtle undulations.
Hidden Creek plays 6,852 yards from the Back Tees, not being masochistic, I found the White Tees (6,312 yards) provided a fitting challenge and kept my interest. Five sets of tees provide a suitable yardage for all players, regardless of their ability and enjoyment for all skill levels.
The course has several holes that will test your skills, especially a couple of the par 3s. Number 2 is a 200-yard par 3 that requires a lengthy carry over water into a small green that slopes back to front towards the water.
I love courses that end with a par 3, especially ones as challenging as the 18th hole at Hidden Creek. It plays 199 yards from the White Tees and is heavily tree-lined on both sides, creating an “all-or-nothing” scenario off the tee. The 10th hole is an interesting par 5. It’s a big dogleg left that plays 490 yards. At the corner of the dogleg is a large boomerang-shaped pond that catches a lot of balls from unsuspecting – or in my case, unknowing – players. Once you navigate the pond, the hole plays uphill into a small green protected by the hills that surround it. It’s a hole that takes thought and patience to play.
Both courses have driving ranges and practice putting greens, so you can loosen up before your round or just spend the day honing your skills. Both also have clubhouses where food and beverages are available and pro shops with everything you’ll need for your round, including logoed apparel that you can take home as a memory.
Both Bluffton and Hidden Creek are favorite venues for local charity and fundraising golf events. Hidden Creek’s large outdoor pavilion can accommodate golf events of any size and can seat up to 225 guests. The sides of the pavilion can be let down in inclement weather. The large charcoal grill and full-service kitchen allow them to serve buffet-style meals for all outings and events. Give Wendy Young a call at Hidden Creek a call if you’re interested in learning more.
The goal of the Young family is to create an excellent experience for members and guests in an environment where all players can play, practice, and enjoy the spirit of the game, all at a reasonable price. The Youngs and their entire staff are dedicated to providing you, your family, and friends with top-notch service to ensure you have an enjoyable and memorable round of golf.
Hidden Creek and Bluffton Golf Club are just 6 miles apart. Each one provides a unique and diverse golfing experience. If you find yourself wanting to go back and play the courses over and over, consider an annual pass. It gives you access to both courses and includes a golf cart; range balls can be included in your membership for one low price. This annual pass is one of the best golf values in the area. For those visiting the area, find yourself a local hotel and play a couple of great local golf courses run by a golf legend!
For more information on either course or to book your next round, league, or outing, visit their websites: www.hiddenvalleygolfclub.net or www.blufftongolfclub.net.