NorthStar Golf Club

If you’ve ever had the chance to play a semi-private course, one thing comes to mind: Quality. It's the thing that stays with you after you've left a great facility, and it’s also the attribute of a course that keeps you coming back for another taste. Now, you get your chance to experience some of the finest golf the state of Ohio has to offer with this weekend’s feature: $35 for 18 Holes with Cart and a Bucket of Range Balls at NorthStar Golf Club in Sunbury near Columbus ($70 Value. Expires May 15, 2012.)

So you’ve got that new year swagger about your game; new clubs, working on a new swing, taking your game more seriously – you’re looking to put it to the test at a fine facility with a few of the guys. Look no further than NorthStar Golf Club, an immaculate par-72 John Cook design which measures an intimidating 7,531 yards from the tips.

With that said, there’s no doubt that you’ve got your work cut out for you at this gorgeous 18-hole, championship layout — so what's your plan of attack? For you scratch golfers out there, you might try for maximum length off the tee; however, this approach may be spoiled by any number of hazards strategically spread throughout the course: 40 sand traps, 21 ponds, three creeks and the ever-present woodlands which frame the fairway of each hole. Rather, the recommended approach is selectively aggressive — NorthStar Golf Club is a legitimate opportunity to get low and proudly boast about it, provided you choose the right shot to drop it down a gear and go for it.

Another great feature of NorthStar Golf Club is that it is very welcoming to players of all skill levels. While it can be an exciting challenge from the tips, NorthStar can be just as fun and even more accessible from any of its five distinct tee locations. So if you're just a casual golfer looking for a relaxing day on the course, don't let the initial length intimidate you — just pair up your tee box to your skill set and rejoice!

As for the rest of the facility, General Manager Bill Gallant and Head Golf Professional Don Berberick head up a first-class pro shop showcasing all the best names in golf that you can't wait to put in your bag. After seeing if any new tools catch your eye in the pro shop, break in a new club and work those kinks out at the driving range and putting green.

Among the other amenities: A full-size lap pool, two pristine tennis courts and a beautiful clubhouse perfectly suited for tallying scorecards over great food and drinks. NorthStar is the sort of place one hesitates to leave, and if you feel so inclined, be sure to inquire about all the other benefits included with 2012 membership packages.

NorthStar Golf Club's 18-hole championship layout truly is a "star," and like any star, the club commands an excellent supporting cast of membership-only amenities — come see for yourself!