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Golf Destination Golf Destination
Oglebay Resort & Conference Center 1962. The driving range doubles as a
A “Nature”-all Experience ski slope in the winter months One
key event in Oglebay Resort’s history
Nick Ciattei that brought significant change would
most likely be the opening of the
Wilson Lodge in 1957. That turning
point transformed the property into a
Wheeling, West Virginia, treats visitors to a fascinating resort that offers plenty of year-round vacation spot. Consequently,
great golf among their many amenities Oglebay Resort & Conference Center has the two championship golf courses that
three distinct golf courses, but what stood out most about my stay at Oglebay was Jones Course Hole 4 were added, the Jones in 1970 and the
my return to nature. You see, Oglebay stretches out over nearly 1,800 acres with Palmer in 2000, moved Oglebay into the
abundant wildlife, walking trails, and gardens at every turn. This exquisite property golf resort category Both outstanding tracks form the Speidel Golf Club and round
located inside Wheeling Park serves as the backdrop for a wonderful resort and golf out the golfing menu of sixty-three sporting holes at Oglebay.
destination
I tend to agree with the consensus that
We must go back more than 100 years to trace the resort’s the course designed by the legendary
tradition of hospitality started by Earl W. Oglebay. He eventually Robert Trent Jones, Sr is the most
willed his property, including his estate and mansion, to the people challenging that you will find during
of Wheeling and only requested that they “shall operate it for your stay at Oglebay. The multiple tee
public recreation.” The City of Wheeling has remained committed placements allow the course to play
to his stipulation, as Oglebay Resort has provided year-round from 7000 yards at the tips to just 4659
recreational activities and exceptional overnight accommodations yards from the forward set It was the
for generations of families and groups first public course undertaken by Jones,
who described his layout as “a fair test Jones Course Hole 9
Golf at Oglebay
of golf” but one that would lead to an
“easy bogey, tough par.” The so-called
Golf arrived at Oglebay on July 4, 1930, “Monster on the Hill” played host to the
when the front nine at Crispin Golf West Virginia LPGA Classic from 1974
Course opened One of the focal points till 1984, so you know it packs a punch
of the Crispin Center, the course added The modern marvel at the Arnold Palmer
a second nine and golf shop in 1938 as Signature Golf Course was added due
construction continued through the to the demand golfers placed on the
depression by the Civilian Conservation other two courses. It quickly became the
Corps. The Crispin Course perfectly favorite of the lot for its playability and
complements the other golf choices Palmer Course Hole 9
Crispin Course Hole 1 available at Oglebay Resort. The very clever, novel design features that include
six par 3 holes, seven par 4 holes, and five
par 5 holes. The Palmer track offers plenty of scoring opportunities and signature
playable 5 670-yard par 71 Crispin Golf moments during a round and like the Jones, has quite a few awe-inspiring elevation
Course rolls over hills and valleys quite changes It’s a must play on your stay at Oglebay
naturally. The builders of the iconic
Oakmont Country Club also roughed
in the actual greens here, and this
golfer found the putting surfaces quite
interesting. Crispin has quite a story to
tell ... Arnold Palmer played the course
for the first time in an exhibition match
in 1963 and walked off with a 9-under Crispin Course Hole 7
course record. Play this terrific set of
par 3s, along with some reachable par 5s, and you will understand why the Crispin
Course has been a regional favorite for more than 80 years. The picturesque Par
3 and Driving Range Clubhouse on the north side of the park became a reality in
Palmer Course Hole 14 (forefront) Hole 15 (rear)
8 GOLFGUIDEINC.COM WINTER 2018 9

