Elks CC

McDermott, OH  (near the tri-state borders of OH, WV, & KY)

1923, Donald Ross
Blue 6677, 70.7, 116, 72
White 6377, 69.3, 113, 72
'03 Fees: $26 Wknd Walk

A challenging, interesting track per my buddy Reiner. Recommended by locals as tougher and in better shape than nearby scenic Shawnee State Park GC. Some long par 4's, and lots of up-and-down. The 18th is nicknamed "Cardiac Hill", as some golfers have had a hard time finishing. LJ says it's the kinda local's place where everybody knows everybody, so as a visitor it might be a shade intimidating. But $26 to walk a Ross design is relatively unheard of.

Golfcourse.com Review: This course was built on semi-rolling terrain and has several small greens and many mature trees that come into play. The greens are protected by grass bunkers and there are some water hazards that come into play.

Golfcourse.com Avg. Player Review: 4.6/5.0. "Locals are very proud of this course... Holes 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, and 18 are great Ross holes and almost everyone of those holes listed has the natural Ross green sites. This is a must play and well worth the drive from almost anywere.... Cheap for a quality Ross course, would be tough to get on if located anywhere else." Couple comments about rude staff, but out here in the Midwest, it's all relative.

Best Bar Nearby:  Nearby Huntingdon WV is the nearest semblance of civilization, and home to the Marshall Thundering Herd.  For a good sports bar, check out the Marshall Hall Of Fame Cafe, with a mini Marshall sports museum, artifacts from We Are Marshall, plasmas galore, a special room for sandbag horshoe leagues, and gourmet 1/2 lb. burgers.  Or try Skybox Sports Bar (2134 5th Ave).  For a good college Irish pub, hit Shamrock's.

Where To Grub: If you find yourself with an actual reason to be in the Ironton OH area, you may as well go local kitsch. Check out the Ironton Post Office/Diner, where you can buy stamps, mail a package, and enjoy a homecooked meal, all in the same room.  Or hit Shirley's BBQ in Kenova WV.

In Huntingdon, there's a nice little redeveloped district near the river called Pullman Place.  It's 2 blocks of 2-story new construction red brick storefronts, featuring some nice shops, restaurants, and bars.  For steak, hit Frankie D's Italian Chophouse.  There's also a Max & Urma's, Pizzeria Uno's Chicago Grill, and the Funny Bone comedy club.

Another option for upscale steak is Huntingdon Prime on 4th Avenue.  For more a more midscale steak and Italian option with a We Are Marsall pedigree, hit Jim's Steak & Spaghetti (920 5th Ave).  The exterior doubled as the diner in the movie (although the diner interiors were shot in Atlanta), and Jim's won 2009 Best Of the Tri-State Area.  Leave room for Jim's banana pie for dessert.

Further Distractions:  The Big Sandy Arena (www.bigsandyarena.com) brings in surprisingly big acts, like Alice In Chains.