Raymond C. Firestone Public 9 — Attraction in Akron

Raymond C. Firestone Golf Course was the go-to spot for golfers seeking an affordable and enjoyable tune-up for their game. It was a true gem, offering a laid-back experience with just a hint of challenge from the occasional pond on hole 8. Ah, the good ol' days.

But alas, the winds of change blew in as Big Shots took over the bookings, and with them came a rather hefty price tag of $35 just to set foot on the greens. Suddenly, my golf-loving heart sank faster than a hole-in-one putt. I mean, come on, $35? That's enough to make even the most devoted golfer reconsider.

So, with a heavy sigh, I regretfully scratched this course off my list of potential tee-off spots. I just couldn't justify shelling out that kind of cash for a course that once offered excellent value but now seems to have lost its way.

There are plenty of other fantastic courses in the area, like Goodpark and Turkeyfoot, are still standing strong, beckoning us with more reasonable rates and an undeniable better bang for our buck.

In the end, while Raymond C. Firestone Golf Course may have let its charm slip away with the rising costs, but raise your clubs to the alternatives that keep our golf dreams alive without...

I have been playing at Firestone Public 9 for about three years. Great 9 hole course. Loved the fact that it was a sand based course, which ment it would be dry after a rain/snow. Big Shot's Golf is now open in place of the old driving range. Somehow the golf rates shot up for both walking and riding. Currently, end of November, but they are charging summer time 18 hole rates. Going forward it will interesting to see who can afford to play this course, or if it will go private. What do think about the...

The course layout and maintenance were fantastic. Everything from the fairways and greens to the carts and even the ball washers were well maintained and looked great. However we had a tee time but there was no starter and the place was crowded so we had to wait for 3 groups before we could start so the tee time meant nothing. There are only 9 holes so the place becomes crowded fast, and it's a little too expensive in my opinion. Having a starter and honoring the tee times would have made the day much...