DAY 1:

Start the morning in Columbus with a latte or chai tea in a downtown café. Then drive east, past the suburbs to Marysville in Union County.

Where to golf: Darby Creek Golf Course in Marysville is a great, affordable course with a whole lot of variety. On the front nine, you’d swear you’re duffing in the windswept Scottish highlands. The back nine is forested, with beautiful tree-lined fairways, sand bunkers and lakes. The course balances challenge with playability, which makes it an ideal place for an enjoyable round of golf. The par-72, 7,087-yard course features a driving range, clubhouse, golf shop, locker rooms with showers, dining rooms, an outdoor pavilion and a practice green and bunker. The cost for 18 holes is $45.

Where to stay: For a night out in Columbus’ trendy Arena District or Short North, The Lofts, offers stylish rooms from $169. The suburban Baymont Inn and Suites in Dublin offers rooms from $55.

What else to see: While you’re in Central Ohio, be sure to make a visit to Columbus, Ohio’s capital and largest city. You’ll find great ethnic eats, modern art, world-class sports and a touch of history. For a special afternoon, check out the Titanic Exhibition at COSI, open through Sept. 5, 2005. Dublin is a great spot for lovers of public art. The world-class Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is in nearby Powell. You might add on another day to your getaway just to see the Jack Nicklaus Museum, in Columbus.

Located in the heart of The Ohio State University sports complex in Nicklaus' hometown of Columbus, the museum is a 2,200-square meter educational and historical facility. Here, you will encounter the history of golf and its greatest practitioner. Take an immersive journey through Nicklaus' brilliant career including trophies, photographs and various mementos from his unparalleled 20 major championships and 100 worldwide victories, and discover the many facets of this remarkable man who added so much to the history of golf.