About three miles down Route 59 lies the Kent State University Golf Course, a hidden getaway among the university grounds.

Built in 1929, the 18-hole course represents a Scottish theme with shorter greens on the front nine. A railroad track divides the course in two.

Before the university purchased the course in the late 1960s, it served as a privately owned golf course. Now, the Kent State Golf Course is opened to the public with special rates for faculty, staff, alumni and students.

The course is open from sunrise to sunset, year-round, weather permitting.

Manager Mike Morrow says the course is used almost every month of the year.

"I've been working here at the course for 20 years," Morrow says. "And we've played golf 18 out of those 20 years into December. If we don't think the weather can hurt the course, we will open it."

The Kent State University Golf Course is also available to book for golf outings, fundraisers and tournaments, and is now featuring internet coupons that are sent weekly. Guests can sign up for the coupons when they golf at the course. So far, 500 individuals receive the e-mail.

Male and female faculty nine-hole leagues are also featured at the golf course on Monday evenings.

Special rates at the Kent State Golf Course are as follows:

Weekday 9-hole specials:

• Public: $12.50
• Faculty: $10.75
• Senior citizens: $10
• Kent State students: $9.25
• Youth: $7

Weekday 18-hole walking specials:

• Public: $19.50
• Faculty: $17.50
• Senior citizens: $16
• Kent State students: $15
• Youth: $10.50

Weekday 18-hole cart special:

• $21

For more information, contact Morrow at 330-672-2500 or 330-673-4000.

By Erin Orsini