I have plenty of room in my main breaker box (200A) to run circuits for a partially finished basement but was thinking it would make more sense to run a 230V circuit to a panel on the other end of the basement for ease of wiring. The layout would otherwise require a lot of extra wire and drilling.

The loads will be a utility room with a side by side fridge and a freezer chest, a bedroom (aka living space) and a game room. Future plans could have another living space or two.

It is ~50' from the main panel to the utility room location I would put the sub. I am a weekend warrior so I have little more than a rule of thumb knowledge for circuit loading. I was thinking a 60 amp in the main, #8 over to the panel, and an 8 position box.

Am I in the right pew?

Also, Can I just run the ground in the romex to the main or do I have to strap on to the copper water lines for ground?

It depends on whether you have a good place to put the sub panel. There has to be a certain amount of free space in front of it. Not hidden in the cabinetry. You will need a four conductor supply cable to the sub panel. It will have to be heavier than #8 for 60 amp. Your fourth conductor is all the grounding conductor needed in this case.

Neutral must be isolated in the sub panel. The sub-panel MAY contain a main breaker which can be used as a disconnect. The main breaker in the sub, if used, can be rated higher than the feed.

You may have to purchase a ground bar kit for the sub panel.