Cleveland Metroparks Golf Courses: Your Complete Guide

Kelvin Mangaroo
October 11, 2024

If you’re looking to play Cleveland golf courses, you’re in luck. The Cleveland Metroparks system operates nine golf courses throughout the Cleveland area, offering a wide range of golfing experiences for players of all skill levels. With over 400,000 golfers visiting annually, these courses are a hot spot for locals and visitors alike. Cleveland Metroparks golf courses provide a perfect a choice of challenging courses like Sleepy Hollow to short par nines like the Little Met. And the good news is that City of Cleveland will continue to own the property and the Metroparks will lease it from them for the next 99 years and will pay $1 per year – so they aren’t going anywhere!

In this guide, I’ll break down each of the Cleveland Metroparks golf courses, plus, I’ll include some great TeeTime Golf Pass deals to help you save on your next round.

1. Big Met Golf Course

Let’s kick things off with Big Met. This course is basically a legend in Ohio—it’s been around since 1926 and is one of the most-played golf courses in the entire state. It’s super accessible and perfect for new golfers like you. Wide fairways, smooth greens, and a forgiving layout make it great for practicing your swing without feeling overwhelmed.

Par: 72
Fun Fact: Big Met has hosted more than 6 million rounds of golf.
Why You’ll Love It: Great for beginners but still fun for more experienced golfers.
Location: Rocky River Reservation
Special Event: Check out the various tournaments and events hosted here, like the Golf Trivia Night for a mix of fun and golf knowledge.

2. Little Met Golf Course

Right next door to Big Met is Little Met, a cozy 9-hole course that’s ideal for a quick, low-pressure round. It’s beginner-friendly and short enough that you can finish in about an hour, but don’t let that fool you—it still offers a solid challenge for golfers of all levels.

Par: 34
Fun Fact: This little gem is a popular spot for those who want a quick round before or after work.
Why You’ll Love It: Quick, beginner-friendly, and perfect for working on your short game.
Location: Rocky River Reservation
Emerald Necklace: Little Met sits within the “Emerald Necklace,” the Metroparks’ name for its stunning system of green spaces.

3. Manakiki Golf Course

Now, if you’re ready to test your skills a bit, Manakiki is where you’ll want to head. This course was designed by Donald Ross, one of the all-time greats when it comes to golf course architecture. With its tree-lined fairways and strategic bunkers, Manakiki will give you a fun challenge without being too intimidating.

Par: 72
Fun Fact: The course sits on what used to be the summer estate of Cleveland industrialist Howard Hanna. You’ll feel a bit fancy golfing here!
Why You’ll Love It: Classic, challenging, and a piece of Cleveland history.
Location: North Chagrin Reservation
Course Layout Tip: The course offers classic Donald Ross challenges, like tricky doglegs and well-placed water hazards that make each round interesting.
History Highlight: Manakiki is just 17 miles from downtown, making it very accessible.

4. Sleepy Hollow Golf Course

Looking for a championship-level challenge? Sleepy Hollow golf course is one of Ohio’s top municipal courses, and for good reason. With tricky doglegs, elevation changes, and scenic views, this course will put your skills to the test. Don’t worry though, even beginners can enjoy this stunning course—it’s one of those “tough but fair” layouts.

Par: 71
Fun Fact: Golfweek regularly ranks Sleepy Hollow as one of the best public courses in Ohio, and it’s often in the top 100 in the country!
Why You’ll Love It: Championship-level challenge and beautiful scenery.
Location: Brecksville Reservation
Deal Alert: Don’t miss out on a $17 free greens fees deal including cart with the TeeTime Golf Pass at Sleepy Hollow, where you just pay for the cart. It’s a great deal for a top-notch course.
Historical Note: Charlie Sifford, the first African-American to win a PGA Tour event, served as the club pro here from 1975 to 1988.
Tournament Hub: Sleepy Hollow frequently hosts local tournaments, making it the perfect spot if you’re looking to step up your game in a competitive environment.

5. Seneca Golf Course

With 36 holes, Seneca is one of the largest golf facilities in the Cleveland Metroparks system. This course offers a mix of long par 4s and par 5s, and is perfect for golfers who want to stretch out and really test their distance and accuracy on a quality Ohio golf course. It’s got two 18-hole courses, Furnace Run and Chippewa, so you can mix things up when you visit.

Par: 72 (for each 18-hole course)
Fun Fact: Seneca’s Furnace Run features a par 5 that stretches over 600 yards—bring your driver!
Why You’ll Love It: Plenty of variety and one of the longest courses in the area.
Location: Brecksville Reservation
Course Layout: Chippewa is known for its long, rolling fairways, while Furnace Run offers tight tree-lined challenges for accuracy lovers.

6. Shawnee Hills Golf Course

If you’re looking for a mix of full-length and short courses, Shawnee Hills is a solid option. This 27-hole facility offers both an 18-hole regulation course and a 9-hole par 3 course, so you can choose your challenge level depending on how much time you’ve got. It’s also great for practicing your short game.

Par: 71 (18-hole), 29 (9-hole)
Fun Fact: Shawnee Hills sits on one of the most scenic spots in the Cleveland Metroparks system—definitely a great place for a peaceful round.
Why You’ll Love It: Options for both a quick round and a full 18-hole experience.
Location: Bedford Reservation

7. Mastick Woods Golf Course

Mastick Woods is another great course for beginners. This 9-hole course features shorter fairways and is very forgiving, making it ideal for those just getting into the game. Plus, it’s located in the Rocky River Reservation, so you’ll be surrounded by nature while you play.

Par: 31
Fun Fact: Mastick Woods is known for being super peaceful—perfect if you want to relax and work on your game.
Why You’ll Love It: Great for new golfers and those looking for a relaxed pace.
Location: Rocky River Reservation

8. Washington Golf Course

Located just minutes from downtown Cleveland, Washington Golf Course is a 9-hole course that’s perfect if you want a quick round without leaving the city. It’s short but sweet, and great for urban golfers looking for a convenient spot to play.

Par: 29
Fun Fact: Washington Golf Course is one of the few courses located so close to downtown, making it super convenient for busy schedules.
Why You’ll Love It: Quick and easy access, perfect for a lunch-break round.
Location: Washington Reservation

9. Ironwood Golf Course

Last but definitely not least, Ironwood offers 18 scenic holes surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and lakes. This course is a bit further out in Hinckley but is well worth the drive for its beauty and challenge. It’s a favorite for golfers who like to play in a natural setting.

Par: 71
Fun Fact: Ironwood is the newest addition to the Cleveland Metroparks golf system, offering a fresh course layout with challenging terrain.
Why You’ll Love It: Stunning scenery and a good mix of challenging holes.
Location: Hinckley Reservation

@jjolly7 Check out the 15th Ranked Municipal Course in the country! This is Sleepy Hollow in Brecksville, Ohio! A challenging, but fun and very green course! #ohiogolf #golf #ohiopubliccourses #ohiogolfcourses #cleveland #topgolfcourse #clegolf #clevelandmetroparks #metroparks #golfohio ♬ STAYING ALIVE (feat. Drake & Lil Baby) – DJ Khaled

Cleveland Metroparks golf courses offer a fantastic variety of experiences for every golfer. From championship courses like Sleepy Hollow to the beginner-friendly Mastick Woods, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to take advantage of the TeeTime Golf Pass to save on your rounds. Now that you know the ins and outs of these great courses, it’s time to book your tee time!

FAQ

- 1. What is the best golf course in Cleveland?
  Many golfers consider Sleepy Hollow and Manakiki to be the best Cleveland Metroparks courses, offering challenging layouts and scenic views.
- 2. What are the best Cleveland Metroparks golf courses?
  The top Cleveland Metroparks courses include Big Met (great for beginners), Manakiki (for a classic, challenging layout), and Sleepy Hollow (for championship-level play).
- 3. How many Cleveland Metroparks golf courses are there?
  There are 9 golf courses in the Cleveland Metroparks system, offering a variety of layouts and challenges for golfers of all skill levels.
- 4. Which Cleveland Metroparks course is the hardest?
  Sleepy Hollow is often regarded as one of the toughest courses in the system due to its tricky doglegs and elevation changes.
- 5. Which Cleveland Metroparks golf course is the easiest?
  Mastick Woods and Little Met are known for being beginner-friendly, with shorter fairways and more forgiving layouts.
- 6. Are Cleveland Metroparks golf courses public?
  Yes, all Cleveland Metroparks golf courses are public and open to anyone. They offer affordable rates for both residents and non-residents.
- 7. How much does it cost to play Cleveland Metroparks golf courses?
  Green fees vary depending on the course and time of day, but most courses offer affordable rates starting at around $20 for 9 holes and $30 for 18 holes.
- 8. How do I book a tee time at Cleveland Metroparks golf courses?
  Tee times can be booked online 24/7 through the Cleveland Metroparks website with no additional booking fees.