Cleveland Municipal Golf Courses Among Best In U.S.: Ranking

CLEVELAND — Two Cleveland Metroparks golf courses are among the best in the nation, according to a new ranking from GOLF Magazine.

Sleepy Hollow Golf Course in Brecksville was named the 13th best municipal course in the U.S., while Manakiki in Willoughby came in at No. 27. Municipal golf courses tend to be more accessible and affordable to the public, GOLF Magazine said.

“We are thrilled to have both Sleepy Hollow and Manakiki recognized as among the best municipal courses in the country,” said Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian M. Zimmerman. “Municipal golf courses are often among the most affordable and accessible golf courses in the country and at Cleveland Metroparks we strive to offer high-quality opportunities for golfers of all ages and skill levels.”

The Sleepy Hollow Golf Course is nestled next to the Cuyahoga River Valley and boasts an "out and in" layout. The course has played home for amateur and professional events, including qualifiers for the USGA championships and the Greater Cleveland Amateur Championship. Sleepy Hollow has one of the toughest Par 3s in Northeast Ohio, the Metroparks boasts.

In recent years, crews have renovated the course's bunkers and tee boxes, implemented a new irrigation system and renovated the private rental space.

Manakiki Golf Course was built in the Donald Ross design. The course offers doglegs, water hazards up-and-down shots, back-to-back par 5s and two canyon holes. Maple trees line many of the fairways and the historic clubhouse was once a summer estate for Cleveland industrialist Howard Hanna.

“Each of Cleveland Metroparks eight golf courses offer a unique experience across the Emerald Necklace,” said Cleveland Metroparks Director of Golf Operations Damian Cosby. “This recognition is a testament to the care and pride Cleveland Metroparks team dedicates to its golf courses.”

A panel of 489 experts were polled on the best courses in the U.S. by GOLF Magazine, which used the results to create its rankings. To see the publication's full rankings, visit their website.