CLEVELAND — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video in the player above is from a previous, unrelated story.
Top honors for two of Cleveland Metroparks' golf courses, as Sleepy Hollow Golf Course and Manakiki Golf Course were named in the top 30 Best Municipal Golf Courses by GOLF Magazine.
Sleepy Hollow in Brecksville was ranked number 13, and Manakiki in Willoughby was 27th, according to the magazine.
“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.”
Located in Brecksville, Cleveland Metroparks says Sleepy Hollow Golf Course "offers spectacular views of the Cuyahoga River Valley and a classic “out and in” layout." The course has held several amateur and professional golf events, including qualifying for the USGA championships. It is also the site of the Greater Cleveland Amateur Championship every other year. Recently, improvements at the course have included renovated bunkers and tee boxes, a new irrigation system and a complete renovation to the private rental space back in 2019.
The course was designed by Stanley Thompson and the early nine holes play down hill and down the prevailing wind. According to a press release from the Cleveland Metroparks, this makes the course seem shorter than the actual yardage. The incoming holes play into the wind, which makes them play surprisingly long. Sleepy Hollow also features one of the toughest par 3 holes in Northeast Ohio, the Metroparks release says.
The Cleveland Metroparks release says, "Manakiki Golf Course is an elegant public course in a classic Donald Ross design. The course offers a variety of challenges including doglegs, water hazards, up-and-down shots, back-to-back par 5s, and two canyon holes. The course is full of picturesque beauty from its maple-lined fairways, elevated tees and greens as well as its historic clubhouse – formerly a summer estate for prominent 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.”
There are eight Cleveland Metroparks golf courses across Northeast Ohio. The courses offer golf lessons for everyone, as well as golf camps, leagues and tournaments. Learn more about Cleveland Metroparks golf courses at clevelandmetroparks.com/golf.
The 2021 ranking is the first that GOLF has put together on public-access courses, which are the most accessible and affordable golf courses in the U.S.