- Fowlers Mill Golf Club
- Boulder Creek Golf Club
- Sleepy Hollow Golf Course
- Manakiki Golf Course
- Little Mountain Golf Club
- The Quarry Golf Club
- Stonewater Golf Club
- Windmill Lakes Golf Club
- Avalon Lakes Golf Club
- Pine Hills Golf Club
If you play any golf in the northeast Ohio area and are looking for the best courses to play, we are here to help.
As someone that grew up in the area, I have played just about every course in the area. We are fortunate to have high quality courses and a high quantity of courses in northeast Ohio.
There are golf courses that range in difficulty, price, condition and accessibility. Some people prefer to play at a simple, inexpensive course that is not crowded.
Others seek a great challenge, conditions and the overall experience.
Our list is based on courses that accommodate all levels, but challenge the best golfers. Have premium conditions and are accessible to the public.
Best Golf Courses in Northeast Ohio (Public)
Update: One could play these 10 courses every year and be thrilled with the ride range of experiences, the conditions of the course and some of the history involved with every course. I played Boulder Creek several times this year and love the challenge that it provides! Manakiki also never leaves me disappointed as number #8 is unique from the tips!
#1 Fowlers Mill Golf Club
This Pete Dye designed course challenges you from the 1st hole with the 4 hole serving as a signature, difficult par 4 that will challenge even the best of golfers. The great news is that the various levels of tees make it accessible for all golfers. The conditions are in the above average range and the views within Geauga County are difficult to pass up! They also have a 3rd nine where they often accommodate high school golfers and those seeking to get a quick 9 holes in the afternoon.
#2 Boulder Creek
If you have ever played this course, you will walk away always remembering the par 3s, specifically the island green #17. The course is a challenge and has some wide holes and some rather narrow in certain spots on the course. The conditions are usually excellent and a good time is had by everyone in the group.
#3 Sleepy Hollow Golf Course
One of two Cleveland Metropark Courses on our list. This challenging course demands you hit the ball straight and long. Be ready for a challenge and come ready to play from the beginning. The views are incredible and is a wonderful course to play in the fall.
#4 Manakiki Golf Course
20 years ago, this course would have struggle to make a top 10 list. However, the attention to detail, the beautiful views and the challenge of the course help it make our list. The course is a Donald Ross design and challenges you off the tee and around the greens. The finishing hole has an incredible view of the club house from the elevated tee. Holes 10, 8, and 18 are unique holes that require some excellent ball striking and accuracy.
#5 Little Mountain Golf Club
This Hurzdan/Fry design is great for the golfer that wants to let the driver fly. The wider fairways give your confidence off the tee, but the areas around the green will leave your anxious. Holes 10 thru 15 are my favorite. There is a hazard along the left side for 6 straight holes that will keep you thinking about it for the duration of your shots on this nine. The demand on accurate, distance controlled shots into the complex greens make the round challenging, yet manageable if you play the right tees.
Northeast Ohio Golf Overview
Golf in the months of June through October are pretty premium months in this part of the United States. The weather never gets too hot in the summer and the views are incredible in the fall. There is enough rolling and undulation changes to keep it challenging and beautiful, but not impossible to walk.
One of the impressive features is many of the great designers from the early to mid 1900s designed courses here and those courses have now matured and provide a great deal of fun and challenge at the same time!
Overall the amenities are great and tee times are accessible with enough planning. There are many beautiful private courses as well, but that post is for another day.
Take advantage of the wonderful courses in northeast Ohio and enjoy the challenge the scenery!