Take A Swing At These Northeast Ohio Golf Courses

Golf doesn’t have to be a good walk spoiled if you’re hitting the links on some of Northeast Ohio’s picturesque courses, and it doesn’t need to be a solitary exercise. “It’s something you can do with your family, says Ned Weaver, director of golf at StoneWater Golf Club. From classic courses built in the 1920s, to more recently designed links, these local golf courses are a hole-in-one.

Big Met
Set in the basin of the Rocky River, the 18-hole Cleveland Metroparks course’s terrain is flat with subtle changes in elevation, making it an enjoyable course for all skill level. But that doesn’t mean it’s without challenges, such as hole No. 14’s par 4 with a narrow fairway. “It takes a little thinking when you take your shots there,” says Sean McHugh, Cleveland Metroparks’ executive director of golf. 4811 Valley Parkway, Fairview Park, 440-331-1070, clevelandmetroparks.com

Fowler’s Mill
This 27-hole golf course offers Scottish nods such as taller grasses and bunkers that are level with fairways. Designed in 1971, the popular course manages to feel private since you can’t really see other holes or fairways from the one you’re currently playing on. “You’re playing more in nature versus other courses,” says manager Jarrod Page. “It makes it feel like you almost have your own personal golf course.” 13095 Rockhaven Road, Chesterland, 440-729-7569, fowlersmillgc.com



Sleepy Hollow
From scenic beauty to tricky holes and lots of hills, Cleveland Metroparks’ Sleepy Hollow has it all. “They really capitalized on the features of the land and that’s the beauty of Sleepy Hollow,” says McHugh. “There’s some spectacular views.” Sweeping down into the Cuyahoga River Valley, this course poses a challenge with the opening holes playing down with the wind at your back. “But then when you turn around and start playing the holes back, the wind is in your face,” says McHugh. 9445 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, 440-526-4285, clevelandmetroparks.com



StoneWater Golf Club
This 1996-built course once hosted tournaments for the PGA’s developmental tour and offers a country club feel. While the course does have members, it also offers public tee times. Boasting 18-holes with five tee sets, the addition of a practice putting green and private teaching areas make it so that everyone can improve their game. “If you’re better at golf, you’re going to enjoy it more,” says Ned Weaver, StoneWater’s director of golf and a veteran PGA pro. 1 Club Drive, Highland Heights, 440-461-4653, stonewatergolf.com

Sweet Briar Golf & Pro Shop
Golf isn’t the only attraction at Sweet Briar. In addition to the full-service driving range, two 18-hole courses — watch out for water on hole No. 1 on the Legacy course — and a full-service pro shop, be sure to stop by the Legacy Restaurant for some post-game grub. “You’re out there for four or five hours at a time, but people like to relax and have a bite to eat and have a drink after a round,” says Sweet Briar director of golf Kevin Moore. 750 Jaycox Road, Avon Lake, 440-933-9001, sweetbriargolfclub.com