9 Best Golf Courses Near Cleveland, OH

Golfers in Northeast Ohio enjoy a diverse selection of public and private courses that offer a challenge, stunning scenery, and consistently strong course conditions throughout the season. Many of the top Cleveland OH golf courses combine wooded landscapes, rolling elevation, and thoughtful layouts that appeal to both casual players and experienced golfers.

This guide highlights the region’s most notable courses and what makes each one stand out.

Sleepy Hollow Golf Course in Brecksville is widely regarded as one of the best municipal courses in the Midwest. Designed by Stanley Thompson, the course uses natural elevation changes to create strategic tee shots and dramatic fairway views. Its tree-lined fairways and deep bunkering challenge golfers to stay focused throughout the round. The course sits within the Cleveland Metroparks system, ensuring consistent maintenance and scenic surroundings. Golfers enjoy views of the Cuyahoga Valley, along with a mix of long par fours, risk-reward par fives, and tight approach shots that reward accuracy.

Manakiki Golf Course in Willoughby Hills is another Donald Ross standout within the Cleveland Metroparks. Known for its sloping greens, well-placed bunkers, and rolling terrain, the course offers a traditional layout that requires precision rather than power. The historic clubhouse adds character with its Tudor-style architecture and long history in the region. The surrounding wooded landscapes create a peaceful setting, making Manakiki a favorite among locals who prefer classic course architecture.

Located in Chesterland, Fowler’s Mill Golf Course is one of Pete Dye’s signature public designs in Ohio. The course features Dye’s familiar hallmarks: pot bunkers, mounded fairways, and well-defended greens. Each hole presents a distinct challenge, ensuring that golfers never feel like they’re repeating the same shot. The Lake, River, and Maple nines allow golfers to mix and match their rounds. Many consider Fowler’s Mill one of the region’s fairest but toughest tests, offering a balance of scenic beauty and strategic complexity.

Sand Ridge Golf Club in Chardon offers a private-club experience renowned for its superb conditioning and a layout that flows naturally through woodlands and wetlands. The course was designed by Tom Fazio, who crafted broad fairways and distinct green complexes to create an enjoyable yet challenging round. Members appreciate the calm setting, where wildlife and open vistas contribute to the club’s atmosphere. As part of the Evergreen family of clubs, Sand Ridge maintains consistent quality and a strong regional reputation.

The Country Club is among Ohio’s most exclusive golf clubs, with a storied history that dates back to the 1880s. Its current course, designed by William Flynn and renovated over the years, emphasizes natural movement in the land and strategically positioned hazards. The club has hosted national championships and continues to be admired for its timeless design. Tree-lined corridors, subtle elevation changes, and quiet surroundings define the playing experience. Golfers value the course’s high standards of maintenance and its role as one of the region’s premier private options.

Shaker Heights Country Club offers another strong Donald Ross layout, located just minutes from central Cleveland. Ross designed the course with thoughtfully shaped greens, angled fairways, and fair but demanding bunkering. The course provides a smooth walk and a classic feel that appeals to golfers who enjoy traditional course architecture. With year-round programming and well-maintained fairways, Shaker Heights remains a consistent favorite in the eastern suburbs.

Big Met Golf Course, located in Fairview Park, is one of the busiest public courses in the Midwest. Its welcoming design includes wide fairways, forgiving rough, and a layout suitable for beginner and intermediate golfers. The course, built in 1926, continues to offer a reliable and relaxing round at an accessible pace. Big Met’s conditioning, value, and convenience keep it high on the list for everyday play. Its location within the Metroparks ensures scenic surroundings along the Rocky River.

Little Mountain Country Club in Painesville offers a distinctive blend of rolling fairways, sculpted bunkers, and open-style vistas reminiscent of modern links golf. Designed by Hurdzan & Fry, the course features dramatic elevation changes, water features, and generous greens that reward creative play. Golfers appreciate the practice facilities and expansive fairways that cater to players of all skill levels. The layout is one of the most praised public golf experiences in Northeast Ohio, with consistent course conditions throughout the season.

StoneWater Golf Club in Highland Heights is a semi-private course that offers tournament-grade conditions. The layout incorporates wetlands, large bunkers, and bold green contours that challenge skilled golfers. StoneWater has hosted professional and collegiate events, which speaks to its difficulty and conditioning. The course winds through a residential community, maintaining a quiet, natural feel. Golfers appreciate the excellent practice areas and well-designed par threes, which enhance the overall quality of the experience.

Northeast Ohio’s golf scene combines historic designs, modern layouts, public access, and private exclusivity, offering golfers a diverse range of choices. Whether you prefer classic Donald Ross architecture, scenic Metroparks settings, or championship-level challenges, the top Cleveland OH golf courses offer rewarding play across the region.

For guidance on properties near Cleveland’s top golf communities, or to learn which neighborhoods offer easy access to these courses, contact Adam Kaufman for expert insight and local knowledge.