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2021
EXECUTIVE GOLF GUIDE
An in-depth look at some of the region’s courses and their amenities Last summer, golf became an increasingly popular sport among those eager to find outdoor activities within social distancing guidelines.
For example, Manakiki in Willoughby is among one of the few Donald Ross courses in the state open to public play since it was obtained by the Cleveland Metroparks.
As restrictions end, golf clubs can return to full operations and utilize all amenities such as clubhouses, restaurants, pro shops and more.
Architect and design are not the only contributing factors of a great golf course, though.
In a 2020 Golfweek ranking of states with the best private golf courses, Ohio was top-rated for elite golf ahead of staple destinations like Florida and North Carolina.
Our Executive Golf Guide also details course amenities, varying fees, golf shop highlights, event information and everything else you need to know to help you make the most of NEO’s golf course offerings.
Yet, you do not have to be a member of a private club to play at a high-caliber course designed by highly renowned architects.
– Shannon Smith, Crain’s Content Studio-Cleveland
CONTENTS
Pg. S2 - Bunker Hill Golf Course Pg. S3 - Cleveland Metroparks golf courses Pg. S4 - Firestone Country Club Pg. S5 - Pine Hills Golf Club Pg. S6 - Westfield Country Club
This advertising-supported section/feature is produced by Crain’s Content Studio-Cleveland, the marketing storytelling arm of Crain’s Cleveland Business. The Crain’s Cleveland Business newsroom is not involved in creating Crain’s Content Studio content.
EXECUTIVE GOLF GUIDE
S2 June 14, 2021
WHAT’S NEW
BUNKER HILL GOLF COURSE
In 2017, Bunker Hill Golf Course hired general manager Chad Gibson. Three years later, Steve and Sue Ross became co-owners — the perfect additions to the history and excellence that superintendent Scott Brickley and owners Arnold and Cheri Ingraham had already put in place for decades.
330-722-4174 3060 Pearl Road, Medina, OH 44256 www.bunkerhillgolf.com COURSE FEATURES Voted one of Ohio’s top golf courses, as well as the Medina Gazette’s “Medina County Readers Choice Best of the Best” for several years, Bunker Hill Golf Course offers golfers four sets of tees to choose from: Black (6,711 yards), Blue (6,211 yards), White (5,316 yards) and Gold (4,972 yards). The course is also known for having some of the best greens in Northeast
Since then, the Rosses have played a major role in the course’s and clubhouse’s recent improvements, as equipment has also been upgraded, a new event center has been developed and new landscaping has been added.
Ohio, while offering some of the state’s best golfer experiences and customer service too. Aside from its four tees, greens and service, Bunker Hill also provides golfers six state-of-the-art indoor simulators, so they can work on their games all year long, while enjoying various events, leagues and outings. The simulators, which have a large seating area, cost $32 per hour.
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PUBLIC Additionally, Bunker Hill is currently overseeing a three-year, roughly $1 million renovation that will include concrete cart paths (from the tee boxes to the greens), drainage under the greens and throughout the course, and the complete construction of a new 18th green, along with its surroundings. FEES – WEEKDAY/WEEKEND On weekdays, rates for 18 holes with a cart are $45 for adults. As long as they play before noon, seniors only have to pay $35 for 18 holes with a cart. On weekends and holidays, rates
are $55 before 2:30 p.m., and then $45 afterwards. Early bird specials ($25 for 18 holes with a cart) are also available on weekdays before 7 a.m. OPTIONS FOR CATERING/ GROUP OUTINGS/EVENTS General manager Chad Gibson and his team deliver the ultimate golfer experience and specialize in golf outings, corporate events and client/ customer appreciation. He is also known for his expertise in hosting turnkey fundraisers that support the local community. In addition, the Bunker Hill Event Center
hosts weddings, showers, rehearsal dinners, reunions, graduations, concerts and fall clambakes. For more information on golf outings and events, send an email to chad@bunkerhillg.com or a text to 216-469-9241.
EXECUTIVE GOLF GUIDE
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CLEVELAND METROPARKS GOLF COURSES 216-635-3200 www.clevelandmetroparks.com/golf Cleveland Metroparks’ eight golf courses lay nestled in a ring of forests, rivers and valleys, which surround the city of Cleveland and are locally coined “The Emerald Necklace.” While each course is unique in its own right, Manakiki in Willoughby and Sleepy Hollow in Brecksville rank among the top public courses in Ohio — and for good reason. BIG MET AND LITTLE MET GOLF COURSES Tucked in the rolling hills of Rocky River Reservation, the 6,481-yard, par-72 Big Met Golf Course (4811 Valley Parkway, 440-331-1070) and the 2,527-yard, par-34 Little Met Golf Course (18599 Old Lorain Road, 216-941-9672) offer something for everyone. Believed to be Ohio’s most played 18-hole golf course, Big Met
(built in 1926) features rolling hills, a moderate length and the scenic beauty of the Rocky River Valley. Built in 1924, Little Met, meanwhile, provides a longer nine holes than Mastick Woods, but not nearly the length of its neighbor, Big Met.
in 1964 and located in Rocky River Reservation (19900 Puritas Road, 216-267-5626), is ideal for juniors, new players or those looking for a leisurely golf experience. Meanwhile, the 1,460-yard, par-29 Washington Golf Course in Newburgh Heights (3841 Washington Park Blvd., 216-641-1864), which was built in 2006 and features a driving range, is only 10 minutes from downtown Cleveland. SENECA GOLF COURSE Located at the highest point in Cuyahoga County, Seneca Golf Course in Broadview Heights (975 Valley Parkway, 440-526-0043)
June 14, 2021 S3 offers 27 scenic holes, many of which have been newly renovated, as they were built in 1940. The course is primarily known for some lengthy par-4s and par-5s. SHAWNEE HILLS GOLF COURSE Shawnee Hills Golf Course in Bedford (18753 Egbert Road, 440-232-7184) is often noted as Cleveland Metroparks’ most versatile course, as it’s able to serve golfers of all skill levels on its 6,366-yard, 18-hole regulation course and ninehole, par-3 course. Shawnee Hills offers hills, large pines, maples and oaks, along with the beautiful Deer Lick Creek.
MANAKIKI GOLF COURSE Located 17 miles east of downtown Cleveland, the 6,643-yard, 18-hole Manakiki Golf Course (35501 Eddy Road, 440-942-2500) is an elegant, par-72 public course with a classic Donald Ross design. It offers a variety of challenges, including doglegs, water hazards, up-and-down shots, back-to-back par-5s and two canyon holes. MASTICK WOODS GOLF COURSE AND WASHINGTON GOLF COURSE Due to its executive length, Cleveland Metroparks’ 1,900-yard, par-31 Mastick Woods Golf Course, built
SLEEPY HOLLOW GOLF COURSE The 6,893-yard, 18-hole Sleepy Hollow Golf Course in Brecksville (9445 Brecksville Road, 440-5264285) provides spectacular views of the Cuyahoga River Valley and a classic “out and in” layout. Designed by Stanley Thompson in 1924, the par-71 course is known for its aesthetic beauty and challenging play.
WHAT’S NEW In addition to the various golf courses across Northeast Ohio, Cleveland Metroparks offers lessons for golfers of all ages and skill levels. Golf camps, golf leagues and tournaments are also provided throughout the golf season. Learn more about Cleveland Metroparks golf courses, including ways you can save on your next round, by visiting clevelandmetroparks.com/golf.
PUBLIC
Choose from eight courses throughout Northeast Ohio. Play Sleepy Hollow and Manakiki - two of Golfweek’s top courses in Ohio. Enjoy scenic beauty.
Book your tee time today at clevelandmetroparks.com/golf ©Registered trademark of Cleveland Metroparks.
EXECUTIVE GOLF GUIDE
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WHAT’S NEW
FIRESTONE COUNTRY CLUB
Since 2019, Firestone Country Club’s South Course has hosted PGA TOUR Champions’ the Bridgestone SENIOR PLAYERS Championship. It is set to host the tournament — one of the tour’s five major championships — until 2022, joining a tradition that dates back more than 65 years, as the club has consistently hosted a variety of tournaments, including the World Series of Golf.
330-644-8441 452 E. Warner Road, Akron, OH 44319 www.firestonecountryclub.com YEARS BUILT: South Course
(1929); North Course (1969); Fazio Course (2002); Raymond C. Firestone Public 9 Course (1995) GENERAL MANAGER: Jay
Walkinshaw YARDAGES, BACK TEES: South
Course (7,400 yards); North Course (7,125 yards); Fazio Course (6,904 yards); Raymond C. Firestone Public 9 Course (3,008 yards) NUMBER OF HOLES/PAR:
South Course (18 holes, par-70); North Course (18 holes, par-72); Fazio Course (18 holes, par-70); Raymond C. Firestone Public 9 Course (9 holes, par-35) COURSE FEATURES AND DESIGNERS Renowned for its length, as it has long par-4 holes, along with a par-5
that’s 667 yards, the South Course features bentgrass fairways and greens. In addition, the Bert Way and Robert Trent Jones Sr. design, which has hosted major championships and PGA TOUR events, has a rating of 76.1 (course)/132 (slope). Meanwhile, the North Course, marked by numerous lakes and streams and meticulously designed to showcase Firestone’s natural beauty, has served as host to both the American Golf Classic and the World Series of Golf. Golf & Travel magazine once listed this Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed course, which has a rating of 74.8 (course)/134 (slope), among the top 100 best modern courses. On the other hand, the links-style Fazio Course, which has a rating of 73.5 (course)/128 (slope), along with bentgrass fairways and greens, was designed by Tom Fazio. It was built around the perimeter of the South Course.
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As a result, attendees can walk in the footsteps of legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead, along with present-day stars, such as Fred Couples, Retief Goosen, Jerry Kelly and José María Olazábal.
A PRIVATE CLUB WITH LIMITED PUBLIC “STAY AND PLAY ” OPPORTUNITIES In addition, the Raymond C. Firestone Public 9 features four sets of tees, fast greens, undulating terrain and a heated driving range. OPTIONS FOR EVENTS, MEETINGS AND OUTINGS Firestone Country Club welcomes members and guests to bring their business associates, potential clients and business contacts to its courses, in order to enjoy the golf experience of a lifetime. Aside from golf, Firestone also offers 30 dormitorystyle rooms (in its men’s locker room) that feature nostalgia and pay
homage to the club’s history, dating back more than 50 years. Furthermore, Firestone’s clubhouse has men’s and ladies’ locker rooms, a pro shop, and casual and fine dining options as well. And, for a resort golf experience, the club also provides 57 private, golf villa rooms, each of which has stunning views of Firestone’s courses. From its championship golf courses, to its well-equipped conference rooms, the club also offers the perfect spaces for all types of business
activities, including interviews, executive board meetings, seminars and training sessions. Guests’ and members’ various business needs are covered with all-inclusive meeting packages, along with a team of onsite private event directors, who are fully prepared to serve members and guests. For more information, visit clubcorp.com/clubs/firestonecountry-club/amenities.
EXECUTIVE GOLF GUIDE
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PINE HILLS GOLF CLUB
a wide selection of clothes, golf shoes and clubs from Callaway, FootJoy, Mizuno, Ping, TaylorMade, Titleist and Under Armour. Furthermore, it offers guests a comfortable clubhouse with food and drinks, a large, covered, outdoor patio and a premier short game practice range with target greens and a chipping area.
330-225-4477 433 W. 130th St., Hinckley, OH 44233 www.golfpinehills.net
YEAR BUILT: 1957 HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL AND GENERAL MANAGER:
David Kinnell, PGA YARDAGE, BACK TEES: 6,748
yards NUMBER OF HOLES/PAR: 18
holes, par-72 COURSE FEATURES AND DESIGNER Designed by renowned golf course architect Harold (Paddy) Paddock, who designed a wide array of courses throughout the United States, including many in Ohio (like Avon Oaks Country Club and Columbia Hills Country Club), Pine Hills Golf Club offers golfers a traditional course layout. Featuring a slope rating of 133 from the back tees, Pine Hills also has a variety of tree-lined holes, undulating
terrain (which leads to elevation changes), bentgrass fairways and fast greens that will test golfers of all skill levels.
ACCOLADES An annual host of the OHSAA Northeast Boys Division 1 District Tournament, as well as various boys and girls high school tournaments,
Providing golfers an array of natural features too, including creeks, lakes and ravines, Pine Hills is especially known for its downhill par-3 4th hole, as well as its signature 18th hole, one of Northeast Ohio’s best finishing holes.
Pine Hills Golf Club was rated one of Golfweek’s top 10 public courses in Ohio this year. In addition, it is consistently rated one of the “must play” courses in Northeast Ohio. TESTIMONIALS “Pine Hills is a beautiful course. Plenty of challenging hole layouts keep you focused. The course is well maintained and the staff is friendly. Today, the greens were super-fast, but that’s part of the game. Pine Hills is worth playing frequently.” – A monthly customer
“Pine Hills is an absolutely gorgeous course to play, and is well worth every dime you pay. Greens are like glass and the fairways and rough are well maintained so that the lies aren’t bad for anyone, unless it plugs. [It also has a] friendly staff and [a] beautiful driving range, putting green and chipping area.” – A frequent customer
WHAT’S NEW Pine Hills Golf Club’s practice area has recently been renovated, and is now available for public use. The club is currently renovating its bunkers and cart paths though; the bunker renovation project should be completed in 2022. Meanwhile, the cart path renovation project will be completed in stages over the next several years to minimize disruption to players.
PRACTICE RANGE Opened in 2019, a small practice range, utilizing shots of up to 200 yards, was constructed to offer golfers a chance to warm up before their rounds, or to work on their games, while using premium Titleist range balls. In recent years, a short game area and large grass tee have been added to the area too. PRO SHOP, CLUBHOUSE AND OTHER AMENITIES Pine Hills Golf Club also has one of the area’s largest pro shops, as it provides
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During these renovations, the club will continue to host weekly men’s and women’s leagues, various outings, including the Northern Ohio Hemophilia Foundation Outing, and high school boys and girls golf tournaments.
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A PUBLIC GOLF COURSE WITH COUNTRY CLUB CONDITIONS & HOSPITALITY
Visit our website at www.golfpinehills.net to
See Specials & Book Tee Times WITH ONE OF THE LARGEST FULL SERVICE PRO SHOPS IN THE AREA, WE ARE A SHORT DRIVE AWAY. LOCATED ONE MILE FROM THE INTERSECTION OF STRONGSVILLE, NORTH ROYALTON, BRUNSWICK, AND HINCKLEY, 20 MINUTES FROM THE AIRPORT, AND 25 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN. 433 WEST 130TH STREET | HINCKLEY, OHIO 44233 | (330) 225-4477 Pine Hills CC.indd 1
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EXECUTIVE GOLF GUIDE
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WHAT’S UNIQUE
WESTFIELD COUNTRY CLUB
Westfield Country Club offers two distinct courses in one location. The North Course transports members to a rustic, open terrain for a links-style experience. Meanwhile, the South Course offers a traditional parkland-style experience. Both courses also use a five-tee system that facilitates greater playability for all skill levels.
330-887-6606 6500 Greenwich Road, Westfield Center, OH 44251 www.westfieldcc.com YEARS BUILT: North Course
(1975); South Course (1937) DIRECTOR OF GOLF: Chad
Kitzmiller, PGA YARDAGE, BACK TEES: North
Course (6,733 yards); South Course (6,774 yards) NUMBER OF HOLES/PAR:
North Course (18 holes, par-70); South Course (18 holes, par-71) COURSE DESIGN In 1937, Westfield Country Club’s historic South Course’s original nine holes were completed. Since then, nine more holes have been added to the course, as another 18-hole course has also been developed: the North Course, which opened in 1975. Forty years after this opening,
Westfield decided to partner with Hurdzan Golf Design to redesign both courses. Now that the multi-year renovations (which occurred from 2017 to 2020) have been completed, the par-71 South Course offers golfers 6,800 yards of meticulously manicured playing surfaces, tree-lined fairways and beautiful water features. On the other hand, the 6,733-yard, par-70 North Course is a links-style motif that features firm playing surfaces, open vistas, sod- and timber-walled bunkers, and fescue in the secondary rough. GOLF AMENITIES AND EVENTS Westfield Country Club’s 36-hole facility is complemented by a new 17-acre practice facility, which features a lighted, 25,000-squarefoot putting green, along with two practice holes. The facility provides a variety of practice options for those who find it difficult to dedicate several hours to a full round of golf.
PRIVATE In addition, the club hosts frequent golf events and men’s and women’s leagues — and is the selected site for the 2021 U.S. Women’s Amateur qualifier, as well as the 100th annual Ohio Open. GOLF SHOP The club’s well-stocked Golf Shop, awarded “Merchandiser of the Year” by the Northern Ohio PGA and recognized as a “Top 100 Golf Shop” by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM), offers a wide selection of items, including custom orders. From clubs, golf bags and shoes, to the latest in golf fashion, the Golf Shop is equipped to prepare you for a great day on the course.
ADDITIONAL AMENITIES As a place to entertain for business or pleasure, the club also has an Olympic-sized swimming pool with a snack bar, tennis and pickleball programs, and lawn sports that appeal to golfers and non-golfers alike. Furthermore, the club has a restaurant, known as Firemark Grille, which features cuisine that uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
array of events, ranging from small golf outings, to strategic business meetings, to weddings. These facilities, conveniently located between Cleveland and Columbus off US 224, I-71 and I-76, feature a variety of outdoor event spaces too, including a large, tented patio, a pavilion and multiple outdoor seating areas that have beautiful championship golf course views.
BUSINESS EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS Westfield Country Club — and its sister properties, Blair Conference Center and Westfield Inn — have the amenities and experience to host an
Milestones Happen Here Growing a business. Inspiring a team. Meeting the future in-laws. Life’s biggest moments come more easily when you’re surrounded by impeccable amenities and warm hospitality. At Westfield Country Club, we help you create those meaningful experiences – for business and for life. Join today and start building the relationships that matter most. www.westfieldcc.com
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