Course Review: Manakiki in Willoughby, Ohio

Like a fine bottle of wine, some things get better with age. Meet Manakiki.

A short drive from Cleveland, this Donald Ross design has stood the test of time. Opened in the late 1920s, Manakiki (believed to be a Native American word for maple forest) unfolds over rolling terrain and meandering streams. Surrounded by thick forest and dotted with native vegetation, Manakiki is an oasis of peace and tranquility.

Manakiki stretches to 6,643 yards from the back tees, but three forward sets drop the yardage to 5,230 - making the course extremely playable for just about any level.

Built on 200 acres originally belonging to prominent Cleveland industrialist Howard Hanna, a group from the Willowick Club obtained the property and converted it into Manakiki Country Club.

In 1944, the story of Manakiki took a very interesting turn. Property owners James and Fannie Brown offered to donate the course to the city of Cleveland, but the city declined. Manakiki was then sold to the Cleveland Metroparks for one dollar with the promise that it would forever remain a golf course. A plaque in honor of the former owners stands near the18th green.

While Manakiki was operated as a private country club through 1960, January 1, 1961 should be a date celebrated by the masses. The club's lease was not renewed and Manakiki was open for public play.

As is the case with many classic courses, the layout and various aspects got tweaked over the years. In 1990, the Metroparks took steps to restore much of Manakiki's original character by developing a master plan to renovate the golf course. The plan included installing irrigation systems, building a pond on No. 3 and restoring a pond on No. 15. Tees were rebuilt or restored on holes 6, 8, 9, 13, and 15. Also, a continuous cart path was constructed to assure that golf carts could operate regardless of weather conditions. In addition, bunkers taken out over the years are gradually being restored to their original state.

Manakiki is one of eight courses under the Cleveland Metroparks umbrella. Along with Stanley Thompson-designed Sleepy Hollow in Brecksville, it’s a flagship property. Other courses include Big Met (Fairview Park), Shawnee Hills (Bedford), Seneca (Broadview Heights), Little Met (Cleveland), Mastick Woods (Cleveland) and Washington (Newburgh Heights). To learn more about golf, click HERE.

In addition to golf, the Metroparks operate nearly 20 nature reservations and a very popular zoo. Activities include swimming, archery, FootGolf, toboggening, zip lines and much more. To learn more about the Cleveland Metroparks, click HERE.