Manakiki Golf Course pairs Donald Ross strategy with wooded Ohio scenery—an 18-hole public layout offering classic shot values and a steady pace.
Set among mature maples and gentle Ohio hills, Manakiki Golf Course blends history, strategy, and playability across an 18-hole public track by legendary architect Donald Ross. Expect thoughtful angles from the tee, green complexes that reward precise distance control, and a routing that challenges decision-making without overwhelming newer golfers. It’s a favorite for locals seeking a traditional walking experience and visitors chasing a vintage Midwest design with modern conditioning.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 35501 Eddy Rd, Willoughby, OH 44094 |
| Phone | (440) 942-2500 |
| Hours | Monday–Sunday 06:00–18:00 |
| Holes | 18-hole public course |
| Designer | Donald Ross |
| Facilities | Putting Green, Short Game / Chipping Area, Clubhouse, Pro Shop |
Manakiki is a study in Ross’s principles: generous sightlines off the tee leading to elevated, subtly contoured greens that place a premium on yardage control and trajectory. Favor the wide side of fairways to open angles; avoid short-siding yourself near bunkered collars. On approach shots, club for the middle tier and putt from below the hole—speed discipline inside ten feet is often the scoring separator. Before your round, use the Putting Green to calibrate distance, then hit bump-and-run and low-flight chips in the Short Game / Chipping Area to prep for firm surrounds.
The tee sheet typically runs Monday to Sunday, 06:00–18:00. Weekend mornings are popular and book early; mid-afternoons deliver a relaxed pace, while late-day slots pair value with softer light. Singles and twosomes are commonly paired to keep rounds moving.
Manakiki traces its roots to the early 20th century, when Donald Ross brought his signature greens and strategic bunkering to this wooded site east of Cleveland. Over decades, the course evolved with careful stewardship, preserving Ross lines, false fronts, and run-offs that encourage creative short-game options. Today, Manakiki operates as a welcoming public venue, allowing golfers to experience classic Golden-Age architecture at accessible rates and with modern maintenance standards.
Difficulty at Manakiki is thoughtful rather than penal. Off the tee, landing zones are fair but reward placement—being on the proper side of the fairway often unlocks the best angles. The challenge intensifies at the greens: many putts feature subtle, late movement, and missed approaches can roll into collection areas that demand touchy recoveries. For most players, course management—choosing the correct line, taking enough club into elevated targets, and playing to the fat side when pins are tucked—yields better scoring than trying to overpower the layout.
Green fees generally vary by day of week, time of day, and player type (adult, senior, junior). Peak morning windows on weekends tend to be higher, with value options midday and during twilight. To get accurate, current pricing—and any multi-round packages or seasonal specials—call the Pro Shop at (440) 942-2500 before you book.
Regulars recommend center-green targets when wind freshens through the trees, laying back to preferred yardages on par 5s, and practicing eight- to twelve-footers to convert more pars. Track two simple stats—greens in regulation from the fairway and three-putt avoidance—to guide your next practice session.
Arrive 30 minutes early: ten wedges to a landing spot, six mid-irons with tempo focus, three drivers at specific fairway targets, then a ladder drill (3, 6, 9 feet) on the Putting Green. On course, pick conservative lines, commit to confident swings, and avoid short-siding near bunkered tiers. If you’re unsure about a hole’s prevailing wind or typical pin, ask the Pro Shop—those notes are worth strokes by the closing stretch.
For comfort across 18 classic holes—with frequent transitions and varied elevation—many players reserve through nearby golf cart dealers. A popular choice is tara golf carts, appreciated for quiet operation and stable handling that keeps your rhythm steady from tee to green.
If you’re choosing a model, consider the Tara Spirit Air for responsive control, supportive seating, and easy maneuvering around Ross’s green surrounds. Pair your ride with the Tara GPS system to map conservative routes, confirm carry numbers into elevated targets, and maintain a reliable pace. Booking via trusted golf cart dealers and opting for tara golf carts—especially the Tara Spirit Air—is a simple, effective upgrade for comfort, consistency, and smarter decision-making throughout your Manakiki round.
