Located 17 miles east of downtown Cleveland, Manakiki Golf
Course is an elegant public course. The classic Donald
Ross design offers a variety of challenges including
doglegs, water hazards, up-and-down shots, back-to-back
par 5s, short, long, tight, and open holes, and two canyon
holes.
Manakiki is rich in history. Its name is believed to be
a Native American word for maple forest and was suggested
by the predominance of maples along tree-lined fairways.
The 200 acres were originally the summer estate of Howard
Hanna, a prominent Cleveland indusrialist. The property
was then obtained by a group from the Willowick Club and
converted into Manakiki Country Club.
The Hanna Mansion was expanded into a beautiful clubhouse.
In 1963, the east wing of the original Hanna Mansion, which
mirrored the existing west wing was torn down due to a small
fire and deterioration. The west wing was recently renovated
to preserve its structural integrity and history.
In 1944, the property owners, Janes and Fannie Brown, offered
to donate the course to the city of Cleveland. The city
graciously declined to offer and it was then sold to Cleveland
Metroparks for one dollar, under the condition that it must
forever remain a golf course. A plaque in honor of the former
owners still stands near the18th green.
From 1944 through 1960, Manakiki was operated as a private
country club. On January 1, 1961 after the country club's
lease was not renewed, Manakiki was open for public play.
Manakiki offers many great holes; #8 was considered the
most difficult par 4 hole on tour in the '50s when Manakiki
hosted the Carling Open. Hole #15 has also been selected
as one of Cleveland's best par 3 holes. An electric trolley
once carried golfers from the 15th green up the steep slope
to the #16 tee. The mirror image canyon holes #10 and #18
are among the finest start and finish to nine holes in the
country.
In 1990, a master plan was developed to renovate the golf
course and restore much of its original character. The plan
included installing water and irrigation systems, building
a pond on hole #3, and restoring a pond at hole #15. Tees
were rebuilt or restored on holes 6, 8, 9, 13, and 15. A
continuous cart path was also constructed to assure that
golf carts may operate regardless of weather conditions.
In addition, sand bunkers that were taken out will gradually
be restored to their original state.
Features: pro shop,golf lessons, snack bar, power
and hand cart rental, practice putting green, short game
practice area, party rooms, shower service, watered greens,
tees and fairways.
Manakiki Tee Reservations
Room Rental/Food Service
