The Dewsweepers have played golf every Sunday Morning since about March this year, and we have played all kinds of golf courses. Some we liked, some not so much. And there were a few we have really loved to play this year. Manakiki in Willoughby in one to love.
Manakiki is run by the Metroparks now, and sits in a wonderful setting about 20 minutes or so from downtown Cleveland. No matter where you drive in from to play, you will be rewarded with a fabulous golf course in front of you. This was designed in the 1920's by the legendary Donald Ross, and is so well put together you might think you are on tour. This was a PGA tour stop in the 1950's and 1960's.
This was run as a private country club from 1944 to about 1960, and the facilities outside of the golf course show you that. Incredible clubhouse, and pro shop. This is a striking place to simply see, let alone play golf. This is a tight course, with thousands of trees of all kinds. Well thought out holes with old school raised greens on many holes. From the white tees it plays about 6,200 yards actual, but it plays far longer than that because of it's design. It's hard to put into words how great this place really is. You simply must go see it.
We were saddened a bit, because we played this course in about the toughest golf conditions imaginable. It was about 48 degrees, and it rained on us the whole 18 holes. It did stop for about 2 holes on the back only to start again on 18 tee. It was not conditions for scoring well. Course played long with it being wet, and we could hardly hold on to the clubs at times. But once out there, we were not going to leave. It was simply too nice of a course to not finish. We all agreed.
Not really important to give you the play by play on this round of golf. None of us played or scored the way we would have on a nicer weather day. It rained and was pretty raw most of the morning. At times it rained very hard. But truth be told, none of us scored real bad under tough circumstances. I would love to go back and take a nice weather run at this course. I feel it's a course we could really play well. It's not a long course, but very challenging. Length off the tee is not important, but straight is. All greens heavily protected by sand too. There is not much water either. This is a position course. If you play this from the deepm tees, it will be as tough a challenge as you would every want in a pubic course. Play the white tees.
It also might have the most beautiful finishing hole in area. Number 18 is simply breathatking. As is much of the rest of this course. Worth every minute of drive, and every dollar you spend to play. This is a treat, and we can't wait to go back. Next time in the sun, and we will really play this course well, as it sets up well for our games.
Tournament caliber, tended beautifully, and preserved over the decades with thought and skill.
Manakiki. In short, about as good as public golf can get.
Scores
Joe Red - 87
Wynn - 89
Beef - 90
Tex - 107
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