ARCHITECTS
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Course Report
The property was once the summer estate of Howard Hanna before becoming a golf course, and its name comes from a word meaning 'maple forest', inspired by the abundance of maples on the land.
About
Manakiki Golf Course in Willoughby, Ohio, is a public, 18-hole Donald Ross design set on 200 scenic acres. The layout features tree-lined fairways, undulating greens, natural elevation changes, and a historic mansion-turned-clubhouse. It offers a challenging, classic parkland experience for golfers of all skill levels in the Cleveland area.
Caddie Tip
Play conservatively off the tee, especially on holes with pronounced doglegs or elevation changes. The greens are subtly contoured and often slope away from bunkers, so approach shots should favor the safer side. Pay extra attention to distance control on par 3s and use the clubhouse’s detailed yardage info for planning.
The Main Challenge
The toughest aspect at Manakiki is navigating the strategic doglegs and elevation changes. Donald Ross’s undulating greens and deep bunkers demand precise short-game control. The five par fives are both reachable and risky, and water hazards force careful management on approach shots throughout the layout.
The Good
Golfers love the classic Donald Ross parkland design, especially the creative variety of approach shots and the strategic challenge of doglegs and water hazards. The scenic, tree-lined fairways and welcoming, historic clubhouse make every round feel special and locally memorable.
The Not So Good
The most frequent complaints concern slow pace during peak times and some seasonal inconsistencies in green speed and bunker conditions. Golfers occasionally mention a lack of driving range and suggest more consistent grooming of rough areas following summer rain.
Signature Hole:
#
5
The par 5 5th hole at Manakiki is renowned for its challenge. With a creek bisecting the fairway and a green heavily guarded by bunkers, players must execute accurate tee shots and display strategic thinking on layups and approaches. Its length and natural hazards make it widely considered the course’s signature test.
Clubhouse
The clubhouse features the renovated historic Hanna Mansion offering dining, event space, and a pro shop with equipment and apparel. Locker rooms, showers, and a patio overlooking the course provide post-round comfort. Staff are noted for their hospitality and knowledge of the course’s history.
Practice Facilities
Manakiki offers a putting green and short game area, with targets for chipping and pitching. No full driving range is present, but on-site teaching pros provide lessons and use portable nets for swing sessions. Warm-up space is limited but adequate for short game prep.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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