Sleepy Hollow Golf Course

This 18-hole public course sits in Brecksville Reservation on wooded hills above the Cuyahoga River Valley. Book a tee time ahead; this is a full golf visit, not a quick roadside stop. The mix of slopes and river-valley scenery is what makes the round memorable.

Both nines start downhill and generally with the prevailing wind, then climb back uphill and into it. Hole 2 is a long par 3; No. 3 stretches 481 yards from the back tee. Holes 14 and 17 are shorter risk-reward decisions. The changing slopes make club choice matter throughout the round.

The target pace is 2¼ hours for nine holes and 4½ for 18. The course asks 18-hole players to keep the front-nine break to five minutes to retain access to the tenth tee. Power and hand carts are available to rent if you would rather save your legs for the hills.

Stanley Thompson designed the course. It opened in 1924 as a private country club and has been open to public play since 1963. It has hosted amateur and professional events, including qualifiers for USGA championships.

There is a driving range, putting greens, lessons, club and cart rentals, and shower service. The Valley View Room has a patio, full-service bar, and catering for booked events; do not assume food is available outside those events.

In winter, the driving range and tenth tee double as sledding slopes. They are described as gentle enough for younger children, but use depends on adequate snow and safe weather.