You’ve probably driven past it a dozen times if you live near Bedford Heights. It looks like just another stretch of green off the road, but honestly, Shawnee Hills Golf Course is one of those places that catches you off guard if you’re used to the flat, uninspired layouts of suburban muni tracks. It isn’t just a place to whack a ball; it’s basically the "crown jewel" of the Cleveland Metroparks golf system for a reason.
Most golfers in Northeast Ohio have a love-hate relationship with the terrain here. The hills aren't just for show. They’re punishing.
The Brutal Beauty of the Championship 18
If you're looking for a casual stroll, go somewhere else. Shawnee Hills is notorious for its elevation changes. You'll stand on the tee box of the par-5 4th hole and realize you’re looking down a massive valley that eats golf balls for breakfast. It's roughly 6,366 yards from the back tees, which doesn't sound long on paper. But when you factor in the uphill climbs on the back nine, it plays like it's over 7,000.
The front nine is mostly "parkland" style. It’s open. It’s friendly. You might even think you’re a better golfer than you actually are for about forty-five minutes. Then you hit the back nine. That’s where the "Hills" part of the name really earns its keep.
The 10th hole is a wake-up call. It's a dogleg that requires actual strategy, not just a blind heave with a driver. You have to place the ball. If you don't, you're staring at a bogey before you even pull your putter out. The Deer Lick Creek winds through the property, and while it looks scenic, it’s a magnet for any shot that isn’t struck pure. Ben Hogan famously said the most important shot in golf is the next one, and at Shawnee, you're constantly reminded that your "next one" is probably going to be from an awkward side-hill lie.
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Why the Par 3 Course is Actually a Secret Weapon
Most people ignore the short course. Big mistake.
Shawnee Hills features an 18-hole Championship course, but it also has a 9-hole Par 3 executive course. Don’t call it a "pitch and putt." It’s actually one of the best places in the Cleveland area to work on your short game without the pressure of a four-hour round. It's ideal for beginners, sure, but if you’re a low-handicapper struggling with your wedges, spending an hour here is more productive than hitting a bucket of range balls.
The greens on the Par 3 are kept in surprisingly good shape. Usually, short courses are treated like an afterthought by maintenance crews, but the Metroparks staff treats this whole facility with a level of respect you’d expect at a private country club.
The Logistics: Rates, Lessons, and Getting There
Let's talk money because golf is getting expensive everywhere. Shawnee Hills remains one of the best values in the region. Because it’s part of the Cleveland Metroparks, the rates are standardized. You aren't getting gouged just because it’s a Saturday morning in July.
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- Weekday vs. Weekend: Expect to pay a bit more on Saturday, obviously.
- Walking vs. Riding: If you choose to walk the 18-hole course, bring water. And maybe a spare set of lungs. Those hills are no joke.
- The Clubhouse: It’s functional. Don’t expect a five-star steakhouse, but the snack bar hits the spot after a hot round.
Instruction here is surprisingly high-caliber. The Metroparks system employs PGA professionals who actually know how to teach, not just mind the shop. They run junior clinics that are consistently booked out months in advance. If you're trying to get a kid into the game, this is the place to do it. The environment is welcoming, not stuffy.
What Most People Get Wrong About Shawnee
There’s a misconception that muni golf is "easy" or "slow."
While pace of play can be an issue on any public course during peak hours, the marshals at Shawnee Hills actually try. They aren't just driving around in carts to look busy; they’ll nudge a slow group if things get backed up at the turn.
Another thing? People assume the conditions will be rough because of the foot traffic. Honestly, the drainage here is better than at many nearby courses. Even after a typical Ohio thunderstorm, the fairways tend to dry out fairly quickly, thanks to the natural slope of the land. You aren't usually dealing with the "Cleveland Muck" that plagues flatter courses in the Cuyahoga Valley.
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Navigating the Signature Holes
The 18th hole is a classic finisher. It’s a par 4 that requires a precise approach to a green that sits right in front of the clubhouse. There’s something about having people watch from the patio that makes that final putt feel like you’re playing for the Green Jacket.
The 6th hole—a par 3—is another standout. It’s long. It’s intimidating. You’re hitting over a valley to a green that seems smaller than it actually is. It’s a mental game as much as a physical one. If you can par the 6th and the 10th, you’ve had a good day.
The Environmental Factor
You're playing in a reservation. That means wildlife is everywhere. It’s common to see deer grazing just off the fairway or red-tailed hawks circling overhead. The course is certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. This isn't just a marketing gimmick; it means they use fewer chemicals and manage the land in a way that supports the local ecosystem. You're basically golfing in a nature preserve.
How to Actually Score Well Here
If you want to break 80 or 90 at Shawnee Hills Golf Course, you have to leave the ego in the parking lot.
- Club Up on the Hills: When you’re hitting uphill to the 14th or 15th, the yardage on your GPS is lying to you. Add at least one full club, maybe two if the wind is coming off the lake.
- Respect the Slopes: Most putts break toward the valley. Even if it looks straight, it probably isn't.
- Stay in the Short Grass: The rough at Shawnee isn't necessarily long, but it’s thick. The soil is rich, and the grass grows dense. Hitting a green in regulation from the rough is a tall order.
- Use the Range: They have a solid practice facility. Use it. Warming up your swing before tackling those opening holes will save you three strokes, easily.
The course is located at 18753 Egbert Road in Bedford. It’s easy to get to from I-271 or I-480. If you’re coming from downtown Cleveland, it’s a 25-minute drive that feels like a world away once you pull into the lot.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
- Book Early: Use the Cleveland Metroparks online tee time system. The prime morning spots on weekends disappear by Monday or Tuesday.
- Check the Weather: Because of the elevation, it can be a few degrees cooler (and windier) at Shawnee than it is in the city. Pack a windbreaker.
- Download the App: The Metroparks Golf app gives you free GPS yardages and a digital scorecard. It’s much easier than squinting at the yardage markers on the fairways.
- Explore the Area: Since you’re already in the Bedford Reservation, take 20 minutes after your round to see Bridal Veil Falls or the Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek. They are literally minutes away and some of the best sights in the entire park system.
- Walk the Par 3 First: If you’re a beginner, don't jump straight to the Championship 18. Play the short course twice. You’ll build confidence without getting frustrated by the massive hills on the main track.
- Bring Extra Balls: If you have a slice, the woods flanking the back nine will claim several victims. Be prepared.