You’ve probably driven past the sign on Canterbury Road a thousand times. Maybe you even think of it as "just another" muni course in Northeast Ohio. But honestly, Springvale Golf North Olmsted is weirder—and more historic—than your average suburban patch of grass.
Most people show up, pay their green fees, and expect a flat, boring trudge. Then they hit Hole #11.
Basically, if you aren't prepared for the "Big Dipper" of North Olmsted, you’re going to lose about three balls and your dignity before you even hit the back nine.
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Why the History of Springvale Actually Matters
It’s not just a city-owned course; it’s a survivor. Back in 1923, before the fairways even existed, it was a dance hall. Fred Biddulph built the Springvale Ballroom on his family’s farm, which had been there since 1865.
Think about that. While the rest of Cleveland was dealing with Prohibition, people were out here dancing in what eventually became a clubhouse.
The golf side didn’t really kick off until 1928, and it was a mess for a while. A developer named L.H. Heister tried to turn it into a massive residential subdivision called "Homelinks," but the Great Depression nuked those plans. The Biddulph family eventually got the land back through a lawsuit and spent decades building it into the 18-hole layout you see today.
The City of North Olmsted didn't even buy it until 1994. They did it mainly to save the ballroom from being torn down and to keep the greenspace from becoming yet another strip mall or housing development.
The Hole That Ruins Scorecards
Let’s talk about Hole #11. It’s a Par 5, and it’s arguably one of the most frustrating, beautiful, and strategically annoying holes in the region.
It’s got this dramatic elevation change. You’re looking at a 471-yard (from the blue tees) test of nerves. The water comes into play on seven of the holes at Springvale, but here, it feels personal.
- The Length: 6,203 yards total from the tips.
- The Par: 70.
- The Vibe: Hilly, a bit tight in spots, and definitely not "grip it and rip it" friendly.
You’ve gotta be precise. If you try to outmuscle the course, the undulated terrain will just kick your ball into a renovation-quality sand trap or a lake.
Recently, the city went through and renovated all 29 sand traps. They filled them with actual, playable sand (if you've played some other local munis, you know that "sand" is often just Ohio clay). It makes a difference, but you still don't want to be in them.
The "19th Hole" and the Ballroom Legacy
A lot of golfers finish their 18 and vanish. At Springvale, that’s a mistake.
The clubhouse was renovated back in 2002, and it’s got a view of the first tee and a massive pond that’s actually relaxing. They do a weekday evening grill and have a full bar. It’s sort of that "old school" golf vibe where people actually sit around and lie about their scores.
Then there’s the ballroom. It’s one of the oldest operating ballrooms in Ohio. If you’re here on a Saturday, you’ll probably see a wedding party taking photos near the pine trees. It’s a weird juxtaposition—golfers in sweaty polos walking past brides in white dresses—but it’s part of the Springvale charm.
What it Costs to Play in 2026
Golf isn't getting cheaper, but Springvale stays surprisingly grounded.
You can usually find "TeeTime" deals or promo rounds for as low as $22 for 18 holes with a cart if you’re playing on a weekday before 1 PM. If you're a senior (62+), those deals are even easier to snag.
Regular Rates (Estimated):
For 18 holes with a cart on a weekend, you're looking at something in the $45–$55 range depending on the season. It’s competitive. Is it Augusta? No. But for a course that’s almost a century old and maintained by the city, the value is there.
The Real Talk: Conditions and Misconceptions
Look, let’s be real for a second. It’s a municipal course.
Sometimes the fairways get those "extreme dead spots" during a dry July. I've seen reviews where people complain about the pace of play being slow on weekends—and yeah, it can get backed up. If you book through certain apps, you might even end up paying more than if you just called the pro shop directly.
Also, don't expect a driving range. They have a putting and chipping green, but if you need to hit a bucket of 50 balls to find your swing, you’ll need to stop somewhere else first.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Round
If you're planning to head out to Canterbury Road, do these three things to actually enjoy the day:
- Call the Pro Shop: Don't just trust the apps. Dial 440-777-0678. Ask about the "turf status." If they've had a fungus issue or extreme heat, they’ll usually tell you if the fairways are struggling.
- Play the "Smart" Game on #11: Do not try to hero-shot your way over the hazards. Lay up. The slope is 118, which sounds easy, but the hills are deceptive.
- Check the Ballroom Schedule: If there’s a massive 200-person event at the Pavilion or Ballroom, parking is going to be a nightmare. Plan to arrive 20 minutes earlier than usual.
Springvale isn't trying to be a country club. It’s a piece of North Olmsted history that happens to have some really tricky greens and a decent burger. Treat it like a local gem, watch out for the water on those seven holes, and you’ll probably have a better time than the guy swearing in the woods on the back nine.
Next Steps for Golfers:
- Check the local weather for North Olmsted; the course sits in a bit of a bowl and can hold moisture after a heavy rain.
- Verify your "Bonus Rounds" status if you're part of any Cleveland-area golf associations, though Springvale operates independently from the Metroparks system.
- Ensure your cart is fully charged before heading to the far end of the course—the hills on the back nine are notorious battery-drainers.