You’re driving down Purcell Road in Cleveland, the trees are thick, and suddenly there’s this little clubhouse tucked away in the valley. It’s Mastick Woods Golf Course. Honestly, if you aren't looking for it, you might miss it entirely. While people are busy fighting for tee times at Sleepy Hollow or Big Met, locals who just want a relaxed nine-hole round are slipping away to this executive layout in the Rocky River Reservation. It is short. It is sweet. And for a lot of people, it’s the most approachable patch of grass in the entire Cleveland Metroparks system.
Most golf courses feel like they’re judging you. You show up, the starter is eyeing your bag, and the par-5s look like they belong in a marathon. Mastick Woods Golf Course isn't that. It’s a par-31. It’s basically the "entry drug" for Cleveland golf. But don't mistake that for it being a boring parkland loop because the terrain here does some pretty funky things thanks to its location in the valley.
The Reality of Playing Mastick Woods Golf Course
Let’s be real about what this place is. You aren't coming here to test your 300-yard drive. You’re coming here because you have 90 minutes and want to work on your short game or teach your kid how to hit a 7-iron without getting yelled at by a group of angry low-handicappers behind you.
The course spans roughly 1,900 yards. That sounds tiny, right? But the Cleveland Metroparks maintenance team treats this turf with a surprising amount of respect. The greens are usually in better shape than some of the pricier public courses in the outer suburbs. Because it sits in the Rocky River valley, the drainage can be a bit of a conversation starter—basically, if it rained yesterday, bring your waterproof shoes. The moisture keeps the grass lush, but it also means the ball doesn't roll forever.
Why the Layout Actually Works
There are four par-4s and five par-3s. That's the mix. It sounds simple, but the elevation changes are what keep it interesting. You’ve got holes where you're hitting slightly uphill, and others where the wind coming through the river valley catches your ball and tosses it toward the trees.
Hole 9 is a classic example. You’re finishing up right near the clubhouse, and it’s a par-3 that looks easy on paper but requires a legit carry. It’s the kind of hole that makes you feel like a pro if you stick the green, mostly because the people sitting on the benches by the first tee are usually watching. Pressure? Maybe a little.
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This Isn't Just for Beginners (Though They Love It)
There is a weird myth that "executive" courses are only for seniors and kids. Total nonsense. If you talk to any serious golfer in Northeast Ohio, they’ll tell you their mid-iron game is trash because they only practice at the range. Mastick Woods Golf Course forces you to hit those awkward 120-yard shots over and over. It is a precision clinic.
Think about it. If you play a championship course, you might hit your wedges three or four times. At Mastick, you’re hitting them on every single hole. It’s basically a massive practice green with better scenery. Plus, the price point is unbeatable. We are talking about a round of golf that costs less than a decent steak at a downtown Cleveland restaurant. In a world where golf is getting priced out for the average family, Mastick stays accessible.
The "Vibe" Factor
You won't find many "country club" attitudes here. People wear hoodies. They play in groups of two or four, and usually, everyone is just happy to be outside. The course is part of the Emerald Necklace, so the wildlife is everywhere. Deer? Yeah, they’re basically the unofficial marshals. Red-tailed hawks? All over the place. It feels like you’re golfing in a nature preserve, which, technically, you are.
Navigating the Rocky River Reservation Logistics
If you’re planning a trip, you need to know that Mastick Woods Golf Course shares its DNA with the surrounding Metroparks amenities. You’ve got the Little Met course nearby, which is a bit longer, but Mastick is the one people go to when they want "easy-going."
- Location: 19900 Purcell Rd, Cleveland, OH 44135.
- Booking: You can use the Cleveland Metroparks online system. Honestly, do it in advance. Even though it's a "hidden gem," the secret has been out for years, and weekend mornings fill up fast.
- Walking vs. Riding: Most people walk. It’s a short loop, and the walk is half the fun. If you’re carrying your bag, it’s a great workout without being exhausting.
One thing to watch out for is the proximity to the airport. You’re going to hear planes. Cleveland Hopkins is right there. Some people find it distracting, but others think it adds to the urban-nature mashup that makes Cleveland unique. You get used to it after the second hole.
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Debunking the "Too Easy" Argument
I’ve heard guys complain that Mastick Woods Golf Course is "too short to be real golf." Those are usually the same guys who three-putt the third green. Small greens require high accuracy. If you miss the green at Mastick, you are chipping from some thick, valley-grown rough. It tests your touch.
The par-4s aren't long, but they are narrow. If you try to bomb a driver, you’re likely going to end up in the woods or on a different fairway. It rewards the "boring" golfer—the one who hits a hybrid off the tee and just keeps it in play. It’s a course that rewards strategy over brute strength.
Practical Tips for Your Round
Don't overthink your bag. You probably don't even need your woods. A 3-wood or a hybrid is plenty for the par-4s. Focus on your 7-iron through your sand wedge. That’s where the game is won or lost here.
Also, keep an eye on the leaves in the fall. The Metroparks are beautiful in October, but the "leaf rule" is in full effect. If you hit it into the colorful piles off the fairway, just drop a ball and keep moving. No one wants to wait for you to hunt for a $4 Titleist for ten minutes.
The Future of the Course
The Cleveland Metroparks system is constantly investing in its properties. We’ve seen improvements in irrigation and clubhouse facilities across the board. Mastick remains a priority because it serves as the "on-ramp" for the sport. Without courses like this, the game dies. It’s where the next generation of Cleveland golfers hits their first par.
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Whether you’re a scratch golfer looking to sharpen your approach shots or a complete novice who doesn't know a birdie from a bunker, this place fits. It’s unpretentious. It’s affordable. It’s Cleveland golf at its most fundamental.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
1. Check the Weather and Ground Conditions
Since Mastick is in the valley, it retains moisture. If Cleveland has had a week of rain, expect "cart path only" or soggy fairways. Check the Metroparks golf website for daily course alerts before you drive out.
2. Book Your Tee Time Early
Don't just show up on a Saturday morning expecting to walk on. Use the Cleveland Metroparks golf app or website to snag a spot at least 48 hours in advance, especially during the peak summer months.
3. Focus on "Target Golf"
Leave the driver in the car or the bag. Challenge yourself to play the entire round using only irons and hybrids. It’s the best way to actually improve your score and stay out of the woods that line the narrow fairways.
4. Explore the Reservation
Since a round at Mastick only takes about an hour and a half, plan to hit the Rocky River Reservation trails afterward. The Valley Parkway is right there, offering some of the best hiking and biking in the county.
5. Bring the Right Gear
Because of the river proximity, bugs can be a thing in the evening. Toss a can of bug spray in your bag. Also, since the greens are smaller, a good repair tool is essential—be the person who fixes two ball marks for every one you make.