The 5 Toughest Public Golf Courses Near Cleveland, OH
Matthew Holder

The Cleveland metro area is home to some of the most challenging public golf courses in Ohio. These courses offer a thrilling experience for avid golfers with their unique layouts, strategic hazards, and scenic views. Here, we rank the five most difficult public golf courses in the region, listed from least to most difficult, followed by an honorable mention for those looking for an extra challenge.
5. Grey Hawk Golf Club
Location: Lagrange, OH
Hardest Tees: Silver
Yards: 7079
Slope: 137
Rating: 74.3
Grey Hawk Golf Club, located near LaGrange, offers stunning views and a challenging course suitable for golfers of all skill levels. The course is meticulously maintained, with well-groomed fairways and greens that strike a balance between difficulty and playability. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, providing helpful tips and tricks to ensure a successful round. Grey Hawk Golf Club is an excellent choice for both local golfers and visitors to LaGrange, looking for a regular course or a new destination to play with friends.
4. Valley of the Eagles Golf Club
Valley of the Eagles Golf Club Tee Times
Location: Elyria, OH
Hardest Tees: Black
Yards: 6941
Slope: 133
Rating: 74.7
Valley of the Eagles Golf Club offers a challenging layout with a variety of strategic hazards and well-maintained greens. Golfers of all skill levels will find this course a fair test of their abilities.
3. Dorlon Golf Club
Location: Columbia Station, OH
Hardest Tees: Blue
Yards: 7191
Slope: 131
Rating: 74.9
Dorlon Golf Club is known for its beautiful layout and challenging design. The course features wide fairways, strategic bunkers, and well-manicured greens, providing a memorable golfing experience.
2. Tanglewood National Golf Club
Tanglewood National Golf Club Tee Times
Location: Chagrin Falls, OH
Hardest Tees: Black
Yards: 7029
Slope: 138
Rating: 75
Located near Chagrin Falls, The Tanglewood Golf Club presents golfers of all levels with stunning vistas and a challenging course. Its well-manicured greens and fairways offer a welcoming yet arduous playing experience. The friendly staff is eager to provide guidance and insights for achieving your best game. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or looking for a new course to explore, The Tanglewood Golf Club is an excellent option for your regular rounds or a fun outing with friends.
1. Lake – Fowlers Mill Golf Course
Lake – Fowlers Mill Golf Course Tee Times
Location: Chesterland, OH
Hardest Tees: Gold
Yards: 3629
Slope: 136
Rating: 74.7
Fowlers Mill Golf Course offers a picturesque and challenging layout, with a variety of hazards that test golfers of all skill levels. The course is well-maintained and provides a scenic backdrop for a round of golf.
Honorable Mention: Furnace Run – Seneca Golf Course
Furnace Run – Seneca Golf Course Tee Times
Location: Broadview Heights, OH
Hardest Tees: Purple
Yards: 3536
Slope: 129
Rating: 74
Furnace Run – Seneca Golf Course is a favorite among local golfers for its well-maintained fairways and greens. The course offers a fair challenge to golfers of all skill levels and provides a scenic and enjoyable round of golf.
The Cleveland area offers a variety of challenging public golf courses for avid golfers. Whether you’re aiming for the top spots or seeking an extra challenge, these courses provide a unique and exciting golfing experience.
Updated May 24, 2024