Mastick Woods (Cleveland, OH)

At the bottom of Puritas Hill, between the Rocky River and the hillside, sits Mastick Woods, an executive length nine hole golf course. On the day I played, a woman’s league was finishing on the ninth hole, and the course was filled with young kids playing with their dads. The air had the sweet aroma of moving water as the moisture from the river flowered the valley. I imagine this is the epitome of growing the game; a beautiful setting in an accessible location. 

Mastick Woods was designed by Metroparks superintendent Harry Burkhardt in 1965. There are various lengths of par threes, including a 200 yarder, and a couple short par fours. The greens are like upside down saucers, and anything hit off center will funnel away from the putting surface. They create interest on a site who’s only natural feature is the modest hill next to the wooded hillside. When I was first learning the game, this was one of the few courses where I felt safe. There was no expectation and I could hit the ball as often as I needed to advance it towards the hole. The devilish greens give it character, and promote the value of a good short game. I’m a bit surprised they didn’t make this the location of The First Tee. It’s been filling that role for many years. Between the three Rocky River Reservation courses, millions upon millions of people have been introduced to the game. Mastick is usually the first taste.