My Favorite Par 3 Golf Courses of Northeast Ohio

My husband had been golfing for years before I got interested in the game. By that time our daughter was six and showing promise so we looked for smaller courses that had something to offer all of us. Having grown up in the Youngstown-Warren area of Ohio, my husband and I gravitated back to our roots to the "short holes" courses there and eventually expanded that experience to the Par 3 courses closer to home. We found a great variety in the following Par 3 courses.

Wick Recreation Area - Located on the West Side edge of Youngstown in Mill Creek lies the a wonderful 18 hole Par 3 course for golfers just starting out or those who want to practice their short game. Open 8am to dark from April through mid-October with lighted play from 8pm - 11pm. Rates vary depending on number of holes and time of day played, students, seniors, residents and non-resident status. Club rental is available for $1.75. Address: Wick Recreation Area, McCollum Road, Youngstown, OH. Phone: 330-740-7114.

Paul Tessler's Learning Center - The Par 3 course at Tessler's is good for a golfer looking to advance to the big course or one that wants to work on their short game. Hole yardages range from 79 to 285 yards. Driving range, lessons and kid's clinics are also available. Hours of operation are 9am - dusk April through August with winter hours by appointment. Address: 3781 Ohio 5, Newton Falls, OH. Phone: 330-872-7984

Shawnee Hills - Located on the Bedford Reservation in Cleveland's Metropark system Shawnee Hills is perfect for kids to develop their skills. The hole yardage ranges from 96 to 188 yards and is an easy course to walk. The Par 3 is part of a golf complex that includes a regulation 18-hole course along with an outstanding snack bar with a large patio to relax before or after your game. Children's league's available in the early to mid summer. See the Cleveland Metropark website for hours and rates. Address: 18753 Egbert Road, Bedford, Ohio. Phone: 440-232-7184

Mastick Woods - Like Shawnee Hills, the Mastick Woods Par 3 course is part of the Cleveland Metropark system and a golf center that includes two larger 18-hole courses. This Par 3 is larger than the others found in Cleveland with yardage ranging from 110 on hole 6 to 310 on the number 9 hole. Beautifully laid out in a forest like relaxing setting, Mastick Woods is a pleasant but challenging course. Address:19900 Puritas Road, Cleveland. Phone: 216-267-5626

Washington Learning Center - When the name says learning center - it really means it! This course is part of the Cleveland Metropark system but is funded by the First Tee organization as their training course but don't let that fool you. This course is harder than the name implies. Loaded with "big course" items like sand traps, water hazard, three tee levels and wooded areas close to the fairway it's easy to lose a golf ball or two. A great course for the entire family to spend a couple hours enjoying the game of golf and each other's company. Address: 3841 Washington Park Blvd., Village of Newburgh Heights. Phone: 216-641-1864.

Even though summer may be winding down there's still plenty of great weather to get in a round of two of golf at any or all of these wonderful courses.

http://tesslergolf.net

http://www.clemetparks.com/recreation/golf/

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