Beginner-friendly golf courses (Cleveland, Bedford, Northfield: live in, cost, trees)

[BillLuc1982]

I just started to take my fiancee out golfing. I'll play any course, but my fiancee prefers a course that's usually not that crowded. I live in Northfield. Are there any courses in the area that aren't crowded and give my fiancee an opportunity to learn without feeling embarrassed? She doesn't like too many people watching her.

Also, I'm looking at standard courses with all of the pars (par-35 to 36), not Par 3 courses. She likes being exposed to different types of holes and actually did fairly well hitting the ball on a par 5 when we were out last weekend.

[jam40jeff]

Shawnee Hills in Bedford

[BillLuc1982]

Thanks Jeff! If she ever wants to golf in the Cleveland area, we'll play there. Shawnee is owned by MetroParks, as is Highland Park. I really enjoy playing Highland Park since it's near my work. I play it with a co-worker or two after work. Usually manage to shoot 40's there. Also, I enjoy Astorhurst and Fowler's Mill -- very well taken care of.

[jam40jeff]

I play quite a bit of golf, but I do not enjoy Shawnee Hills that much, but it's a decent course for beginners. It's not too long, it's in somewhat decent shape, and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Out of all the courses you mentioned, Fowlers Mill is in a class of its own, a beautiful place. Highland Park is a has-been. They lost a bunch of trees so now it's pretty open and boring, and they don't maintain it too well (they reshaped all of the bunkers so they could rake them with one pass). I have only played Astorhurst a few times a while ago, but remember that you need a hardhat on the 1st hole.