Welcome to Ridgewood Golf

Walter Hagen-Arnold Palmer-Babe Zaharias

90 years of history! Who's Next?

Nestled in the heart of Parma, Ohio, Ridgewood Golf Course is one of the Best Kept Secrets amongst Cleveland golf facilities. Although the course has seen many changes over the years it has always been termed by the golf writers of Cleveland, the ideal golf layout because it is possible for the average golfer to score well and yet the scratch players never, burn up the course. The old saying goes "do not judge a book by its cover"; in this case its scorecard.

The course currently measures just over 6100 yards. However, the front nine par 3's range from the 182 yard third hole, 220 yard fourth hole and finishes with the eighth hole at 218 yards. Measuring 451 yards, the eleventh hole made the "Elite 18" created by George Sweda, sports writer for the Plain Dealer. The 13th hole is to say the least a monster par 5 which measures a staggering 615 yards uphill dogleg right. Finally, most greens, originally designed back in 1925, are sloped from back to front when the average putter loft was eleven degrees.

The course has entertained many local, district and state championships and one national championship. The USGA Public Links, a national event, was hosted by Ridgewood back in 1927. Not a day goes by without someone recalling a story handed down mentioning some of the golfing elite that have played Ridgewood. Names like Walter Hagen, Billy Burke, Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson and Babe Zaharias are among some of the popular golfer stories discussed on a weekly basis. Even Arnold Palmer walked these grounds when stationed here back in the day. In the end, Ridgewood Golf Course is a scorecard full of history.

The 18-hole course at the Ridgewood Golf Course facility in Parma, Ohio features just over 6100 yards of golf from the championship tees with a par of 70.The course rating is 68.6 and it has a slope rating of 114 on Blue grass. Designed by Sandy Alves, better known as the original foreman for Donald Ross, the fun and challenging Ridgewood golf course was built in 1924 and officially opened on July 4, 1925.

There are generous landing zones in the fairways. Most greens are good size but some have some tilt and are elevated so be careful not to go long. Water hazards (creeks) come into play on six holes. There are a few well-placed bunkers. The back nine is tighter than the front nine.Watch out for #13, a 615 yard par 5 (from the back tees) featuring a sharp dogleg right with an approach shot downhill to a big green.

The clubhouse (office) at Ridgewood is open ALL Year Round (weather permitting). The Clubhouse has a full bar, snack bar, as well as, banquet facilities. The golf shop and bar typically are open from March 1st until Mid-December depending on weather. Except for private parties the bar will close with the course at the end of the season. We are open most holidays but close Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. Hours of operation vary throughout the season so call for details.

Events Menu

2022 Menu Coming Soon!

Our Stories

New Story; or at least some little known course history. Ridgewood GC first opened in 1925. It was designed by Sandy Alves, a golf course construction manager for the world-famous Donald Ross. Impressed by his work, Ross recommended Alves to the members at Shaker Heights Country Club. Alves was hired to supervise construction of its Donald Ross course, and when construction was finished he stayed on as the Shaker's first Golf professional. Eight years later, Ross and Alves were chosen to design and build a course for The Masons of Cleveland, and they created Acacia Country Club in 1920. Alves remained as Acacia's professional until his death in 1939.

While at Acacia, alves designed a number of other Cleveland area course, including the two courses at Highland Park in cleveland, The Fairways at Twin Lakes in 1923...(as Twin Lakes Country Club), Madison CC along with Highland Meadows CC in toledo and French Lick Resort in Indiana. I bring up this list because he also designed Ridgewood Golf Course in Parma.

Ridgewood is not only a big part of Parma's history but we share a famous designer in the history of golf as well. Talk about a great family tree...

Something new for the 2016 golf season.

I have had the privilege of meeting many wonderful people over the past two years since I accepted the job at Ridgewood GC. What stands out to me are the many fascinating stories connected to our golf course. So many players have come forward to share their stories with me over the past two years. Since then, I have made it one of my goals to shed light on the history of this golf course and the unique connection we share with the city of Parma, Ohio.

After listening to so many stories, I decided to create a new module on our web site to highlight our history by sharing these stories. But I need your help! I am asking you, the golfers, the city residents and our workers to write down your stories on the form I have included at the bottom of this page. I feel it is important for us to share these stories with all the residents of Parma in order to keep the history alive and well for future generations to enjoy and understand the unique connection this course has provided over the years to all its residents. It goes without saying this course means more to our community than knowing a few famous golfers have walked these fairways over the years. There is a special connection between the golf course and its players that extends back to early childhood memories with so many of our guests and supporters. I think sharing these stories will secure not only our history but the successful future of this establishment for years to come. Thank you for your participation:

Yours for better golf,

David Chuba

General Manager/PGA Professional

Participation NOTE:

Fill out the form below. Include your story, your connection to our golf course. I will pick one story every month and display it on our web-site. If your story is chosen I will award a foursome of golf for your efforts. Understand, not all stories will make our site but if your story is selected I reserve the right to modify your content in order to fit the space provided and edit such content/language to make it appropriate for all of our readers.

League Results

NEW 2019 season: Starting in 2019, ALL junior golfers will play Tuesdays. Here are some of the big changes. Last year's Thursday kids (advanced class) will move to 8am Tuesday morning.

The 8am class will now be the advanced class (ages 12-18). This class is designed for the golfers looking to prepare for high school golf. This group will play 9-holes every week.

The 9am class will now be the intermediate class (ages 10-12). This class will play 3-6 holes each week. Kids MUST be able to walk and either carry or pull their own clubs.

The 10am class will now be the beginner class (ages 7-9). This class will alternate each week from SNAG practice the first week to PLAY week (2-3 holes) the second week. The goal of this class is to introduce kids to golf and make it FUN.

2019 Schedule: Start June 11th and end August 6th (All Tuesdays). We will skip the week of July 4th.

Thank you to all the volunteers helping out over the past years. I really appreciate the Parma community supporting our new junior golf program. More news to come...

Below are pictures from our final event day. Wow!!! We just beat the rain but the kids had fun. Everything from a group picture to team and individaul winners. Overall a great start to a new program. More info to come. Thanks to all my helpers and volunteers.

Jack chips in on hole #4 for birdie.....