Golf, yoga, weddings and more, it’s all in full swing at Valleaire Golf Club & Event Center

By Laura Briedis

While most golf courses in Northeast Ohio are dormant in the winter, Valleaire Golf Club & Event Center is bustling. From indoor golf simulators to yoga classes to parties galore, it truly is a year-round destination—not just for golfers, but also for partygoers and fitness buffs alike.

“We have a ‘view-tiful’ setting where we host a myriad of events and happenings,” says Cindy Cole, general manager. “From weddings to fundraisers, holiday parties, family get-togethers, memorial gatherings and corporate events, we do it all.”

The clubhouse, which was rebuilt in 2016, has a modern décor fused with rustic elements. From stunning sphere wrought iron chandeliers elegantly hanging from the vaulted ceiling to intricately etched windows framed by soothing gray walls, the banquet room skirts a wall of windows overlooking the golf course.

In addition to the main banquet room, there are other gathering spaces, including a newly added lower level, three bar areas and two outdoor pavilions with built-in bars.

Hosting a Party
With views of the golf course and nature in play at every turn, Valleaire Event Center is the perfect venue to host events ranging in size from 12 to 300 people.

“We offer multi-level catering options in a picture-perfect setting,” says Cindy, who also serves as an event planner ensuring every detail is just right. “Our catering menu is just a starting point as we can customize meals to make your event special. We even had someone bring in their grandma’s pierogi recipe that we recreated for them. Plus, we allow people to bring in their own food.”

The extensive catering menu includes everything from pizza and chicken wings to ribeye steak and Chicken Piccata. You’ll also find innovative tapas on the menu, like the Turkey Cigar with ground turkey mixed with Dijon mustard and cranberries in phyllo dough—as well as a brunch menu with a Mimosa or Bloody Mary bar— which provide more dining options.

“We provide affordable options for hosting events here, including weddings that are budget-friendly,” comments Cindy.

“As more couples are choosing small, intimate ways to celebrate, we have been specializing in micro-weddings,” she says. “This is an affordable way to throw an on-trend affair with a paired down guest list that will keep your wedding on budget.”

The micro-wedding package includes hosting the ceremony on the golf course or in the clubhouse with a licensed officiant and up to 20 guests, plus a bouquet and cake. “Micro-weddings are ideal for people who want something nicer than just going to city hall to get married but who also want to save money instead of spending it on an extravagant wedding. Here we provide a place with lovely ambiance,” comments Cindy.

The clubhouse also is a go-to place for local schools, athletic teams and charities for fundraisers.

Getting Down to Business
The newly constructed lower level of the clubhouse has three offices for rent. “The offices are ideal for lawyers, accountants or salespeople who want an office presence,” notes Cindy. “It’s the perfect place to work and also be able to entertain clients on the golf course.”

In addition to the three offices, the 4,000-square-foot lower level has a conference room, additional event space and its own bar overlooking the golf course.

“We now have the capacity to host larger events for up to 300 people because we can set up on two floors, which works well for fundraisers where there are different activities throughout the night,” says Cindy.

Golfing Year-round
Ever since 1963, when the golf course was founded by the Knights of Columbus, Valleaire has been known for its serene setting with no homes backing up to the course. The 72-par course is 6,499 yards long and features tree-filled wooded hills where golfers share the land with eaglets, foxes, turkeys and other wildlife.

Even in the winter when the snow is not blanketing the course, golfers will sneak out for a round as the course remains open. And inside, there are three high-definition golf simulators where you can shoot 18 holes and hone your game any day regardless of the weather.

“Our indoor golf simulators provide precise shot analysis and are 99 percent accurate,” notes Cindy, who started golfing with her grandfather when she was five years old and has been working in the golf industry for decades.

It takes about an hour for a golfer to play 18 holes. If you have a foursome, plan on four hours—similar to an outdoor round of golf. You can schedule permanent tee times for the winter months or you can set up a tee time for any desired time.

Striking a Yoga Pose
With a mission to help Northeast Ohioans stay active and healthy, Valleaire offers weekly wellness classes, including Pilates, yoga and weight lifting.

In a private room behind the golf shop, there is an inspiring space for group exercise classes. You can strike a yoga pose while getting a sense of calm looking out at the serene golf course.

“Most of the people who come to our classes do not golf here, but just drop in for other exercise opportunities,” says Cindy.

The drop-in fee per class is $5 and no pre-registration is required.

Valleaire Golf Club & Event Center is located at 6969 Boston Road in Hinckley. For more information, call 440-237-9191 or visit ValleaireGolf.co.