Valley of the Eagles Golf Club, a daily-fee course near Cleveland, Ohio, is now fully open following the overhaul of the former Spring Valley Country Club course by Nicklaus Design.

“Nicklaus Design completely bulldozed the old Spring Valley course to design and build Valley of the Eagles,” said Ray Metz, general manager at the club. “The design brings the Black River, one of the few tributaries that flow into Lake Erie, into play on 11 holes."

An ownership group purchased the property in 2014 and contracted the Nicklaus firm to design and build the new course. The project has been overseen by design associate David Savic and president Ray Ball of Nicklaus Design.

The new layout capitalises on its location in the Black River Valley. The course winds through the valley’s sheer black shale cliffs and along the river, with mature elm, oak and ash trees lining the fairways.

“The first hole showcases an elevated tee complex with a dog-leg right around the Black River, with the first green situated on a rock outcropping into the river.”

“The fourteenth features an island tee in the river,” said Metz. “The landing area is on the river bank with the players hitting to an island green downstream in the river.

“The eighteenth is a straightaway par five with the second shot landing area on the river bank. The third shot, the last of the day, is a forced carry to a green across the river.”

The new layout also allows golfers to play a short loop of the opening five holes.

A newly-renovated clubhouse includes three state-of-the-art golf simulators. Walnut and cherry trees removed during the construction process were preserved and utilised as table tops, bar tops and restaurant wall panelling.

In the summer of 2017, the course opened for a short preview with limited amenities while crews completed construction of the clubhouse. Following the enhancements made to the layout and the clubhouse, the club has now fully opened the course for players.

“We’re excited to unveil the completed Valley of the Eagles Golf Club to Cleveland-area golfers,” said Metz. “Our team has worked hard over the last two-plus years to deliver incredible golf, unmatched in Northern Ohio.”