A pair of hawks regularly cruise the first three fairways. Deer like to greet you on the fourth green before romping ever which way into the lush woods. Cicadas buzz like mini circular saws. Ground hogs lurk in the shade. Woodpeckers rattle for bugs. An airplane climbs and soars overhead, while a blue heron glides to a shallow landing on the river. A recent rain gives Rocky River a babbling voice.
Every once in a while the soft tranquility is punctuated by a golf ball smacking a tree. And for some cosmic reason these errant balls often bounce right back to a nice spot on the fairway. Yes, Little Met -- the first course I played -- remains a perfect 9-hole affair nestled in a perfect setting.
The next time I visit Cleveland I'll be teeing off in the valley at Little Met. Par 34. Less than $10.