Indian Hill, Ohio
The Camargo Club is a living tribute to Golden Age strategy and Seth Raynor’s vision, restored with modern finesse. Pristine conditions, world-top-100 acclaim, and the most spectacular set of par 3s in Ohio await true architecture fans lucky enough to score an invitation.
Study the Biarritz on No. 8 — the front half of the giant green is intentionally mown at fairway height, a quirk the club preserves because early aerials show it was always that way.
The Camargo Club is a masterwork of Golden Age architecture—Seth Raynor’s artistry shines in every bold angle, sweeping contour, and iconic template. From the geometric greens to the daring bunkers, each hole is a study in strategic variety, risk/reward genius, and timeless walkability. Major restoration by Tom Doak has laser-restored its historic character, ensuring the course remains a living blueprint of American design tradition.
Raynor drew upon C. B. Macdonald’s vision, adapting historical templates for the undulating land, while Tom Doak’s restoration reinstated Raynor’s authentic geometry and strategic intentions.
Camargo’s showstopper: an Eden par-3 with a plateau green and some of the nastiest Raynor bunkering in existence. The front, left bunker gapes twenty feet below green level, while subtle wind can mislead any hopeful aggressor.
Fight the urge to flirt with left pins—play to the center/right, embracing the green’s broadest shelf for a stress-free par.
Any miss left plunges into the chasm bunker, where an up-and-down feels miraculous.
Superb—firm fairways, pure, fast greens and classic Raynor features maintained to the highest standard.
Organized, efficient member play—expect a brisk, well-managed round.
Understated exclusivity—golf is the focus, history and tradition in the air.
Traditional: collared shirts, tailored shorts/pants, no denim, soft spikes.
Study the classic templates—Redan, Eden, Biarritz—so you recognize and respect each challenge.
Multi-tier greens will test distance control. Arrive with a deft touch from 30+ feet.
Mind the dress code—collared shirts, no denim, and presentable soft-spike shoes keep you in good standing.
Camargo’s membership prizes brisk, focused play—with no 'mulligans' for slowpokes.
Camargo Realty Company formed, land amassed for private club and community
The Camargo Club officially founded by Cincinnati CC members seeking new golfing grounds
Seth Raynor dies; construction completed by William Jackson following Raynor's plans
Redbird Hollow conservation story: club’s land preserved as open space
Robert von Hagge renovates bunkers with a modern style
Centennial restoration: greens regrassed, bunkers/irrigation upgraded
Disenchanted with their landlocked course, a select group of Cincinnati Country Club members eyed the open fields of Indian Hill as the future. This intrepid split set in motion an enduring rivalry and created a new mecca for serious golf, forever cemented by the annual EZ Ryder Cup between the two clubs.
When the club tried to sell the undeveloped bottomland of Redbird Hollow in 1963, locals banded together to save it as public open space. Today, it’s a beloved nature preserve linked to Camargo’s legacy of stewardship and community impact.
After decades under incongruous bunkering, Tom Doak’s meticulous restoration swept away the trendy artifice and revived Camargo’s pure geometric templates. The result is a living museum of Raynor-Macdonald shotmaking that thrills architecture hounds.
At Camargo, golf is a family affair—current members share stories of ancestors who played the same fairways, reinforcing the club’s identity as a place where tradition runs deep and every round shapes the next chapter.
Features one of the nation’s purest sets of Raynor par-3 templates: Eden, Biarritz, Redan, Short.
Club and course are the founding anchor of the affluent Village of Indian Hill.
Site of the fierce ‘EZ Ryder Cup’ rivalry with Cincinnati Country Club—born from a breakaway membership.
Camargo’s bunkers and greens reflect a recently revived Raynor ‘geometric’ style thanks to Tom Doak’s restoration.
Club’s Redbird Hollow lands played a key role in local conservation history.
Expansive modern design, ranked among Ohio’s best publics—lush, playable, scenic.
27 championship holes and a tournament pedigree, great option for groups.
Top-quality city-owned track close to Indian Hill—walkable, strong layout.
Well-regarded private with rolling landforms, often cited in local rankings.
Gorgeous Arthur Hills design, open to the public on select days.
Downtown Cincinnati or Indian Hill area for quick access to both Camargo (if invited) and the region’s standout publics.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Capital City Club, Brookhaven Course is a natural next stop after The Camargo Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: Maketewah Country Club is a natural next stop after The Camargo Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: Old Town Club is a natural next stop after The Camargo Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Community Sentiment
The Community Verdict
Based on 3 Course Takes
Based on 3 golfer takes
Recent Course Takes
See something inaccurate in this listing?