Cincinnati, Ohio
The Kendale Course at Kenwood Country Club, freshly restored to its Golden Age roots, is a crisp, polished example of classic Midwestern parkland golf. With firm-fast greens, strategic bunkering and a tournament legacy, it delivers focused shotmaking and championship-level play for those lucky enough to land an invitation.
The Kendale Course embodies the essence of high-level Midwestern parkland golf: broad, rolling corridors framed by restored bunkering and large, recontoured greens. The 2021 Fry/Straka renovation revitalized William Diddel’s Golden Age plan, recovering lost width, strategic angles, and original green shapes, while upgrading subsurface infrastructure for year-round firm, fast play. Tree removal and expanded fairways restored long-lost sightlines and brought new dimensions to preferred lines of play, rewarding savvy positioning and imaginative approaches with a championship-ready finish.
William H. Diddel is a celebrated Midwest traditionalist, known for routing smart, member-friendly courses with understated but elegant bunkering. Fry/Straka’s 2021 restoration demonstrates a modern respect for Diddel’s design DNA— reawakening original playability, shot interest, and strategic subtlety.
The first tee presents a classic challenge— moderately long, framed by restored bunkers, and demanding early discipline rather than aggression. Its fairway, now wider and with improved sightlines post-restoration, invites a confident tee shot but penalizes anything wild.
Favor the right-center for best angle in. Bunkers left lurk for the overzealous, and a disciplined approach pays dividends.
Over-committing early brings trouble— deep bunkers and a green that slopes away punish big misses on day one.
Consistently superb—firm, fast greens and fairways thanks to modern infrastructure and expert maintenance.
Member-club standard; enjoy a deliberate pace with no municipal rush but brisk championship rhythm.
Traditional Midwestern exclusivity, understated but impressively polished—serious about golf but always classic.
Collared shirt (tucked), conservative golf attire, soft spikes, no denim or T-shirts, hats brim-forward.
Rebuilt greens bring nuance back—work on flight and spin for short irons and recovery shots.
Restored contours and expanded surfaces mean new and historic pins—mentally rehearse approach angles for all hole locations.
The course is very walkable but you'll cover ground—bring comfortable shoes and prepare for a classic routing flow.
Several long three-shotters demand conservative management; plan your layups and scoring shots, don't chase unreachable flags.
Kenwood Country Club founded
Kendale Course opens, William Diddel design
Host of the U.S. Amateur Championship
Hosts the 51st Western Open (PGA Tour)
Hosts the U.S. Women’s Open
Arthur Hills completes renovation
Reopens after Fry/Straka restoration
Fry/Straka’s recent restoration dove deep into the club’s archives and brought original Diddel green drawings back to life, dramatically expanding putting surfaces and unlocking pin locations not seen in decades. The work didn’t just touch up— it transformed play angles, sightlines and how golfers experience every shot.
From hosting the 1933 U.S. Amateur to multiple Western Open and Women’s Open events, the Kendale Course is steeped in championship pedigree. Its ability to challenge today’s LPGA stars speaks to how timeless, well-cared-for architecture never goes out of style.
In one of the boldest moves of the restoration, over 800 mature trees were removed— not for modern width or speed alone, but to return classic vistas, strategic bunkering views, and re-engage the original holes as Diddel intended. The airier, more open look is both old-school and refreshing.
Post-renovation, Kendale excels at balancing member play with championship demands. The walkability and broad fairways delight weekend foursomes, but the test remains serious enough to host professionals on the LPGA Tour each fall.
Over 800 mature trees were removed in the 2021 restoration—changing not just look but playability.
Kendale has hosted both men’s and women’s national championships, a rare distinction in Midwest golf.
Greens now allow for original 1930s pin placements thanks to scope-accurate restoration research.
The course was rebuilt with period-correct bunkering and strategic width, not modern template holes.
The LPGA event brought world-class women’s golf back to Cincinnati after a multi-decade hiatus.
Top public championship course, strong daily fee experience
City's best public test, accessible to all
Another classic private challenge nearby
Second 18 at the club—different flavor, if accessible
Stay in Kenwood/Blue Ash for easy access to suburbs and the club, or downtown Cincinnati for nightlife and broader golf options.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: What links these two? Puts the same premium on presentation — a familiar feeling, expressed in Brook Hollow Golf Club's own setting.
Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Black Sheep Golf Club's own setting.
Why it matches: If Kenwood Country Club (Kendale Course) is your kind of course, NCR Country Club (North Course) is worth a look because it puts the same premium on presentation.
Know the place like a member before you ever pull in.
From Chris H. · Updated August 2026
Area ranking
Top 3
Walkability
Great walk
Pace of play
Brisk — keep up
Guest access
Member must be there
Phone on the course
Fine
Caddie availability
Request ahead
Good to know — Property and amenities are great. Strict about shirts tucked in and hats inside but otherwise very relaxed and fun club.
Good to know — The best pro shop in Cincinnati. Grab peanut M&Ms in the Men's Locker Room.
Closest convenient hotel
The Summit Hotel
Make a trip of it
Hotel Covington
One dinner to send them to
Sotto
Nearby private course
Camargo Club
Nearby public course
Stonelick Hills
“You can spray the ball off the tee, you will likely not lose a ball. Just pound it and focus on your irons.”
“You will have a great time, very unique property with two courses that have completely different feels. Overall vibe is great!”
Community Sentiment
The Community Verdict
Based on 5 Course Takes
Based on 5 golfer takes
Recent Course Takes
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