Raynor mastery, template greatness, pure classic precision
The Camargo Club
Indian Hill, Ohio
Amp Score
8.9
Established
1925
Architect
Seth Raynor (original), William Jackson (construction), Robert von Hagge (1980s bunkers), Tom Doak (restoration c. 2000–2005, 2023 centennial updates)
Access
Private
Par
Par 70
Length
5,145 – 6,659 yds
The verdict
Template holes at their boldest
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.
Course DNA
Difficulty84
Scenery79
Conditioning93
Shot Variety91
Walkability88
Green Complexity96
Architectural Interest98
At a glance
Quick facts
Location
Indian Hill (Cincinnati), Ohio
Par & Yardage
Par 70, 6,659 yds (Gold)
Greens
Bentgrass, 4.5 acres
Course Architect
Seth Raynor (1925), Tom Doak (restoration)
Topography
Undulating countryside, ravines, 250 acres
Signature Feature
Raynor template holes: Eden, Biarritz, Redan, Short
Access
Private – members & invited guests only
Dress Code
Traditional: collared shirts, no denim
The lore
How it came to be
1924
Camargo Realty Company formed, land amassed for private club and community
1925
The Camargo Club officially founded by Cincinnati CC members seeking new golfing grounds
1926
Seth Raynor dies; construction completed by William Jackson following Raynor's plans
1983
Robert von Hagge renovates bunkers with a modern style
2000–2005
Tom Doak leads restoration, reviving Raynor’s original geometric features
1963
Redbird Hollow conservation story: club’s land preserved as open space
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.
land
Redbird Hollow’s Rescue
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.
restoration
Resurrecting Raynor’s Vision
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.
culture
Generational Pride
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.
The design
The architecture
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.
Defining features
Iconic template holes: Redan, Eden, Biarritz, Alps, Punchbowl, Short
Geometric Raynor greens and bunkers, meticulously restored
Undulating, estate-like setting across 250 acres
Brilliant routing maximizing elevation changes and natural landforms
Multi-tiered, complex green targets throughout
Subtle, strategic fairway angles and bunkering
The architect's other work
More from Seth Raynor
Fishers Island Club
Fishers Island, New York
Stunning island classic with brilliant Raynor templates
Yeamans Hall Club
Charleston, South Carolina
Private sanctuary of Golden Age variety and template greens
Shoreacres
Lake Bluff, Illinois
Elite Midwest Raynor with ravine drama
Chicago Golf Club
Wheaton, Illinois
Raynor masterpiece and founding USGA course
Lookout Mountain Club (Fairyland)
Lookout Mountain, Georgia
Dramatic topography, exceptional preservation of Raynor features
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 5
Eden
PAR
3
YARDAGE
179 yds
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.
Play it smart
Fight the urge to flirt with left pins—play to the center/right, embracing the green’s broadest shelf for a stress-free par.
Where it bites
Any miss left plunges into the chasm bunker, where an up-and-down feels miraculous.
Course management
Shots to think about
Approaches to Raynor’s plateau greens
Favor the largest shelf and accept a fifteen-footer over risking short-siding in deep bunkers.
Second shot on the Alps/Punchbowl 7th
Trust your line and let the ground game work—the punchbowl is an ally, not a foe.
Attacking the Biarritz 8th
Play the number for the correct tier; missing the swale leaves a brutal up-and-down.
Tee shot on Redan 15th
Use the contours—play a draw into the slope, not at the flag.
Long second to par-4 10th over the frontal bunker
Don’t force it—play for the safe side and avoid the gobbling Raynor hazard.
Short wedge approaches on drivable 3rd
Air on the cautious side; missing long leaves a fast, downhill recovery to a tightly tiered green.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Superb—firm fairways, pure, fast greens and classic Raynor features maintained to the highest standard.
Pace
Organized, efficient member play—expect a brisk, well-managed round.
Vibe
Understated exclusivity—golf is the focus, history and tradition in the air.
Dress code
Traditional: collared shirts, tailored shorts/pants, no denim, soft spikes.
Build the trip
If you’re building a Cincinnati golf adventure
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Stonelick Hills Golf Club
Public
Expansive modern design, ranked among Ohio’s best publics—lush, playable, scenic.
Shaker Run Golf Club
Public
27 championship holes and a tournament pedigree, great option for groups.
Blue Ash Golf Course
Municipal
Top-quality city-owned track close to Indian Hill—walkable, strong layout.
Heritage Club
Private
Well-regarded private with rolling landforms, often cited in local rankings.
Oasis Golf Club
Semi-Private
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.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Brush Up on Raynor Templates
Study the classic templates—Redan, Eden, Biarritz—so you recognize and respect each challenge.
02
Sharpen Your Lag Putting
Multi-tier greens will test distance control. Arrive with a deft touch from 30+ feet.
03
Pack for Tradition
Mind the dress code—collared shirts, no denim, and presentable soft-spike shoes keep you in good standing.
04
Prepare for No Mulligans
Camargo’s membership prizes brisk, focused play—with no 'mulligans' for slowpokes.