Ross the Land Scout
Donald Ross was called in first, but his role was only to identify the property—not to design the course. That’s why Kenwood’s strategic genius is all Bill Diddel.
Golden Age strategy, modern championship pedigree
Kenwood Country Club (Kendale Course)
Cincinnati, Ohio
Amp Score
7.9
Established
1930
Architect
William H. “Bill” Diddel; 2021 restoration by Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design
Access
Private
Par
Par 72
Length
6,971 – 7,022 yds
The verdict
A Private Club with U.S. Open History
Kenwood’s Kendale Course is a cerebral Golden Age test, restored to its original strategic glory but still packing a modern challenge for every level of golfer. Its championship resume and intelligent bunkering deliver an authentic, engaging private club experience.
Course DNA
Difficulty80
Scenery73
Conditioning90
Shot Variety82
Walkability78
Green Complexity87
Architectural Interest83
At a glance
Quick facts
Year Opened
1930
Original Architect
William H. 'Bill' Diddel
Restoration
Fry/Straka (2020–21)
Par/Yardage
72 / up to 7,022 yards
Slope/Rating
133/73.7 (Championship tees)
Grass
Firm, fast bentgrass greens
Major Tournaments
1933 U.S. Amateur, 1963 U.S. Women’s Open
Access
Private – member/guest only
The lore
How it came to be
- 1929
Club founded by 11 members of the Cincinnati Club.
- 1930
Kendale Course opens with first tee shot on August 2.
- 1933
Hosts U.S. Amateur; George T. Dunlap wins.
- 1954
Hosts Western Open (PGA Tour stop).
- 1963
Hosts U.S. Women’s Open.
- 2020–2021
Major restoration by Fry/Straka restores Diddel design and greens.
- 2022
Hosts LPGA Tour event.
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Tree Clearing Restores the Magic
More than 800 old-growth trees were removed during restoration, revealing original views, opening corridors, and returning the course’s strategic intent after decades of overgrowth.
Greens Reborn with LIDAR Precision
Restorers used LIDAR mapping to uncover and rebuild Diddel’s original green shapes and dramatic internal contours—so every putt is a throwback to the 1930s with 21st-century trueness.
The Day No One Shot 100
Legend has it that on opening day in 1930, club president Edward J. Hoff hit the inaugural tee shot—and not a single player broke 100. Nerves, perhaps, but the challenge was real from day one.
The design
The architecture
Kenwood’s Kendale Course is a masterclass in Golden Age strategy, featuring broad parkland corridors, low-entry/high-exit bunkers, and contoured greens designed for thoughtful approach play instead of brute force. Bill Diddel’s routing harnesses the property’s rolling terrain, and a recent Fry/Straka restoration fiercely revived the original width, bunkering angles, and vibrant putting surfaces. Today, every fairway and green offers golfers a chance to choose bold lines or conservative routes—classic risk/reward at its finest.
Diddel designed both the Kendale and Kenview courses, using dramatic bunkering and subtle landforms; Fry/Straka’s 2020s restoration re-awakened these features with modern skill.
Defining features
- Wide, strategic fairways restored to original width
- Angled bunkering impacting tee and approach shots
- Firm, fast greens with historic contours
- Gentle, walkable, but tactically demanding terrain
- Multiple short par 4s requiring choice off the tee
- Tree removal opening up sight lines and play corridors
The architect's other work
More from William H. “Bill” Diddel
Highland Golf & Country Club
Indianapolis, IndianaA hallmark Diddel design in his home city.
Broadmoor Country Club
Indianapolis, IndianaClassic parkland course, also Diddel’s work.
Sycamore Hills Golf Club
Fort Wayne, IndianaRespected Diddel design.
Hillcrest Country Club
Indianapolis, IndianaDiddel’s signature bunkering and routing.
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 4
The Monster
PAR
5
YARDAGE
605
A brute from the back tees, this dogleg right par 5 stretches to 605 yards—a true Golden Age three-shotter for most players. The landing area is bracketed by menacing bunkers, and the second shot must clear a massive cross bunker to set up a playable pitch.
Play it smart
Position the drive right-center to open up the layup; avoid chasing too much length on the second, as anything short brings the cross bunker into play.
Where it bites
Stray left and trees block your second. Challenge the cross bunker and mishit? You'll be lucky to save par.
Course management
Shots to think about
First tee nerves
Ease the driver back and focus on position—precision trumps power on #1.
Par 3s over 190 yards
Don’t chase pins; play for the fat part of the green and respect the tilt.
Second shot on the monster 4th
Lay up short of the cross bunker unless you can fully clear it—no hero moves without conviction.
Short par 4 temptations (10 & 11)
Decide: bomb driver and risk, or lay up for your confident wedge—there’s no shame in smart golf here.
Late-round pressure holes (#16, #18)
Stay with your routine, favor the side with less trouble, and err on the side of safety if you can play up.
Firm, fast greens
Aim to the safe side of difficult pins—aggression can leave lightning-fast downhill putts or chips.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Meticulously manicured, firm and fast greens, recently restored fairways and bunkers.
Pace
Steady, private club pace—efficient, unrushed rounds expected.
Vibe
Classic private-club elegance with a championship edge; tradition meets high conditioning.
Build the trip
If you’re planning a Cincinnati golf pilgrimage
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
O’Bannon Creek Golf Club
Public
A strong public-access option—well-regarded by local players for conditioning and design.
Maketewah Country Club
Private
Historic private club commonly paired for region’s best architecture.
Four Bridges Country Club
Semi-Private
Polished modern private/semi-private for variety.
The Golf Club at Stonelick Hills
Public
Highly-rated modern layout with daily fee access.
Weatherwax Golf Course
Municipal
Accessible muni round for a true local flavor.
Blue Ash or Montgomery for central access to private clubs and best public options nearby.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Dial in Approach Distances
Firm greens reward spin and control—get your irons sharp for high, soft landing shots.
02
Practice Bunker Escapes
Low-entry, high-exit bunkers mean awkward recoveries—bring confidence with your sand game.
03
Bring Your Walking Shoes
The course is gently rolling and walkable; comfortable shoes will let you enjoy every step of the historic terrain.
04
Read Every Slope
Greens here can play much faster than they look. Don’t underestimate subtle tilts and quick putts.
Watch
See it before you play it
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Host of both the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Women’s Open—very rare for a Midwest private.
2
More than 800 trees were removed in the 2021 restoration to reopen strategic corridors.
3
Greens were rebuilt to their 1930s Diddel shapes using LIDAR scans.
4
First tee shot in club history was struck by the club president in 1930—and not a single player broke 100.
5
Donald Ross picked the original land, but it’s Bill Diddel who gets the design credit.
The clubhouse
Comments0
Join the clubhouse to leave a comment. Reading is always open.
Sign in to comment- No comments yet — be the first to weigh in.