Cincinnati, Ohio
Kenview at Kenwood Country Club is a regional showpiece built on Golden Age strategy, rewarding precision over length. Its blend of storied championship history, demanding greens, and thoughtful restoration make it an essential play for local diehards or those lucky enough to land an invite.
Club was organized by 11 Cincinnati Club members.
Inaugural tee shot and course opening on August 2.
Hosted U.S. Amateur Championship.
Hosted Western Open (PGA Tour event).
Hosted U.S. Women’s Open (USGA major).
Major restoration of the Kendale course by Fry/Straka.
Just three years after opening, Kenwood’s Kenview course hosted the 1933 U.S. Amateur, drawing the country’s best to its fresh fairways. Hosting a USGA championship so soon cemented Kenwood’s place as a top regional test.
While big-name Golden Age architects get the headlines, William H. Diddel quietly left his mark at Kenview. His steep, intricate greens and clever bunkering have punished errant shots for generations—and recent restoration ensures his work shines again.
Kenwood has thrice hosted major national championships, including the 1963 U.S. Women’s Open—proof that its classic bones are worthy of golf’s biggest stages. Those historic afternoons still echo across the property today.
Kenview is a living testament to Golden Age design at a scale rarely found in the Midwest. Laid out by William H. Diddel after Donald Ross’s site visit, the course carves across rolling terrain and demands both precision and thinking from the tee. Fairways were recently widened and strategic bunkering restored, bringing Diddel's original intent—forceful angles, bold green contours, and risk/reward scenarios—back to life. It’s a course where every yard counts, and the sloping, contoured greens make short-game prowess non-negotiable. Though shorter by modern championship standards, Kenview rewards strategic play, punishes missed spots, and lets classic shot values rule the day.
Diddel’s designs prioritized strategy, angles, and bold greens—now revived through modern restorative efforts.
Another respected Diddel classic
Member-favorite Golden Age test
Known for strong routing and tradition
Another vintage Diddel
This early long par 3 sets the tone, playing every bit of its yardage into a sloping green with trouble all around. It’s a true test of long-iron nerve and a blueprint for Golden Age one-shotters.
Favor the center; long is safer than short, and every extra five yards demands commitment.
Miss left and you court a big number—bunkers and runoffs abound.
Impeccable private-club presentation; expect firm greens and lush fairways.
Steady; usually brisker than public tracks but expect standard member-club rhythm.
Traditional, quietly prestigious, competitive but welcoming to guests.
Collared shirts and traditional golf attire strongly encouraged; no denim.
Iconic Golden Age layout and regional must-play if you can get on.
Bookable city course—accessible and fun for all comers.
Well-kept, popular public track in the northern metro.
Destination-quality public golf just outside the city.
Historic, top-choice private with strong membership and playability.
Cincinnati’s northeast suburbs near Kenwood Towne Centre and Montgomery Road for access and convenience.
The greens are undulating and fast—work on your pitching and lag putting before you play.
Course management matters; commit to your club selection, especially on the par 3s.
Kenwood is private and traditional—expect a collared shirt, tailored shorts or slacks, and classic golf shoes.
It’s a hilly walk, so be ready if you skip the cart.
Hosted three major national championships in its first 33 years.
One of only 39 American clubs with 36 holes and over 90 years of history.
Nearly 800 trees were removed during the restoration to recapture Golden Age playing lines.
William H. Diddel was a founding member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects.
Kenwood sits on over 480 rolling acres—bigger than some golf-centered resorts.
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