Maketewah Country Club
Maketewah Country Club
5401 Reading Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45237-5398
United States
Overview
Maketewah has developed a reputation as one of Cincinnati’s best player-clubs, boasting a membership of some of the best amateur golfers in Ohio. The course is also remarkable for the heavily jiggered topography. The clubhouse, ninth and 18th greens reside on an elevation at the center of the course, falling down into valleys that crisscross the property at different angles. Original architect Tom Bendelow’s 1910 routing is inspired by the way it traverses and plunges through the ravines toward high greens, and a 1929 Donald Ross renovation brought the bunkering and short game concepts into strategic focus. Even though Maketewah had been altered over the decades, it had never been considered one of Ross’s major works. That assessment must be reconsidered following Brian Silva’s 2022 remodel that reestablished the need for tactical play through the introduction of gorgeous Golden Age-style bunkers that cut into fairways and flank greens. The bunkering adds to the visual charm of standout holes like the long fifth, uphill par 4 16th and the trap-door fairway 17th. Silva also moved the location of the 10th green and restyled the 11th into a short par 4 with posing different lines of attack, including the option of going for the peekaboo green tucked behind bunkers and a kicker mound.
About
Awards
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Impressive routing around varied topography that impacts not only the shot and factoring elevation changes, but the stance on just about every hole. Green complexes were receptive and exacting given slopes and tactical spines, but if missing the greens, the surrounds offered many options to finish the hole. It's a course where every club in the bag could be used, and a great match play course with shorter 4s and 5s mixed in with longer holes."
Read More2026
Review
“Impressive routing around varied topography that impacts not only the shot and factoring elevation changes, but the stance on just about every hole. Green complexes were receptive and exacting given slopes and tactical spines, but if missing the greens, the surrounds offered many options to finish the hole. It's a course where every club in the bag could be used, and a great match play course with shorter 4s and 5s mixed in with longer holes."
Read More2026
Review
“Old course that has gone through some renovations over the years. The renovations have definitely improved the golf course. There are some holes that are inadequate for a best in state golf course, namely #3, #8 and #13, and the course gets a little too tight in the middle of the front nine. The course has a lot of character and you can feel the love from the membership."
Read More2025
Review
“Easy to see that this was a top-notch course in it's heyday. Make your birdies on the front. The backside is far more difficult. A solid Donald Ross layout."
Read More2024
Review
“Challenging layout with a massive ridge running through the property. Recently renovated with new bunkers and tree removal."
Read More2024
Review
“A private Cincinnati course, primarily a Donald Ross design, restored by Brian Silva in 2023. Beautiful large greens with a lot of kick slopes, allowing you to use the terrain to your advantage. Good use of elevation changes as well. Definitely worth a visit if you are in Cincinnati."
Read More2023
Review
“Fun, rolling course. Excellent condition and a challenge to players with a 10 handicap or higher. Major upgrade in 2017."
Read More2018
