
Highland Course
Highland Country Club

About this course
Highland Country Club sits on elevated terrain in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. The course traces its origins to the early twentieth century, with Tom Bendelow credited as the original architect. Over subsequent decades, the layout underwent multiple redesigns and refinements by Bill Diddel, Arthur Hills, and others, reflecting the club's commitment to maintaining a challenging and relevant test of golf while preserving the natural character of its hillside setting. The routing takes advantage of the property's rolling topography, with holes playing across ridges and through wooded corridors that provide both strategic interest and scenic variety. The elevation changes create opportunities for dramatic downhill tee shots and demanding uphill approaches, while mature trees frame many fairways and define playing corridors. The design requires thoughtful club selection and course management, particularly on approach shots where the terrain can influence both ball flight and roll. Highland Country Club has served as a competitive venue for regional amateur events and has maintained a reputation as one of the established private clubs in the northern Kentucky area. The club's membership has historically drawn from both the Kentucky and Ohio sides of the river, reflecting its position in the greater Cincinnati metropolitan region. The facility includes traditional clubhouse amenities and has sustained a multi-generational membership base typical of clubs with deep roots in their communities.
Quick facts
- Location
- Fort Thomas, KY, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1915
- Designer(s)
- Arthur Hills, Bill Biddle, Tom Bendelow, Bill Diddel, David Heatwole
- Holes
- 18
- Par
- 70
- Length
- 6,190 yards
- Difficulty
- 70.4/139
Getting there
Highland Country Club sits just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, making Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) the natural gateway - a straightforward 20-minute drive south and east through the rolling suburbs of the Greater Cincinnati region. The approach winds through the quiet, tree-lined streets of Fort Thomas, a prosperous enclave perched above the river valley, where the landscape shifts from urban periphery to established residential calm. Private aviation options are available at nearby Lunken Airport (LUL) for those arriving by charter, though CVG's proximity and modern facilities make commercial arrival equally seamless. The final turn onto the club grounds reveals manicured grounds and classic American country club architecture, a refined sanctuary that feels worlds removed from the interstate corridor, despite sitting mere minutes from one of the Midwest's most vibrant metropolitan areas.

FAQ
Common questions about Highland
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Highland was designed by Arthur Hills, Bill Biddle, Tom Bendelow, Bill Diddel, and David Heatwole.
Highland is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Highland is 70.
Highland plays 6,190 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Highland is 139.
Highland is a 18-hole course.



