Ivy Hills at Ivy Hills Country Club

Ivy Hills Country Club occupies rolling terrain in the eastern suburbs of Cincinnati, where Steve Smyers completed a comprehensive redesign that transformed the property into one of his more notable Midwestern works. Smyers, known for his strategic bunkering and emphasis on ground game options, brought his design philosophy to a landscape that features significant elevation change and mature tree corridors typical of southwestern Ohio. The routing takes advantage of natural contours, creating holes that play across ridges and through valleys with several dramatic downhill and uphill approaches.

The course reflects Smyers' preference for wide fairways that reward precise positioning over pure distance, with green complexes that incorporate subtle internal contours and closely mown surrounds encouraging bump-and-run shots. The bunkering style shows his characteristic irregular shaping and strategic placement, often positioned to influence tee shot decisions rather than simply frame landing areas. Several holes offer multiple routes of play depending on pin position and wind conditions.

Ivy Hills serves a private membership in the Cincinnati area and maintains a relatively low profile compared to the region's older, more established clubs. The property benefits from its wooded setting and natural topography, which provide both aesthetic appeal and strategic variety throughout the round. The club operates as a traditional country club with golf as its primary focus, typical of mid-sized private facilities in the Ohio Valley region.