Kirtland Country Club occupies rolling terrain in Willoughby, a suburb east of Cleveland in northeastern Ohio. The course was designed by the British partnership of Harry Colt and Charles Alison, with Ferdinand Garbin contributing to the design work. The layout opened in the 1920s during the golden age of American golf architecture, when Colt and Alison were creating several notable courses across the United States. The property features natural elevation changes and mature tree-lined fairways characteristic of parkland courses in the region. The routing takes advantage of the site's topography, with holes moving through varied terrain that includes wooded sections and more open areas. The design reflects Colt and Alison's strategic approach to golf architecture, emphasizing thoughtful shot placement and green complexes that reward precision. Bunkering and green contours create interest without relying on excessive length, a hallmark of the era's design philosophy. Kirtland has served as a private club for its membership throughout its history, maintaining the course largely in keeping with its original character. The club has hosted regional amateur competitions and qualifiers over the decades, contributing to competitive golf in the Cleveland area. The setting remains relatively secluded despite suburban development in the surrounding region, preserving the wooded, traditional atmosphere of an established midwestern country club.