The Losantiville Country Club (LCC), a private institution in Cincinnati, Ohio, boasts a rich history dating back to its founding in 1902. Named after the original designation for Cincinnati, the club has evolved significantly over more than a century, offering golf, tennis, platform tennis, and swimming facilities, alongside comprehensive food, beverage, and service options. Its journey reflects not only the changing demographics of Cincinnati but
also a commitment to preserving its heritage while adapting to modern needs.
Founding and Early Expansion
The Losantiville Club's origins trace back to February 1902, when its initial lease was secured on the site of the former Oakley race track. A portion of the track's grandstand was ingeniously converted into the club's first Clubhouse, complete with showers and a locker room. This early establishment was founded as a Jewish country club, a direct response to the exclusionary practices of other established clubs of the era that denied membership to Jewish individuals. By 1905, the club's membership had grown to 100, generating a strong desire for enhanced facilities and amenities.
This sentiment for improvement led to a pivotal decision: the acquisition of a new site. The renowned golf architect Tom Bendelow, often referred to as the “Johnny Appleseed of American Golf,” was commissioned to design the course in Pleasant Ridge. Bendelow crafted a course that not only fit within the blueprint's boundaries but also promised years of enjoyment for its members. Following this, the club was reorganized and incorporated as the Losantiville Country Club on March 23, 1906. The new Clubhouse was officially dedicated in May 1907, marking a new chapter in the club's history.
Continuous Improvement and Mergers
Over the decades, Losantiville Country Club has undergone numerous changes and improvements. A swimming pool was added in 1935, and it was most recently renovated in 1995. The golf course has seen continuous enhancements, and the number of tennis courts has increased, benefiting from the installation of lights for night play. The Clubhouse itself has been remodeled multiple times, always with the primary goal of improving the member experience.
A significant development occurred in the spring of 2002 when LCC and Crest Hills Country Club, established in 1939 and located nearby in Amberly Village, voted to merge. This decision was driven by the foresight of the clubs' leaders, who recognized demographic shifts affecting golf and shared a mutual desire to provide the best possible current experience and future for their respective members. The new entity was initially christened The Ridge Club, uniting the histories, amenities, and communities of the two neighboring clubs.
Reclaiming the Legacy
The combined membership of The Ridge Club eventually made another crucial decision. Recognizing the unique character and tradition of the Losantiville golf course, which resulted from the pairing of Mr. Bendelow's naturalistic design with over a century of evolution and improvements, they voted to preserve the Losantiville course and facilities as the site of the new club. These 18 holes of golf were considered the “gem” of The Ridge Club, enjoyable and challenging for golfers of all skill levels.
In September 2009, the Clubhouse of The Ridge Club underwent a total remodel, reopening in May 2010. At this juncture, the then-current membership, acknowledging the importance of preserving the club's rich history and tradition, overwhelmingly voted to revert the name from “The Ridge Club” back to the familiar and resonant “Losantiville Country Club.” This decision underscored a deep respect for the club's heritage. More recently, in early 2016, LCC further invested in new practice facilities, continuing its commitment to providing top-tier amenities.
