Our Story
| Established to serve Cleveland’s growing Jewish population, Beechmont Country Club was founded on April 3, 1923 by 41 charter members. At the same time, 99 acres of farmland were purchased from Samuel Kornhauser, including a large farmhouse and stables. The beautiful beech trees on the property were the inspiration behind the Club’s name. Work immediately began to remodel the farmhouse into a clubhouse, and Stanley Thompson was engaged to build a nine-hole golf course. A little over a year later, another 72 acres were acquired, and the golf course was expanded to 18 holes by May of 1925. |  Original farmhouse, 1923 |
| In those early years, members enjoyed dinners, dances, relaxing on the front porch, and competing on the golf course. The first Club Championships were played in 1924. Mrs. E. L. Green won the Women’s Championship, and Mr. Louis S. Sanders won the Men’s Championship. The Club was centered around golf during this golden age, hosting club competitions and larger tournaments for professionals and amateurs alike. Unfortunately, the Great Depression interrupted this era, and the membership dwindled to about 100 or fewer members. | |
| By 1940, membership levels were increasing again, and there was a need to renovate and expand the facilities. This period marked the beginning of the Club’s transformation from a golf club into a country club. By 1945, the clubhouse was expanded and redecorated, with the addition of a swimming pool and tennis courts. Sadly, on June 19, 1949, the west wing of the clubhouse and adjacent locker house were lost to fire. By 1951, repairs from the fire were finished and continuous investment for the remainder of the decade solidified the Club’s reputation as the most complete and modern club in the region. |  Fire, 1949 |
| Following the transformation to a full-service country club, its prominence in the golf community continued to grow. Local and national celebrities were often seen enjoying a round with members, and the Club was selected to host regional and national tournaments. Most notably, the PGA Tour hosted the Cleveland Open twice at Beechmont, in 1963 and 1971. The 1963 Cleveland Open, won by Arnold Palmer, was especially significant as it was the first professional tour event in the region. The purse of $110,000 was the largest ever put forth for a golf tournament at the time. Arnold Palmer, Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and other legends of the game have all tested their skills on the Club’s legendary course. |
| Numerous expansions continued to transform the Club over the years. From expanding the clubhouse into the stately visage known by today’s membership to constant improvements of athletic and social amenities, the membership has remained great stewards of the Club’s continued success. Following it's Centennial Anniversary in 2023, plans for large-scale renovations were formulated. Beginning in spring of 2025 with the golf course, the Club's Master Plan renovations continue to transform the clubhouse and other areas of the campus through late spring 2026. | |
 Overlooking holes 17, 15, 14, and 4, 2025 | |
