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A center of social events, golf outings, and important celebrations for 100 years, Belmont Hills Country Club proudly commemorates a century of distinguished history with several events, activities, and celebrations of its long and storied past.
During the summer of 1924, A.W. Kennon presided over a meeting in the probate courtroom to discuss plans to create a country club with members from throughout the county. Belmont Hills Country Club was organized by leading members of the Ohio Valley, prominent businessmen, civic leaders, and professionals such as Otto Giffin, Harry Michener, A.T. Selby, Clyde Anderson, and R.L. Bowman on September 11, 1924. A few months later, prospective members were informed that a name had been chosen and a 220-acre farm owned by Otto Rottmeier had been purchased.
After three years of planning and construction, the country club had a four-and-a-half-acre lake, tennis courts, and a clubhouse designed to entertain 400 people. Much thought was put into the placement of the clubhouse for the best access to and view of the club's centerpiece: the golf course designed by the famous golf architect Devereux Emmet of St. James, New York. The course provides a terrain of rolling hills and two-tiered green. Devereux designed other courses that hosted US Opens, US Amateurs, and PGA tournaments.
From 1935-1957, a reorganization of the club, led by St. Clairsville philanthropist Wilbert Allen, resulted in membership growth. A swimming pool, tennis courts, and clubhouse additions were added to the original structure. A lakeside picnic area for members was also created.
Belmont Hills Country Club hosted the 1964 and 1972 Women's Ohio State Championship and the 1967, 1978, and 1986 Ohio Junior Championship. The course has been host to the Annual Ohio Valley Senior's Tournament numerous times. High School golf teams have utilized the course for regular play, and district and regional competitions. In the early 1980s, the Wheeling Ladies Professional Golf Association Classic chose Belmont Hills Country Club for a Pro-Am preview event. The course has also been home to numerous charitable tournaments supporting local organizations.
Several notable individuals have their roots associated with the Club. Jim Brown was the golf coach at The Ohio State University; Brad Kocher gained fame for his work as course superintendent at numerous famous courses; and Maggie Martin Giesenhagen was an outstanding collegiate golfer. However, it was Maggie Martin and her mother, Martha, members of the United States Golf Association, who deserve high praise for their tireless endeavors.
Belmont Hills has always been available to the public for various events, such as weddings, noteworthy occasions including the Ohio Valley Heart Ball, and lunches and dinners for scholarships and charitable events. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Club provided food service on a takeout basis for members and the public. The Club continues to reinvent itself to fit the needs and concerns of its members and promises to be a leading center of golf interests and entertainment for decades to come.
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