Chardon Lakes opened in 1931 as nine holes designed by Bert Way, the architect of Firestone North and Mayfield Country Club. A second nine designed by longtime pro Don Tincher and Carroll Bazler opened in 1963. In the early 1970s Tincher hosted American Cancer Society benefits that brought Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer to Chardon. Nicklaus's 67 from the back tees still stands as the course record, and the course has hosted Cleveland Open qualifiers.