Once you consider cities with top-tier golf programs, Scottsdale or Orlando is likely to be the primary that come to thoughts. However Chicago? It usually will get neglected – and it’s time to offer it the eye it deserves. Amidst the Windy Metropolis’s city sprawl lie golf programs wealthy in custom and memorable structure, together with venues which have hosted main championships. So, should you haven’t but thought of Chicago as a major {golfing} vacation spot, we ask that you just rethink. Listed here are 5 of the very best Chicago golf programs that it is advisable to try.
Greatest Chicago Golf Programs
1. Medinah Nation Membership: Course Three
If “Medinah” sounds acquainted, it’s in all probability due to the dramatic 2012 Ryder Cup, famously often known as the “Miracle at Medinah.” And should you have been cheering for Group USA, nicely, let’s simply say the recollections is likely to be a bit bittersweet.
However Medinah Nation Membership is way over only a match venue. Based through the Roaring Twenties, the membership shortly made a reputation for itself. Course No. 3, which opened in 1928, was initially designed with the women of Medinah in thoughts. Over time, it’s remodeled right into a formidable take a look at of golf, because of a collection of renovations by high architects like Roger Packard, Roger Rulewich, Rees Jones, and the Australian agency OCM Golf.
Wanting forward, Medinah No. 3 is gearing as much as host the sixteenth version of the Presidents Cup in 2026, promising extra thrilling moments and including to its wealthy legacy.
2. Chicago Golf Membership
They are saying much less is extra, and nowhere does that ring more true than at Chicago Golf Membership. This course continues the custom of city-named programs being completely distinctive, however not via flashy options or extra. It’s the understated magnificence and that intangible buzz within the air that make it really feel actually particular.
Based in 1892, Chicago Golf Membership is the oldest 18-hole course in North America. Initially designed by the legendary Charles Blair Macdonald, it was skillfully reworked in 1922 by one other iconic architect, Seth Raynor. The result’s a course that seamlessly blends historic appeal with timeless design.
This unique membership stays extremely non-public, however those that have had the privilege to play it rave about its good routing. In a nod, whether or not intentional or not, to Chicago’s Windy Metropolis nickname, the wind by no means dominates in a single course for quite a lot of holes at a time.
3. Shoreacres Golf
Talking of Seth Raynor, subsequent on our record is a design of his personal. And it’s probably the greatest Chicago golf programs. Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, which surprisingly by no means comes into play, Raynor’s design skillfully navigates the pure undulations and ravines of the terrain.
The tight, tree-lined fairways demand precision, and whereas the course might play a bit shorter for at present’s long-hitters, the actual take a look at lies on the greens. Regardless of their dimension, these greens are agency and quick, so ensure your placing and wedge abilities are as much as par.
4. Olympia Fields Nation Membership: North Course
Olympia Fields’ North Course is famend nicely past Chicago’s metropolis limits, persistently incomes a spot on Golf Digest’s record of the nation’s high programs. Initially named Course No. 4, it was designed in 1923 by Willie Park Jr., a two-time Open Champion.
Park’s spectacular portfolio consists of over 100 programs worldwide, together with celebrated layouts like Sunningdale and Maidstone. Nevertheless, the North Course is usually hailed as his crowning achievement, a sentiment shared by each critics and Park himself.
Now, this parkland format isn’t any stroll within the park. Difficult bunkering and a thick tough be sure that each single par is earned. Watch out for the Butterfield Creek, too, that comes into play on seven totally different holes, typically greater than as soon as.
5. Butler Nationwide Golf Membership
When George Fazio and his nephew Tom got down to design Butler Nationwide, their mission was clear: create a format that may problem even the very best gamers. They definitely succeeded.
Butler Nationwide is a non-public membership recognized for its formidable problem. Tree-lined fairways require accuracy off the tee, whereas a number of water hazards add to the issue. The greens are intricately contoured, guaranteeing that each a part of your recreation should be on level. Course administration is essential right here – execute your photographs nicely and make sensible misses, and also you’ll discover success. Miss your photographs or make poor selections, and chances are you’ll be drawing some squares in your scorecard.
However it’s not all powerful going! The course’s problem is matched by its distinctive conditioning. From tee to inexperienced and past, all the pieces at Butler Nationwide is maintained in immaculate form.
As you propose your journey to the very best Chicago golf programs, do not forget that the journey begins nicely earlier than you permit residence. It begins with Ship Sticks. Ship your golf golf equipment and baggage forward of time and arrive at your vacation spot to search out your baggage already there. In spite of everything, each nice golf journey begins with clean, hassle-free journey. Uncover the distinction at present.
