Illinois is home to some of the most historically significant and architecturally stunning golf courses in the country, with Chicago Golf Club, Shoreacres, Medinah Country Club (Course No. 3), Olympia Fields (North Course), and Butler National standing out as the top five.
Each course is known for its unique design, tournament history, and exclusivity—keep reading for a detailed breakdown of what makes them the best.
Chicago Golf Club (Wheaton) – The Birthplace of American Golf
Chicago Golf Club holds a special place in golf history as the oldest 18-hole course in North America, pioneering the sport in the United States.
With deep ties to the origins of organized golf and a reputation for architectural excellence, this private club remains one of the most prestigious and exclusive in the country.
A Legacy of Golfing Firsts
Chicago Golf Club was founded in 1892 by Charles Blair Macdonald, often called the father of American golf.
Macdonald, a champion of golf course architecture, studied the layouts of classic Scottish courses and sought to bring that same quality and strategy to the United States.
His vision led to the creation of Chicago Golf Club, which was the first course in the country built specifically as an 18-hole layout.
This was a major development at a time when most American courses featured only nine holes.
In 1894, the club became one of the five founding members of the United States Golf Association (USGA), playing a key role in establishing standardized rules and competitive play in the U.S.
These contributions make Chicago Golf Club a historic cornerstone of the sport, influencing how golf courses were designed and how the game was organized in America.
Classic Course Design and Architectural Influence
Chicago Golf Club’s course design reflects Macdonald’s deep admiration for traditional Scottish golf.
He implemented key architectural elements that would later become hallmarks of strategic course design, setting the stage for many of today’s great layouts.
One of the most defining aspects of the course is the use of template holes—specific hole designs modeled after famous Scottish and English courses. Among these are:
- Biarritz – A long par-3 with a deep swale bisecting the green, challenging players to hit precise approach shots.
- Redan – A classic par-3 with a green that slopes away from the player, demanding accuracy and strategic club selection.
Macdonald’s influence extended well beyond Chicago Golf Club.
His design principles were carried forward by protégés like Seth Raynor and C.B. Banks, who helped shape the future of golf course architecture in the U.S.
The strategic use of angles, hazards, and green complexes at Chicago Golf Club continues to serve as a model for course designers worldwide.
Major Tournaments and Competitive History
Despite its exclusivity and private nature, Chicago Golf Club has hosted several prestigious tournaments, showcasing its world-class layout to elite players.
It was the site of the U.S. Open in 1897, 1900, and 1911, cementing its place as a premier championship venue in the early years of competitive golf.
In addition to these early U.S. Opens, the club was also chosen to host the Walker Cup in 1928 and again in 2005.
The Walker Cup, a biennial team competition between the best amateur golfers from the U.S. and Great Britain & Ireland, is among the most respected events in amateur golf.
The selection of Chicago Golf Club for these tournaments speaks to its enduring reputation as one of the finest tests of golf in the country.
Exclusive Membership and Tradition
One of the defining characteristics of Chicago Golf Club is its strict and exclusive membership policy.
Unlike many private clubs that have expanded or modernized their approach, Chicago Golf Club has remained steadfast in its traditions.
Membership is by invitation only, and the club has one of the smallest memberships of any elite golf club in the country.
The club prides itself on maintaining a low-profile, highly traditional atmosphere, resisting commercialization and modern golf trends.
There are no tee times—members simply arrive and play.
The club also lacks many of the extravagant amenities found at other private clubs, focusing solely on the game itself.
This purist approach aligns with Macdonald’s original vision, preserving the integrity of the sport in its most classic form.
For those fortunate enough to experience Chicago Golf Club, it offers a rare glimpse into the origins of American golf.
Its combination of history, architecture, and exclusivity makes it one of the most revered golf courses in the world.
Shoreacres Golf Club (Lake Bluff) – A Hidden Gem with Architectural Brilliance
Shoreacres Golf Club is one of Illinois’ most understated yet masterfully designed golf courses, offering a pure, strategic test of golf in a serene setting.
With its stunning use of natural ravines and classic template holes, this Seth Raynor design delivers an experience that rewards precision, thoughtful shot-making, and a deep appreciation for the game’s traditions.
Seth Raynor’s Strategic Course Design
Designed in 1916, Shoreacres is a prime example of Seth Raynor’s genius in course architecture.
Known for his methodical and geometric approach to golf course design, Raynor crafted a layout that integrates seamlessly with the natural contours of the land while maintaining the strategic complexity for which he is renowned.
A key characteristic of the course is its use of ravines and elevation changes, particularly in the fairways and approaches to greens.
The land surrounding Lake Michigan provides rolling terrain, creating natural hazards that challenge golfers to carefully navigate their shots.
Unlike courses that rely heavily on artificial bunkering or water hazards, Shoreacres demands precision in ball placement through its natural topography.
Raynor’s signature design philosophy also emphasizes strong angles and strategic risk-reward scenarios.
Many holes require players to consider their landing areas carefully, as positioning off the tee can drastically affect approach shots.
The greens are well-guarded and require accuracy rather than power, reinforcing the importance of smart, controlled play.
Iconic Hole Designs
Like many of Raynor’s best courses, Shoreacres features some of the most famous template holes in golf course architecture.
These holes, inspired by classic Scottish and English designs, create a playing experience that is both timeless and rewarding for those who appreciate strategic golf.
One of the most notable holes is the Redan, a par-3 known for its angled green and deep bunkering.
The green slopes away from the player, requiring a well-struck shot to hold the putting surface.
This hole demands accuracy and proper club selection, as any miscalculation can lead to a difficult recovery.
The Biarritz hole is another standout, featuring a long green with a pronounced swale running through its center.
Players must decide whether to carry the swale or play short and use the contours of the green to feed the ball toward the hole.
The challenge of this hole comes not only from the length but also from the necessity of reading the green’s undulations correctly.
These holes, along with others that incorporate Raynor’s bold geometric bunkering and well-positioned hazards, make Shoreacres a unique test of a golfer’s ability to think strategically rather than simply rely on length off the tee.
Playing Experience and Course Challenges
At just over 6,500 yards, Shoreacres may seem short by modern standards, but its design ensures that raw distance is far from the most important factor in scoring well.
Firm and fast greens place a premium on approach shots, requiring precise iron play and strong putting skills.
Unlike many championship courses that emphasize power, Shoreacres rewards positional play and forces golfers to carefully consider their angles into the greens.
The fairways are generous, but failing to place the ball in the correct position often leads to challenging approach shots over ravines or from awkward lies.
The natural setting adds an extra layer of difficulty, with swirling winds off Lake Michigan affecting club selection and shot trajectory.
On some days, players may find themselves adjusting their strategy multiple times in a round based on the wind direction.
Despite the difficulty, Shoreacres remains a playable and enjoyable course for golfers who understand its nuances.
Those who attempt to overpower it will struggle, while those who take the time to appreciate its strategic elements will find it to be one of the most rewarding courses in Illinois.
Membership and Atmosphere
Shoreacres maintains a highly selective membership process, catering to individuals who truly appreciate the traditions of the game.
Unlike some high-profile clubs that focus on tournament play or lavish amenities, Shoreacres is built around pure golf in a peaceful environment.
The club values privacy and exclusivity, keeping a low profile despite its exceptional reputation among architecture enthusiasts.
There are no distractions—no extravagant clubhouse, no noisy social scene—just world-class golf in a serene and natural setting.
For those fortunate enough to experience it, Shoreacres offers a refreshingly pure golf experience, where the focus is on strategy, precision, and the appreciation of a beautifully designed course.
It remains one of Illinois’ finest hidden gems, known by those who seek a thoughtful and rewarding round of golf over sheer spectacle.
Medinah Country Club – Course No. 3 (Medinah) – A Championship Venue
Medinah Country Club’s Course No. 3 is synonymous with major championship golf, having hosted some of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport.
With a rich competitive history, continuous course evolution, and world-class amenities, Medinah remains one of the premier golf destinations in the United States.
A Course Built for Major Championships
Few golf courses in the U.S. have hosted as many high-profile events as Medinah’s Course No. 3.
Its reputation as a championship venue is built on decades of elite tournament play, drawing the world’s best golfers to its demanding layout.
The course has been the site of three U.S. Opens (1949, 1975, 1990), each testing the resilience and precision of competitors.
In addition to national championships, it has also welcomed the PGA Championship twice (1999, 2006), further solidifying its place among America’s elite courses.
One of its most defining moments came in 2012, when Medinah hosted the Ryder Cup.
The tournament produced one of the most dramatic comebacks in golf history, as Team Europe overcame a significant deficit on the final day to defeat the U.S. team in what became known as the “Miracle at Medinah.”
This event not only elevated Medinah’s international reputation but also showcased the course’s ability to deliver thrilling, high-stakes competition.
Course Evolution and Design Adjustments
Originally designed by Tom Bendelow, Course No. 3 has undergone multiple renovations to maintain its challenge and relevance in modern golf.
Over the years, Rees Jones, a renowned golf course architect, has made significant modifications to enhance the course’s strategic complexity and visual appeal.
Key changes include updated bunkering, recontoured greens, and lengthened holes to keep up with the modern game.
Strategic water hazards add another layer of difficulty, with some of the most treacherous being:
- Hole 2 – A par-3 requiring precise shot-making over water.
- Hole 13 – A challenging par-4 where water guards the approach.
- Hole 17 – A picturesque yet punishing par-3, where a well-struck shot is the only way to avoid disaster.
Despite these updates, the course has retained its classic tree-lined fairways and deep bunkers, ensuring that accuracy and smart course management remain key to scoring well.
Players must navigate the course with a combination of power and precision, making it a true test of championship-caliber golf.
Beyond the Course: Facilities and Member Experience
Medinah Country Club is more than just a championship golf course—it offers a comprehensive country club experience that extends beyond golf.
The clubhouse, a stunning and historic structure, provides a range of dining options, from fine dining to casual fare, making it a central gathering place for members.
For those looking to sharpen their skills, Medinah offers a state-of-the-art golf learning center, complete with the latest technology to analyze and improve every aspect of a player’s game.
The club also caters to a variety of athletic interests, featuring a racket center and swimming pools to provide members with a well-rounded experience.
Medinah’s membership structure offers multiple categories, ensuring a tailored experience for different lifestyles and needs:
- Regular Membership – Full access to golf and club facilities.
- Associate Legacy Membership – Designed for younger members with adjusted privileges.
- Social Membership – Provides access to the clubhouse and non-golf amenities.
- National and International Memberships – Catering to members who live outside the immediate area but want to enjoy Medinah’s offerings.
With a combination of history, challenge, and top-tier amenities, Medinah Country Club remains one of Illinois’ most prestigious and complete golfing destinations.
Whether competing in a major event or enjoying a relaxed round, members and visitors alike are immersed in a world-class experience.
Olympia Fields Country Club – North Course (Olympia Fields) – A Storied Past
Few golf courses in Illinois have a legacy as rich as Olympia Fields Country Club’s North Course.
With a design rooted in classic golf architecture and a history of hosting prestigious championships, the course continues to challenge elite players while maintaining an atmosphere of exclusivity and tradition.
A Historic Club with Championship Pedigree
Founded in 1915, Olympia Fields Country Club quickly established itself as a premier destination for competitive golf.
In its early years, the club set an ambitious goal of becoming the finest golf facility in the Midwest, and by the 1920s, it had grown to feature four 18-hole courses.
The crown jewel of the club, the North Course, was designed by Willie Park Jr., a two-time British Open champion and one of the earliest architects to bring strategic golf course design to the United States.
Park’s work emphasized challenging shot values, natural land movement, and demanding green complexes, making the North Course a test of both skill and course management.
Although three of the original courses were later repurposed, the North Course has remained unchanged in its routing, standing as a testament to Park’s enduring design philosophy.
Today, it is considered one of the most challenging and respected championship courses in the country.
Course Characteristics and Playability
The defining characteristic of the North Course is its natural, rolling terrain, which provides elevation changes rarely found in the Chicago area.
Unlike many flatter Midwest courses, Olympia Fields’ North Course incorporates undulating fairways, elevated greens, and significant downhill and uphill shots, requiring precise club selection.
Adding to the challenge are the strategically placed native oak trees, which frame the fairways and force players to shape their shots carefully.
Wayward tee shots can quickly result in blocked approach angles, making accuracy off the tee just as important as distance.
One of the most demanding elements of the North Course is its meandering creek, which winds through multiple holes.
The water hazard is not simply decorative—it actively punishes errant shots and forces players to carefully plan their risk-reward decisions.
Holes featuring the creek require either a precise layup or a well-executed forced carry to avoid disaster.
The greens are another key factor in the course’s difficulty.
They tend to be firm, fast, and heavily contoured, rewarding players who can land approach shots in the right sections while severely penalizing those who misjudge their putts.
Many greens have subtle breaks that make even short putts a challenge, emphasizing the importance of course knowledge and a steady putting stroke.
A Stage for Major Championships
Olympia Fields has long been a preferred venue for major tournaments, proving its ability to test the world’s best golfers.
The North Course has hosted:
- Two U.S. Opens (1928, 2003) – Walter Hagen competed in the 1928 edition, while the 2003 tournament saw Jim Furyk capture his first and only major championship.
- Two PGA Championships (1925, 1961) – Some of the greatest players of their respective eras battled for the Wanamaker Trophy on this historic course.
- U.S. Senior Open (1997) – A testament to the course’s ability to challenge golfers of all skill levels and generations.
In addition to these major events, Olympia Fields continues to be a regular stop for elite amateur and professional tournaments, reinforcing its reputation as one of the finest championship venues in the country.
Exclusive Membership and Amenities
Olympia Fields is a private, invitation-only club, offering an exclusive experience for members who appreciate both competitive and recreational golf.
Unlike many clubs that focus solely on their primary championship course, Olympia Fields provides members access to two 18-hole courses—the North and the South—each offering a distinct style of play.
Beyond golf, the club offers fine dining, a fitness center, swimming facilities, and social events, making it a hub for family-oriented activities as well as serious golf.
The atmosphere remains traditional yet welcoming, ensuring that members enjoy a first-class experience while preserving the club’s rich heritage.
For those fortunate enough to play the North Course, Olympia Fields delivers a pure and demanding test of golf, combining strategic course design with a rich championship history.
It stands as a benchmark for classic golf course architecture and remains one of the most revered private golf experiences in Illinois.
Conclusion
Illinois is home to some of the most historic, architecturally significant, and challenging golf courses in the country, each offering a unique blend of tradition, strategic design, and exclusivity.
From the pioneering legacy of Chicago Golf Club to the championship stage of Medinah, these courses represent the best of Midwest golf.
Whether you seek a pure golf experience or a test worthy of the game’s greatest players, these five courses define excellence in Illinois golf.
