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Chicago Area Golf News
Recent news, events, and coverage of the Chicagoland golf scene, curated every day
Last updated November 30, 2024
I hunt for news, articles, and notes on Chicago golf everyday. If there's something I've missed, let me know!Showing the most recent 20 articles. For older articles, the archive is at the bottom of the page.
November 21, 2024
Coyote Run use breaks record, fees going up
Before the first snowfall Nov. 21, Coyote Run Golf Course in Flossmoor was on track to set a new record after it broke a previous record with 39,528 rounds played this golf season. The old record was 39,120 rounds set in 2021.
Coyote Run use breaks record, fees going up
- Learn more about Coyote Run Golf Course
Before the first snowfall Nov. 21, Coyote Run Golf Course in Flossmoor was on track to set a new record after it broke a previous record with 39,528 rounds played this golf season. The old record was 39,120 rounds set in 2021.
November 14, 2024
Northwest Golf Academy opens in Barrington
Staff report, Daily Herald
Northwest Golf Academy, founded by Brad Ray, a Class A PGA professional, is located at 756 W. Northwest Hwy., Suite A. It offers a PGA-driven experience combining top-notch instruction with the latest in golf technology.
With more than 20 years of experience, Ray has taught golfers of all levels, helping them improve their game through personalized coaching.
Northwest Golf Academy opens in Barrington
Staff report, Daily Herald
Northwest Golf Academy, founded by Brad Ray, a Class A PGA professional, is located at 756 W. Northwest Hwy., Suite A. It offers a PGA-driven experience combining top-notch instruction with the latest in golf technology.
With more than 20 years of experience, Ray has taught golfers of all levels, helping them improve their game through personalized coaching.
November 13, 2024
LIV Golf announces return to Bolingbrook in 2025
The PGA Tour made its last Chicago area visit in 2019 and the other national golf organizing groups have been absent longer than that. Not the upstart LIV Golf League, though.
LIV, the Saudi-backed circuit that is waging a well-publicized battle with the PGA Tour, announced Tuesday that it will be playing for a fourth straight year in the Chicago area. Rich Harvest Farms, in Sugar Grove, was the tournament site In LIV’s first two seasons. Last year the tourney moved to Bolingbrook Golf Club, and Bolingbrook will also host the next visit, Aug. 8-10, 2025.
LIV Golf announces return to Bolingbrook in 2025
- Learn more about Bolingbrook Golf Club
The PGA Tour made its last Chicago area visit in 2019 and the other national golf organizing groups have been absent longer than that. Not the upstart LIV Golf League, though.
LIV, the Saudi-backed circuit that is waging a well-publicized battle with the PGA Tour, announced Tuesday that it will be playing for a fourth straight year in the Chicago area. Rich Harvest Farms, in Sugar Grove, was the tournament site In LIV’s first two seasons. Last year the tourney moved to Bolingbrook Golf Club, and Bolingbrook will also host the next visit, Aug. 8-10, 2025.
October 26, 2024
Docuseries Sheds Light on Joe Louis and the Legacy of Black Golfers
The documentary series "ACCESS," directed by Joseph Chopin and Tracy Raoul, uncovers the legacy of Black golfers and their fight for inclusion in a historically exclusive sport. It features boxing champion Joe Louis, who battled racial barriers in golf, and highlights key moments in the struggle for access.
The first episode details Louis’s fight against the "Caucasian-only clause," while the second focuses on the community efforts of Black golfers in Chicago. The final episode explores the Pipe O’ Peace course, symbolizing Louis's lasting impact.
Docuseries Sheds Light on Joe Louis and the Legacy of Black Golfers
- Learn more about Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course
The documentary series "ACCESS," directed by Joseph Chopin and Tracy Raoul, uncovers the legacy of Black golfers and their fight for inclusion in a historically exclusive sport. It features boxing champion Joe Louis, who battled racial barriers in golf, and highlights key moments in the struggle for access.
The first episode details Louis’s fight against the "Caucasian-only clause," while the second focuses on the community efforts of Black golfers in Chicago. The final episode explores the Pipe O’ Peace course, symbolizing Louis's lasting impact.
October 21, 2024
Canal Shores Golf Course renames, introduces youth development programs
The Canal Shores Golf Course began its $5.9 million renovation to bring its irrigation system up to par last year. With a fresh name — The Evans at Canal Shores — the course is teeing off a new era and chipping in with several new youth development programs to the Evanston community.
The first 13 holes reopened in August after being closed since June 2023. The remaining holes — 19 in total, including one new hole to be used primarily for a youth development program — are expected to open in spring 2025, said Josh Lesnik, executive vice president for golf at KemperSports, which operates The Evans.
Canal Shores Golf Course renames, introduces youth development programs
- Learn more about Canal Shores Golf Course
The Canal Shores Golf Course began its $5.9 million renovation to bring its irrigation system up to par last year. With a fresh name — The Evans at Canal Shores — the course is teeing off a new era and chipping in with several new youth development programs to the Evanston community.
The first 13 holes reopened in August after being closed since June 2023. The remaining holes — 19 in total, including one new hole to be used primarily for a youth development program — are expected to open in spring 2025, said Josh Lesnik, executive vice president for golf at KemperSports, which operates The Evans.
October 21, 2024
Worth’s Water’s Edge Golf Course on a hot streak
Despite some recent rain and suddenly falling temperatures, the last few months at the Water’s Edge Golf Course in Worth has been heartwarming.
“The September numbers are unbelievable,” said Trustee Laura Packwood about the local course. “Rounds of golf are down but everything else is up, and that is because of youth golf is going on.”
Worth’s Water’s Edge Golf Course on a hot streak
- Learn more about Lost Marsh Golf Course
Despite some recent rain and suddenly falling temperatures, the last few months at the Water’s Edge Golf Course in Worth has been heartwarming.
“The September numbers are unbelievable,” said Trustee Laura Packwood about the local course. “Rounds of golf are down but everything else is up, and that is because of youth golf is going on.”
October 18, 2024
Cog Hill's time on the global golf stage may have passed — but its owners are holding on
Cog Hill Golf & Country Club was once a popular destination for golfers seeking to play on legendary courses. It hosted the Western Open, a prestigious PGA Tour event, for many years. However, the tournament was moved in 2011, and Cog Hill's business has since declined. The Jemsek family, who have owned the club since the 1950s, have vowed to keep it a family business despite the challenges.
Cog Hill's time on the global golf stage may have passed — but its owners are holding on
- Learn more about Cog Hill Golf & Country Club
Cog Hill Golf & Country Club was once a popular destination for golfers seeking to play on legendary courses. It hosted the Western Open, a prestigious PGA Tour event, for many years. However, the tournament was moved in 2011, and Cog Hill's business has since declined. The Jemsek family, who have owned the club since the 1950s, have vowed to keep it a family business despite the challenges.
October 16, 2024
Orchard Valley Golf Course to Close During Renovation
The Orchard Valley golf renovation necessitates the complete closure of the golf course from November 4, 2024, through the 2025 season. This closure will allow for a smooth and efficient renovation process, minimizing disruptions and ensuring the course is ready for its grand reopening. The anticipated reopening date is set for summer 2026.
Orchard Valley Golf Course to Close During Renovation
- Learn more about Orchard Valley Golf Course
The Orchard Valley golf renovation necessitates the complete closure of the golf course from November 4, 2024, through the 2025 season. This closure will allow for a smooth and efficient renovation process, minimizing disruptions and ensuring the course is ready for its grand reopening. The anticipated reopening date is set for summer 2026.
October 14, 2024
Indoor golf simulator opens this month in Arlington Heights
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald
With a liquor license in hand and building upgrades partially funded by tax increment financing district monies almost complete, a long-planned golf simulator venue is set to open at the end of the month in Arlington Heights.
Golf VX, which will have a dozen golf bays and restaurant/bar with a robotic bartender, will be in a 12,000-square-foot big box space at 644 E. Rand Road in the Southpoint Shopping Center.
Indoor golf simulator opens this month in Arlington Heights
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald
With a liquor license in hand and building upgrades partially funded by tax increment financing district monies almost complete, a long-planned golf simulator venue is set to open at the end of the month in Arlington Heights.
Golf VX, which will have a dozen golf bays and restaurant/bar with a robotic bartender, will be in a 12,000-square-foot big box space at 644 E. Rand Road in the Southpoint Shopping Center.
October 8, 2024
Fresh Meadow Golf Club Closing
A century of golf is coming to a close at 22nd and Wolf Road. Located 20 minutes from downtown Chicago in the rolling hills of Hillside, Fresh Meadow Golf Club is closing for good on October 14, 2024.
Owned by the Archdiocese of Chicago, the land on which Fresh Meadow sits was initially intended as cemetery land. What the property will be used for in the future has not been announced.
Originally known as The Fair Lawn Golf Club, the facility opened on April 16, 1924 with plans to include a limited membership of 250. The initiation fee for the first 110 members would be $110, while the next 140 members would pay $125, which included federal tax and lockers.
Fresh Meadow Golf Club Closing
- Learn more about Fresh Meadow Golf Club
A century of golf is coming to a close at 22nd and Wolf Road. Located 20 minutes from downtown Chicago in the rolling hills of Hillside, Fresh Meadow Golf Club is closing for good on October 14, 2024.
Owned by the Archdiocese of Chicago, the land on which Fresh Meadow sits was initially intended as cemetery land. What the property will be used for in the future has not been announced.
Originally known as The Fair Lawn Golf Club, the facility opened on April 16, 1924 with plans to include a limited membership of 250. The initiation fee for the first 110 members would be $110, while the next 140 members would pay $125, which included federal tax and lockers.
October 3, 2024
Medinah set to host next Presidents Cup
Len Ziehm, Daily Herald
There was cause for celebration at Medinah Country Club when the last putt dropped in the Presidents Cup Sunday in Montreal. That meant that Medinah, already rich in golf history, went on the clock for another place in golf history.
Medinah, celebrating its centennial this year, will host the next Presidents Cup from Sept. 14-20 in 2026. When that battle between the U.S. team and an international squad concludes, Medinah will be the only club in the country to have hosted a U.S. Open, a PGA Championship, a Ryder Cup and a Presidents Cup.
Medinah set to host next Presidents Cup
Len Ziehm, Daily Herald
There was cause for celebration at Medinah Country Club when the last putt dropped in the Presidents Cup Sunday in Montreal. That meant that Medinah, already rich in golf history, went on the clock for another place in golf history.
Medinah, celebrating its centennial this year, will host the next Presidents Cup from Sept. 14-20 in 2026. When that battle between the U.S. team and an international squad concludes, Medinah will be the only club in the country to have hosted a U.S. Open, a PGA Championship, a Ryder Cup and a Presidents Cup.
September 27, 2024
Lake Forest seeks to extend Kemper's Deerpath GC contract for 5 years
Parks and Recreation Director Michael Wick is seeking approval from the Lake Forest City Council to extend a contract with Kemper Sports Management for the operations and maintenance of Deerpath Golf Course until December 31, 2029. The council will consider this request at its meeting on September 16.
Lake Forest seeks to extend Kemper's Deerpath GC contract for 5 years
- Learn more about Deerpath Golf Course
Parks and Recreation Director Michael Wick is seeking approval from the Lake Forest City Council to extend a contract with Kemper Sports Management for the operations and maintenance of Deerpath Golf Course until December 31, 2029. The council will consider this request at its meeting on September 16.
September 20, 2024
New golf practice facility honors longtime Naperville Park Board commissioner
Official opening of Marie Todd Practice Facility:
The Naperville Park District held a ceremony to unveil the Marie Todd Practice Facility at the course at 22204 W. 111th St./Hassert Blvd. in Plainfield.
The practice facility was named for Marie Todd, in recognition of her 18 years of service on the park board, part of which was spent as board president and vice president.
New golf practice facility honors longtime Naperville Park Board commissioner
- Learn more about Naperbrook Golf Course
Official opening of Marie Todd Practice Facility:
The Naperville Park District held a ceremony to unveil the Marie Todd Practice Facility at the course at 22204 W. 111th St./Hassert Blvd. in Plainfield.
The practice facility was named for Marie Todd, in recognition of her 18 years of service on the park board, part of which was spent as board president and vice president.
September 19, 2024
Proposed golf dome get thumbs up from Oswego village trustees
Eric Schelkopf, Shaw Local
Plans to build a 9-hole domed golf course near Route 30 and a proposed 600-plus unit subdivision in Oswego continue to move forward.
At the Sept. 17 Oswego Village Board meeting, village trustees unanimously approved the concept plans of Canada-based Megalodome Golf to construct four 270,000 square foot golf domes that would house the 9-hole golf course along with a practice facility. An 8,000 square-foot clubhouse also is proposed.
The applicant’s website refers to the project as the world’s first indoor golf experience that replicates a real golf course. The project is proposed for 100 acres west of Route 30 and north of Rance Road.
Proposed golf dome get thumbs up from Oswego village trustees
Eric Schelkopf, Shaw Local
Plans to build a 9-hole domed golf course near Route 30 and a proposed 600-plus unit subdivision in Oswego continue to move forward.
At the Sept. 17 Oswego Village Board meeting, village trustees unanimously approved the concept plans of Canada-based Megalodome Golf to construct four 270,000 square foot golf domes that would house the 9-hole golf course along with a practice facility. An 8,000 square-foot clubhouse also is proposed.
The applicant’s website refers to the project as the world’s first indoor golf experience that replicates a real golf course. The project is proposed for 100 acres west of Route 30 and north of Rance Road.
September 15, 2024
Jon Rahm holds on to win the LIV Golf event in Bolingbrook
Jon Rahm ended his first year in the LIV Golf league by closing with a 4-under 66 to win the final individual event Sunday and the season points title with its $18 million bonus.
Rahm missed a pair of short birdie putts on the back nine that kept Joaquin Niemann and Sergio Garcia in the mix. But he holed a 12-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole that gave him a three-shot lead going to the last hole at Bolingbrook Golf Course.
Rahm won for the second time in the Saudi-funded league, adding to his title in England last month. In between those wins, he lost in a playoff to Brooks Koepka.
Jon Rahm holds on to win the LIV Golf event in Bolingbrook
- Learn more about Bolingbrook Golf Club
Jon Rahm ended his first year in the LIV Golf league by closing with a 4-under 66 to win the final individual event Sunday and the season points title with its $18 million bonus.
Rahm missed a pair of short birdie putts on the back nine that kept Joaquin Niemann and Sergio Garcia in the mix. But he holed a 12-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole that gave him a three-shot lead going to the last hole at Bolingbrook Golf Course.
Rahm won for the second time in the Saudi-funded league, adding to his title in England last month. In between those wins, he lost in a playoff to Brooks Koepka.
September 13, 2024
How LIV Golf landed at this little-known Chicago muni: ‘They liked us’
LIV Golf, the extravagantly funded breakaway circuit, is known for spending lavishly on player contracts, purses and promotions. But it casts itself as a populist’s tour: golf for the masses.
Those apparent contradictions will find common ground this week in the Chicago suburbs, when, for the first time, the big-money league brings its show to a muni.
Bolingbrook Golf Club, where the final leg of LIV’s individual championship gets underway Friday, is a tax-payer owned track in the village of Bolingbrook, a bedroom community of some 73,000 people, roughly 30 miles south of O’Hare International Airport.
How LIV Golf landed at this little-known Chicago muni: ‘They liked us’
- Learn more about Bolingbrook Golf Club
LIV Golf, the extravagantly funded breakaway circuit, is known for spending lavishly on player contracts, purses and promotions. But it casts itself as a populist’s tour: golf for the masses.
Those apparent contradictions will find common ground this week in the Chicago suburbs, when, for the first time, the big-money league brings its show to a muni.
Bolingbrook Golf Club, where the final leg of LIV’s individual championship gets underway Friday, is a tax-payer owned track in the village of Bolingbrook, a bedroom community of some 73,000 people, roughly 30 miles south of O’Hare International Airport.
September 10, 2024
Nonprofit First Tee launches youth campus for accessible golf at Canal Shores
On a breezy Sunday afternoon along the north canal shores, competition was fierce.
Adrian was only a few shots above par to qualify for a prize. He would get school supplies if he could hit the plastic golf ball into the mouth of the inflatable “Golfopotamus,” nicknamed “Derf.”
“I had never picked up a golf club seriously until this little guy,” said Lorenzo Garcia-Garth, Adrian’s father who came from Hyde Park with his family for the First Tee Greater Chicago event. “I never even thought about going to a golf course until Adrian.”
Nonprofit First Tee launches youth campus for accessible golf at Canal Shores
- Learn more about Canal Shores Golf Course
On a breezy Sunday afternoon along the north canal shores, competition was fierce.
Adrian was only a few shots above par to qualify for a prize. He would get school supplies if he could hit the plastic golf ball into the mouth of the inflatable “Golfopotamus,” nicknamed “Derf.”
“I had never picked up a golf club seriously until this little guy,” said Lorenzo Garcia-Garth, Adrian’s father who came from Hyde Park with his family for the First Tee Greater Chicago event. “I never even thought about going to a golf course until Adrian.”
September 10, 2024
LIV Golf 3-day tournament coming to Bolingbrook Golf Club this weekend
The LIV Golf tour's 2024 Individual Championship is happening this coming weekend at the Bolingbrook Golf Club in the southwest suburbs.
The venue is a new stop for the LIV tour. Some of the world's top players will be on the course to compete for their final positions in the LIV Golf League's final 2024 standings.
LIV Golf 3-day tournament coming to Bolingbrook Golf Club this weekend
- Learn more about Bolingbrook Golf Club
The LIV Golf tour's 2024 Individual Championship is happening this coming weekend at the Bolingbrook Golf Club in the southwest suburbs.
The venue is a new stop for the LIV tour. Some of the world's top players will be on the course to compete for their final positions in the LIV Golf League's final 2024 standings.
September 9, 2024
Oswego panel recommends proposal for indoor golf course
Linda Girardi, Beacon-News
The Oswego Planning and Zoning Commission recently forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Village Board for concept plans to develop 100 acres into an indoor public golf course and clubhouse.
The Oswego Village Board still needs to vote on the plans.
The site west of Route 30 and north of Rance Road is currently in unincorporated Will County and would have to be annexed into Oswego and rezoned from agriculture to a regional business district, according to the proposal.
Canada-based Megalodome Golf is proposing to build four 270,000-square-foot golf domes at the site. Three domes would contain a nine-hole golf course, while the fourth dome would be a practice facility, according to the plan.
Oswego panel recommends proposal for indoor golf course
Linda Girardi, Beacon-News
The Oswego Planning and Zoning Commission recently forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Village Board for concept plans to develop 100 acres into an indoor public golf course and clubhouse.
The Oswego Village Board still needs to vote on the plans.
The site west of Route 30 and north of Rance Road is currently in unincorporated Will County and would have to be annexed into Oswego and rezoned from agriculture to a regional business district, according to the proposal.
Canada-based Megalodome Golf is proposing to build four 270,000-square-foot golf domes at the site. Three domes would contain a nine-hole golf course, while the fourth dome would be a practice facility, according to the plan.
September 6, 2024
Suburban Chicago golf club encourages Black women to take up the sport
Golf can seem intimidating to people who have never tried it, but one group in the south suburbs is trying to convince women to not be afraid and go pick up a club.
On a beautiful, sunny Monday morning at Joe Louis "The Champ" Golf Club in Riverdale, the ladies were ready to play.
"Golf is a great sport. It's great physically," said Tracy Raoul, president of Ebony Ladies Golf League. "It's a mental game. You have to know how to let go of that bad stroke and move on to the next one."
The Ebony Ladies Golf League just marked its 50th anniversary recently with a very glitzy gala, and the ladies have a lot to celebrate. Raoul has been president since 2021 and has been on a mission to bring in more members.
Suburban Chicago golf club encourages Black women to take up the sport
- Learn more about Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course
Golf can seem intimidating to people who have never tried it, but one group in the south suburbs is trying to convince women to not be afraid and go pick up a club.
On a beautiful, sunny Monday morning at Joe Louis "The Champ" Golf Club in Riverdale, the ladies were ready to play.
"Golf is a great sport. It's great physically," said Tracy Raoul, president of Ebony Ladies Golf League. "It's a mental game. You have to know how to let go of that bad stroke and move on to the next one."
The Ebony Ladies Golf League just marked its 50th anniversary recently with a very glitzy gala, and the ladies have a lot to celebrate. Raoul has been president since 2021 and has been on a mission to bring in more members.
Full Archive of Chicago Golf News
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