The ultimate Chicago golf course guide
Chicago Area Golf News
Recent news, events, and coverage of the Chicagoland golf scene, curated every day
Last updated January 10, 2026
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.
January 7, 2026
Coyote Run Golf Course sets a new record for rounds played
41,031 rounds were played in 2025 compared to 40,237 played in 2024.
Coyote Run Golf Course sets a new record for rounds played
- Learn more about Coyote Run Golf Course
41,031 rounds were played in 2025 compared to 40,237 played in 2024.
January 4, 2026
Groups hope to save Calumet Country Club as a golf destination; owner says plan is impossible
The Chicago District Golf Association and the Donald Ross Society have partnered to acquire and preserve the historic Calumet Country Club as a public golf destination. However, they face opposition from property owner W&E Ventures, which intends to demolish the course for industrial redevelopment, citing financial unsustainability. The site's future now hinges on the Village of Hazel Crest, which controls the necessary zoning and demolition approvals amidst community resistance to industrial expansion.
Groups hope to save Calumet Country Club as a golf destination; owner says plan is impossible
- Learn more about Calumet Country Club
The Chicago District Golf Association and the Donald Ross Society have partnered to acquire and preserve the historic Calumet Country Club as a public golf destination. However, they face opposition from property owner W&E Ventures, which intends to demolish the course for industrial redevelopment, citing financial unsustainability. The site's future now hinges on the Village of Hazel Crest, which controls the necessary zoning and demolition approvals amidst community resistance to industrial expansion.
January 4, 2026
Golfers brave frigid temps Saturday at annual winter tournament in Des Plaines
Despite the biting January cold, golfers braved frigid temperatures and frozen hazards at the annual Des Plaines Chili Open this Saturday. Held at the Des Plaines Golf Center, the popular winter event offered a festive atmosphere featuring family fun, contests, raffles, and prizes.
Golfers brave frigid temps Saturday at annual winter tournament in Des Plaines
- Learn more about Golf Center Des Plaines
Despite the biting January cold, golfers braved frigid temperatures and frozen hazards at the annual Des Plaines Chili Open this Saturday. Held at the Des Plaines Golf Center, the popular winter event offered a festive atmosphere featuring family fun, contests, raffles, and prizes.
January 3, 2026
Zigfield Troy Golf Course par-3 course has closed
After decades of serving the Woodridge community, the 9-hole par-3 course at Zigfield Troy has permanently closed. However, the facility’s driving range remains fully operational and open to the public, continuing to offer practice facilities independent of the shuttered course.
Zigfield Troy Golf Course par-3 course has closed
- Learn more about Zigfield Troy Golf
After decades of serving the Woodridge community, the 9-hole par-3 course at Zigfield Troy has permanently closed. However, the facility’s driving range remains fully operational and open to the public, continuing to offer practice facilities independent of the shuttered course.
January 3, 2026
Polar Bear Open to kick off St. Andrews' 100th anniversary celebration
St. Andrews Golf & Country Club in West Chicago is kicking off its 100th anniversary celebration this Sunday with the annual Polar Bear Open. Operated by the Jemsek-Hinckley family since 1926, Illinois’ oldest continuously family-owned course will mark its centennial with monthly events and prizes throughout 2026, honoring a rich history that includes hosting U.S. Open qualifiers and golf legends like Patty Berg.
Polar Bear Open to kick off St. Andrews' 100th anniversary celebration
- Learn more about St. Andrews Golf and Country Club
St. Andrews Golf & Country Club in West Chicago is kicking off its 100th anniversary celebration this Sunday with the annual Polar Bear Open. Operated by the Jemsek-Hinckley family since 1926, Illinois’ oldest continuously family-owned course will mark its centennial with monthly events and prizes throughout 2026, honoring a rich history that includes hosting U.S. Open qualifiers and golf legends like Patty Berg.
December 29, 2025
Carriage Greens' Course Subsidy Being Paid Back To City: Official
Carriage Greens Country Club is currently repaying a $366,000 subsidy granted by the City of Darien in 2019, utilizing increased tax revenues from sales and gambling to cover the debt over a ten-year period. City officials confirmed the arrangement after a local school board president inquired about the subsidy following a report that ranked the course poorly in certain categories. Despite the scrutiny, officials note the private club is performing well and must directly pay any difference if tax revenues fail to cover the full amount by the deadline.
Carriage Greens' Course Subsidy Being Paid Back To City: Official
- Learn more about Carriage Greens Country Club
Carriage Greens Country Club is currently repaying a $366,000 subsidy granted by the City of Darien in 2019, utilizing increased tax revenues from sales and gambling to cover the debt over a ten-year period. City officials confirmed the arrangement after a local school board president inquired about the subsidy following a report that ranked the course poorly in certain categories. Despite the scrutiny, officials note the private club is performing well and must directly pay any difference if tax revenues fail to cover the full amount by the deadline.
December 26, 2025
Proposed Zigfield Troy Golf Course development plan tees off group of Woodridge residents
Woodridge residents have organized to oppose a proposed redevelopment of the Zigfield Troy Golf Course that would convert the 35-acre site into commercial lots and 220 townhomes. While the plan by Kensington Development Partners retains the existing miniature golf course, neighbors argue the high-density project requires excessive rezoning and will result in traffic congestion, school overcrowding, and a loss of green space. In response, the opposition group has launched a GoFundMe campaign to hire legal counsel to challenge the current proposal and advocate for lower-density alternatives.
Proposed Zigfield Troy Golf Course development plan tees off group of Woodridge residents
- Learn more about Zigfield Troy Golf
Woodridge residents have organized to oppose a proposed redevelopment of the Zigfield Troy Golf Course that would convert the 35-acre site into commercial lots and 220 townhomes. While the plan by Kensington Development Partners retains the existing miniature golf course, neighbors argue the high-density project requires excessive rezoning and will result in traffic congestion, school overcrowding, and a loss of green space. In response, the opposition group has launched a GoFundMe campaign to hire legal counsel to challenge the current proposal and advocate for lower-density alternatives.
December 20, 2025
Ravisloe staffer seeks memories of historic golf course for anniversary
In preparation for Ravisloe Golf Club’s 125th anniversary in 2026, staff member Jim McGrath is soliciting community photos and memories to help document the history of the Donald Ross-designed course. Founded as a private club in 1901 and opened to the public in 2008, the historic venue invites anyone with stories or artifacts to contact McGrath.
Ravisloe staffer seeks memories of historic golf course for anniversary
- Learn more about Ravisloe Country Club
In preparation for Ravisloe Golf Club’s 125th anniversary in 2026, staff member Jim McGrath is soliciting community photos and memories to help document the history of the Donald Ross-designed course. Founded as a private club in 1901 and opened to the public in 2008, the historic venue invites anyone with stories or artifacts to contact McGrath.
December 19, 2025
Village of Woodridge Selects KemperSports to Manage Village Greens
The Village of Woodridge has secured the immediate future of Village Greens by approving a two-year management agreement with KemperSports. Following the Park District’s departure in late 2025, this deal ensures the course remains open under professional oversight while the Village conducts a broader community study to determine the property's long-term "highest and best use."
Village of Woodridge Selects KemperSports to Manage Village Greens
- Learn more about Village Greens of Woodridge
The Village of Woodridge has secured the immediate future of Village Greens by approving a two-year management agreement with KemperSports. Following the Park District’s departure in late 2025, this deal ensures the course remains open under professional oversight while the Village conducts a broader community study to determine the property's long-term "highest and best use."
December 18, 2025
New partnership presents plan to save Calumet Country Club for golfing
Efforts to preserve Calumet Country Club are underway from both the CDGA and the Donald Ross Society.
New partnership presents plan to save Calumet Country Club for golfing
- Learn more about Calumet Country Club
Efforts to preserve Calumet Country Club are underway from both the CDGA and the Donald Ross Society.
December 8, 2025
Mundelein golf course teed up for sports complex
The 18-hole Village Green golf course has officially closed to undergo a $4.2 million transformation into a sports complex for Mundelein High School. Demolition began in September to make way for new tennis courts and athletic fields, replacing the course originally opened in 1962. This conversion is part of a larger $149.5 million district facility improvement plan that also includes significant renovations and classroom additions to the high school itself.
Mundelein golf course teed up for sports complex
- Learn more about Village Green Golf Course
The 18-hole Village Green golf course has officially closed to undergo a $4.2 million transformation into a sports complex for Mundelein High School. Demolition began in September to make way for new tennis courts and athletic fields, replacing the course originally opened in 1962. This conversion is part of a larger $149.5 million district facility improvement plan that also includes significant renovations and classroom additions to the high school itself.
December 4, 2025
Woodridge Golf Course's Fate Unclear, Struggles Seen As 'Perplexing'
The future of the Village Greens of Woodridge is under review after a consultant termed its financial struggles "perplexing" given the high local demand for golf. While selling the property could yield over $50 million, the report recommends the village hire a third-party manager to overhaul operations -- specifically citing poor marketing, flawed rate structures, and damaging year-round play as key failures --projecting that proper management could make the course profitable despite needing millions in capital improvements.
Woodridge Golf Course's Fate Unclear, Struggles Seen As 'Perplexing'
- Learn more about Village Greens of Woodridge
The future of the Village Greens of Woodridge is under review after a consultant termed its financial struggles "perplexing" given the high local demand for golf. While selling the property could yield over $50 million, the report recommends the village hire a third-party manager to overhaul operations -- specifically citing poor marketing, flawed rate structures, and damaging year-round play as key failures --projecting that proper management could make the course profitable despite needing millions in capital improvements.
December 1, 2025
Zinkand puts finishing touches on reversible layout short course on Chicago's lakefront
John Reitman, TurfNet
Zinkand Golf Design, led by architect Dave Zinkand, has completed a new short course and practice facility at Chicago’s historic Saddle and Cycle Club, which is expected to open next summer. To maximize the limited urban footprint near Lake Michigan, Zinkand implemented a creative reversible routing that features eight par-three holes played in opposing directions as four-hole loops. The extensive renovation involved demolishing existing features to construct four new greens, a 30,000-square-foot putting course, and CapillaryFlow-lined bunkers, marking Zinkand's second major Chicago-area project this year following his work at Old Elm Club.
Zinkand puts finishing touches on reversible layout short course on Chicago's lakefront
John Reitman, TurfNet
Zinkand Golf Design, led by architect Dave Zinkand, has completed a new short course and practice facility at Chicago’s historic Saddle and Cycle Club, which is expected to open next summer. To maximize the limited urban footprint near Lake Michigan, Zinkand implemented a creative reversible routing that features eight par-three holes played in opposing directions as four-hole loops. The extensive renovation involved demolishing existing features to construct four new greens, a 30,000-square-foot putting course, and CapillaryFlow-lined bunkers, marking Zinkand's second major Chicago-area project this year following his work at Old Elm Club.
November 20, 2025
Same Winnetka golf hole vandalized twice in four weeks
The Winnetka Park District has closed the third hole of its recently renovated primary course for the season following two acts of vandalism where a vehicle, believed to be an electric bike or scooter, intentionally damaged the green. Police estimate the incidents caused thousands of dollars in damage and are currently investigating, while park officials have stabilized the area and plan to complete full turf restoration in the spring.
Same Winnetka golf hole vandalized twice in four weeks
- Learn more about Winnetka Golf Club
The Winnetka Park District has closed the third hole of its recently renovated primary course for the season following two acts of vandalism where a vehicle, believed to be an electric bike or scooter, intentionally damaged the green. Police estimate the incidents caused thousands of dollars in damage and are currently investigating, while park officials have stabilized the area and plan to complete full turf restoration in the spring.
November 12, 2025
Course construction complete at Chicago’s Saddle & Cycle Club
Staff report, Golf Course Industry
Zinkand Golf Design has completed construction on a new short course and practice facility at Chicago’s Saddle & Cycle Club, slated to open in Summer 2026. Located on a compact urban site near Lincoln Park, the facility features an innovative reversible routing, allowing eight par-three holes to be played as two different four-hole loops, maximizing variety and preserving space for simultaneous practice. The project replaced the parcel's previous features with four new greens, 30,000 square feet of putting course, new bunkers, and expanded teeing grounds, creating what the club's general manager described as a creative design that will "set the standard for city clubs."
Course construction complete at Chicago’s Saddle & Cycle Club
Staff report, Golf Course Industry
Zinkand Golf Design has completed construction on a new short course and practice facility at Chicago’s Saddle & Cycle Club, slated to open in Summer 2026. Located on a compact urban site near Lincoln Park, the facility features an innovative reversible routing, allowing eight par-three holes to be played as two different four-hole loops, maximizing variety and preserving space for simultaneous practice. The project replaced the parcel's previous features with four new greens, 30,000 square feet of putting course, new bunkers, and expanded teeing grounds, creating what the club's general manager described as a creative design that will "set the standard for city clubs."
November 10, 2025
Calumet Country Club Closes Permanently: All Golf Holes, Landscaping, Structures Will Go
Calumet Country Club is permanently closed. The owner, W&E Ventures, announced it will remove all infrastructure, including landscaping and golf holes, citing public safety and vagrancy concerns. The closure of the historic 1901 Donald Ross-designed course follows years of uncertainty and contentious proposals to redevelop the land for industrial use.
Calumet Country Club Closes Permanently: All Golf Holes, Landscaping, Structures Will Go
- Learn more about Calumet Country Club
Calumet Country Club is permanently closed. The owner, W&E Ventures, announced it will remove all infrastructure, including landscaping and golf holes, citing public safety and vagrancy concerns. The closure of the historic 1901 Donald Ross-designed course follows years of uncertainty and contentious proposals to redevelop the land for industrial use.
November 4, 2025
First year of renovated Canal Shores course ‘exceeded expectations’
The Evans at Canal Shores golf course had a highly successful 2025, its first full season following a 2024 renovation. The course was recognized by Golfweek Magazine as the No. 22 public-access short course in the U.S. It significantly exceeded its goal of 21,000 rounds, with 24,000 played year-to-date and a projection of 26,000.
The non-profit course also launched a successful new WGA-sponsored caddie program, offering a path to the Evans Scholarship, and saw its First Tee youth program attendance exceed expectations. Despite significant vandalism in August, the grounds crew and volunteers repaired the damage within two days. The course is financially healthy, though still reliant on donations, and is building a new "Patio Grill" set to open next spring.
First year of renovated Canal Shores course ‘exceeded expectations’
- Learn more about Canal Shores Golf Course
The Evans at Canal Shores golf course had a highly successful 2025, its first full season following a 2024 renovation. The course was recognized by Golfweek Magazine as the No. 22 public-access short course in the U.S. It significantly exceeded its goal of 21,000 rounds, with 24,000 played year-to-date and a projection of 26,000.
The non-profit course also launched a successful new WGA-sponsored caddie program, offering a path to the Evans Scholarship, and saw its First Tee youth program attendance exceed expectations. Despite significant vandalism in August, the grounds crew and volunteers repaired the damage within two days. The course is financially healthy, though still reliant on donations, and is building a new "Patio Grill" set to open next spring.
October 24, 2025
Ryan Companies interest in developing Calumet Country Club renews opposition
Ryan Companies is the latest developer expressing interest in the Calumet Country Club, floating a potential industrial development to the Hazel Crest Village Board. This renews a six-year battle over the 130-acre property, which was annexed by Hazel Crest after residents in neighboring Homewood blocked a similar warehouse proposal. A community group, South Suburbs for Greenspace, continues to fight the development, arguing the area cannot lose its last major green space. Activists also charge that the industrial push is racially biased against the 85% Black community and that any potential jobs would be offset by TIF subsidies and lower property values.
Ryan Companies interest in developing Calumet Country Club renews opposition
- Learn more about Calumet Country Club
Ryan Companies is the latest developer expressing interest in the Calumet Country Club, floating a potential industrial development to the Hazel Crest Village Board. This renews a six-year battle over the 130-acre property, which was annexed by Hazel Crest after residents in neighboring Homewood blocked a similar warehouse proposal. A community group, South Suburbs for Greenspace, continues to fight the development, arguing the area cannot lose its last major green space. Activists also charge that the industrial push is racially biased against the 85% Black community and that any potential jobs would be offset by TIF subsidies and lower property values.
October 14, 2025
Illinois Golf Hall of Fame inducting six new members
The Illinois Golf Hall of Fame inducts new members every two years, and the next class of six inductees will be honored Friday at The Glen Club in Glenview.
While Illinois has hardly been rich in PGA Tour players, the 21st induction class has two who made it to golf’s premier circuit. Bob Zender won the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament in 1971, and he was a regular on the circuit through 1982. David Ogrin arrived in 1983 and played until 2000, then spent parts of two seasons on PGA Tour Champions.
Illinois Golf Hall of Fame inducting six new members
- Learn more about The Glen Club
The Illinois Golf Hall of Fame inducts new members every two years, and the next class of six inductees will be honored Friday at The Glen Club in Glenview.
While Illinois has hardly been rich in PGA Tour players, the 21st induction class has two who made it to golf’s premier circuit. Bob Zender won the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament in 1971, and he was a regular on the circuit through 1982. David Ogrin arrived in 1983 and played until 2000, then spent parts of two seasons on PGA Tour Champions.
September 30, 2025
Refine your golf game for free at the Columbus Park Mini Putt Course
FOX 32's Gabriella Premus tries her hand with the putter at the newly unveiled Columbus Park Mini Putt Course.
Refine your golf game for free at the Columbus Park Mini Putt Course
- Learn more about Columbus Park Golf Course
FOX 32's Gabriella Premus tries her hand with the putter at the newly unveiled Columbus Park Mini Putt Course.
Full Archive of Chicago Golf News
2026 January (5 articles)2025 December (8 articles)
2025 November (4 articles)
2025 October (2 articles)
2025 September (6 articles)
2025 August (13 articles)
2025 July (9 articles)
2025 June (12 articles)
2025 May (8 articles)
2025 April (8 articles)
2025 March (7 articles)
2025 February (8 articles)
2025 January (4 articles)
2024 December (2 articles)
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2024 October (8 articles)
2024 September (12 articles)
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2024 April (9 articles)
2024 March (5 articles)
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2023 December (5 articles)
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2023 August (28 articles)
2023 July (21 articles)
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2023 January (8 articles)
2022 December (6 articles)
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2022 August (49 articles)
2022 July (37 articles)
2022 June (8 articles)
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2022 April (2 articles)
2022 March (1 article)
2022 January (3 articles)
2021 December (1 article)
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2020 June (2 articles)
2017 November (1 article)
2017 April (1 article)
2016 August (1 article)
2014 June (1 article)
2012 March (1 article)
2003 November (1 article)