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 November 26, 2025
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 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.
September 30, 2025
Owners of Plank Road Tap Room to helm new bar and food truck at Wing Park Golf Course
A couple with deep Elgin roots will help bring something new to Illinois’ oldest nine-hole municipal golf course.
Chip Shots Golf & Whiskey Bar will open as part of the new $4.3 million, 9,600-square-foot clubhouse at the Wing Park Golf Course in Elgin. It will be operated by Breanne and Alan Moreno, the owners of Plank Road Tap Room on Elgin’s west side.
Owners of Plank Road Tap Room to helm new bar and food truck at Wing Park Golf Course
- Learn more about Wing Park Golf Course
A couple with deep Elgin roots will help bring something new to Illinois’ oldest nine-hole municipal golf course.
Chip Shots Golf & Whiskey Bar will open as part of the new $4.3 million, 9,600-square-foot clubhouse at the Wing Park Golf Course in Elgin. It will be operated by Breanne and Alan Moreno, the owners of Plank Road Tap Room on Elgin’s west side.
September 29, 2025
Quitno and Wadsworth turn attention to Lakeside nine at Cantigny
Architect Todd Quitno and contractor Wadsworth Golf Course Construction are working on the second of a three-phase renovation project at Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton, Illinois.
Quitno and Wadsworth turn attention to Lakeside nine at Cantigny
- Learn more about Cantigny Golf Club
Architect Todd Quitno and contractor Wadsworth Golf Course Construction are working on the second of a three-phase renovation project at Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton, Illinois.
September 23, 2025
Work continues for President’s Cup at Medinah
Len Ziehm, Daily Herald
While the sides do battle this week, staffers will be preparing Medinah for next year’s President’s Cup there. The President’s Cup is also a biennial event with a similar team format as the Ryder, but not the prestige.
Work continues for President’s Cup at Medinah
Len Ziehm, Daily Herald
While the sides do battle this week, staffers will be preparing Medinah for next year’s President’s Cup there. The President’s Cup is also a biennial event with a similar team format as the Ryder, but not the prestige.
September 13, 2025
Village Green golf course in Mundelein closing after more than 60 years
After operating for over 60 years, the Village Green golf course in Mundelein is closing permanently. Since its opening in 1962, the affordable and player-friendly course became a beloved community hub for longtime leagues, families, and loyal regulars. The property was purchased by Mundelein High School District 120, which will invest around $9 million to convert the land into new athletic facilities, including tennis courts, a softball field, a baseball field, and a multi-purpose field. As it prepared to close, nostalgic patrons gathered for final rounds to reminisce, lamenting the loss of a rare, budget-friendly course that many considered a second home.
Village Green golf course in Mundelein closing after more than 60 years
- Learn more about Village Green Golf Course
After operating for over 60 years, the Village Green golf course in Mundelein is closing permanently. Since its opening in 1962, the affordable and player-friendly course became a beloved community hub for longtime leagues, families, and loyal regulars. The property was purchased by Mundelein High School District 120, which will invest around $9 million to convert the land into new athletic facilities, including tennis courts, a softball field, a baseball field, and a multi-purpose field. As it prepared to close, nostalgic patrons gathered for final rounds to reminisce, lamenting the loss of a rare, budget-friendly course that many considered a second home.
September 2, 2025
New caddie program at the Evans offers opportunities to local youth
This summer, the newly reopened public golf course The Evans at Canal Shores launched a youth caddie program for the first time since 1919. Created and taught by the Western Golf Association (WGA), the program trained 14 local teenagers, providing them with a summer job and a pathway to earning the prestigious Chick Evans Scholarship. Golfers could use a caddie at no charge, with the expectation of providing a generous tip, which the students kept entirely after completing a free, comprehensive training on golf rules and professional skills. The program proved to be a success, with the young caddies working in pairs to assist golfers by walking the course, carrying bags, and helping with the pace of play.
New caddie program at the Evans offers opportunities to local youth
- Learn more about Canal Shores Golf Course
This summer, the newly reopened public golf course The Evans at Canal Shores launched a youth caddie program for the first time since 1919. Created and taught by the Western Golf Association (WGA), the program trained 14 local teenagers, providing them with a summer job and a pathway to earning the prestigious Chick Evans Scholarship. Golfers could use a caddie at no charge, with the expectation of providing a generous tip, which the students kept entirely after completing a free, comprehensive training on golf rules and professional skills. The program proved to be a success, with the young caddies working in pairs to assist golfers by walking the course, carrying bags, and helping with the pace of play.
August 29, 2025
Oswego teen golfer shoots an astounding 59 at tournament
Alli Wiertel, a 16-year-old sophomore golfer at Oswego High School, shot a remarkable round of 59 at a tournament at Whitetail Ridge in Yorkville. To achieve the rare score, which has only been accomplished once on the LPGA Tour, she made an eagle and a birdie on her final two holes. While the score set a new course record, it isn't an official state record. Wiertel now has her sights set on winning the state championship and breaking the official state tournament record.
Oswego teen golfer shoots an astounding 59 at tournament
- Learn more about Whitetail Ridge Golf Club
Alli Wiertel, a 16-year-old sophomore golfer at Oswego High School, shot a remarkable round of 59 at a tournament at Whitetail Ridge in Yorkville. To achieve the rare score, which has only been accomplished once on the LPGA Tour, she made an eagle and a birdie on her final two holes. While the score set a new course record, it isn't an official state record. Wiertel now has her sights set on winning the state championship and breaking the official state tournament record.
August 25, 2025
Arboretum Golf Club neighbors teed off over damage from stray balls
Residents living near Buffalo Grove's Arboretum Club golf course are reporting constant property damage from errant golf balls. Homeowners have experienced numerous incidents, including shattered car and house windows, with one resident being narrowly missed by a ball in his own yard.
According to the residents, the golfers responsible often deny their actions, and police are unable to intervene. While the village-owned golf course previously covered repair costs, that practice has been discontinued. The village now places responsibility on the individual golfers, leaving homeowners to bear the financial burden of the damages.
Arboretum Golf Club neighbors teed off over damage from stray balls
- Learn more about Arboretum Club
Residents living near Buffalo Grove's Arboretum Club golf course are reporting constant property damage from errant golf balls. Homeowners have experienced numerous incidents, including shattered car and house windows, with one resident being narrowly missed by a ball in his own yard.
According to the residents, the golfers responsible often deny their actions, and police are unable to intervene. While the village-owned golf course previously covered repair costs, that practice has been discontinued. The village now places responsibility on the individual golfers, leaving homeowners to bear the financial burden of the damages.
August 18, 2025
‘Joy riding’ tears up Canal Shores golf course
Overnight on Friday, August 15th, vandals driving two stolen Northwestern University golf carts caused significant damage to The Evans at Canal Shores, a recently renovated nonprofit golf course in Evanston and Wilmette. The vehicles were used to perform "donuts" on multiple greens and fairways, leaving deep tire tracks that forced the course to close on Saturday. Police are investigating the incident and have recovered the abandoned carts. Course officials described the act as a "gut punch" to a beloved community space and are currently assessing the costly and time-consuming repairs needed, particularly on the 11th and 13th greens.
‘Joy riding’ tears up Canal Shores golf course
- Learn more about Canal Shores Golf Course
Overnight on Friday, August 15th, vandals driving two stolen Northwestern University golf carts caused significant damage to The Evans at Canal Shores, a recently renovated nonprofit golf course in Evanston and Wilmette. The vehicles were used to perform "donuts" on multiple greens and fairways, leaving deep tire tracks that forced the course to close on Saturday. Police are investigating the incident and have recovered the abandoned carts. Course officials described the act as a "gut punch" to a beloved community space and are currently assessing the costly and time-consuming repairs needed, particularly on the 11th and 13th greens.
August 15, 2025
Woodridge Park District announces lease termination for Village Greens Golf Course
Effective November 11, 2025, the Woodridge Park District will terminate its lease to operate the Village Greens Golf Course, returning control of the facility to the Village of Woodridge, which owns the property. The Park District's decision is due to financial difficulties, including annual operating losses and the need for an estimated $12 million in future capital investments.
The Village of Woodridge will now conduct a comprehensive review to determine the best path forward for the course. No decision has been made yet on whether the golf course will close or remain open. The Village has committed to a transparent process that will include public input and will work to support the course's staff during the transition.
Woodridge Park District announces lease termination for Village Greens Golf Course
- Learn more about Village Greens of Woodridge
Effective November 11, 2025, the Woodridge Park District will terminate its lease to operate the Village Greens Golf Course, returning control of the facility to the Village of Woodridge, which owns the property. The Park District's decision is due to financial difficulties, including annual operating losses and the need for an estimated $12 million in future capital investments.
The Village of Woodridge will now conduct a comprehensive review to determine the best path forward for the course. No decision has been made yet on whether the golf course will close or remain open. The Village has committed to a transparent process that will include public input and will work to support the course's staff during the transition.
August 14, 2025
Engine failure leads to small plane emergency landing near Joliet golf course
No one suffered injuries after the pilot of a small aircraft made an emergency landing Thursday evening near a Joliet golf course. The 21-year-old pilot informed responding officers that the aircraft’s engine began to fail mid-flight, prompting the emergency landing.
Engine failure leads to small plane emergency landing near Joliet golf course
- Learn more about Inwood Golf Course
No one suffered injuries after the pilot of a small aircraft made an emergency landing Thursday evening near a Joliet golf course. The 21-year-old pilot informed responding officers that the aircraft’s engine began to fail mid-flight, prompting the emergency landing.
August 14, 2025
Food truck approved for Elgin’s new Wing Park Golf Course clubhouse
With construction to begin soon on the new $4.3 million clubhouse at the Wing Park Golf Course, the Elgin City Council signed off Wednesday on a rule change giving food trucks — including one at the clubhouse — conditional use standing.
The council then used the new ordinance to approve a conditional use under which Chip Shots Whiskey and Simulator Bar can operate a food truck to prepare meals for outside and inside consumption. The business also will sell alcoholic beverages.
Food truck approved for Elgin’s new Wing Park Golf Course clubhouse
- Learn more about Wing Park Golf Course
With construction to begin soon on the new $4.3 million clubhouse at the Wing Park Golf Course, the Elgin City Council signed off Wednesday on a rule change giving food trucks — including one at the clubhouse — conditional use standing.
The council then used the new ordinance to approve a conditional use under which Chip Shots Whiskey and Simulator Bar can operate a food truck to prepare meals for outside and inside consumption. The business also will sell alcoholic beverages.
August 10, 2025
Dean Burmester wins title at LIV Bolingbrook in playoff
The threesome making up the final group at the final day at LIV Golf Chicago were each seeking their first win of 2025. One of them, a rookie, was seeking his first professional win anywhere.
Dean Burmester began the final round with a two-shot lead over a pair of Spaniards, Jon Rahm and Josele Ballester.
"Going to have to brush up on my Spanish,” Burmester quipped after learning who he'd be playing with Sunday.
Dean Burmester wins title at LIV Bolingbrook in playoff
- Learn more about Bolingbrook Golf Club
The threesome making up the final group at the final day at LIV Golf Chicago were each seeking their first win of 2025. One of them, a rookie, was seeking his first professional win anywhere.
Dean Burmester began the final round with a two-shot lead over a pair of Spaniards, Jon Rahm and Josele Ballester.
"Going to have to brush up on my Spanish,” Burmester quipped after learning who he'd be playing with Sunday.
August 9, 2025
The Last Hurrah for Village Green in Mundelein
With an uncertain up-in-the-air future, plagued with rejected rezoning plans and abandoned redevelopment proposals, Village Green Golf Course has been operated by GolfVisions Management, Inc., since 2008. GolfVisions even headquartered its operations in the Village Green clubhouse, until now.
Calling out to its long time patrons, nostalgic golfers, or just the public in general, Village Green has announced holding its “Farewell Scramble” on Saturday, August 23.
With its last ride, last rodeo, last hurrah quickly approaching in September, Village Green GC will now join Indian Valley and Four Winds as golf facilities brandishing the 60060 zip code that have closed in the past 3 decades.
The Last Hurrah for Village Green in Mundelein
- Learn more about Village Green Golf Course
With an uncertain up-in-the-air future, plagued with rejected rezoning plans and abandoned redevelopment proposals, Village Green Golf Course has been operated by GolfVisions Management, Inc., since 2008. GolfVisions even headquartered its operations in the Village Green clubhouse, until now.
Calling out to its long time patrons, nostalgic golfers, or just the public in general, Village Green has announced holding its “Farewell Scramble” on Saturday, August 23.
With its last ride, last rodeo, last hurrah quickly approaching in September, Village Green GC will now join Indian Valley and Four Winds as golf facilities brandishing the 60060 zip code that have closed in the past 3 decades.
Full Archive of Chicago Golf News
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)
2024 November (3 articles)
2024 October (8 articles)
2024 September (12 articles)
2024 August (13 articles)
2024 July (16 articles)
2024 June (12 articles)
2024 May (16 articles)
2024 April (9 articles)
2024 March (5 articles)
2024 February (9 articles)
2024 January (2 articles)
2023 December (5 articles)
2023 November (7 articles)
2023 October (8 articles)
2023 September (8 articles)
2023 August (28 articles)
2023 July (21 articles)
2023 June (14 articles)
2023 May (15 articles)
2023 April (14 articles)
2023 March (10 articles)
2023 February (14 articles)
2023 January (8 articles)
2022 December (6 articles)
2022 November (20 articles)
2022 October (20 articles)
2022 September (23 articles)
2022 August (49 articles)
2022 July (37 articles)
2022 June (8 articles)
2022 May (6 articles)
2022 April (2 articles)
2022 March (1 article)
2022 January (3 articles)
2021 December (1 article)
2021 August (1 article)
2021 July (2 articles)
2021 April (1 article)
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)