Chicago Area Golf News

July 5, 2025
Cantigny Golf’s Renovated Hillside-9 is Now Open

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Greg Miles, Chicago Golf Report

The extensive renovations at Cantigny Golf focused on modernizing the 35-year-old course for improved playability and efficiency. Key updates included the installation of a new, water-saving irrigation system with directional sprinkler heads to promote healthier turf. The course's bunkers were reconstructed to reduce their sandy footprints while maintaining their challenge through strategic sloping. To enhance gameplay, a minimal number of critical trees were removed from key shot paths. Additionally, the Hillside-9's tee boxes were leveled, and its greens were rebuilt to be larger and more "dramatically" undulating for more challenging pin placements. The project also features a new 30,000-square-foot putting green and plans for a future Airstream "halfway house," positioning the Wheaton facility as a top-tier renovated golf destination.

July 15, 2025
It’s golf tournament time in the Chicago area, starting with Illinois State Amateur

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Len Ziehm, Daily Herald

The Chicago golf season is in full swing with several major tournaments occurring in rapid succession, including the Illinois State Amateur, the Illinois Women’s Open, the NV5 Invitational, and the Western Amateur. Notably, last year's State Amateur champion, Pierce Grieve, is not defending his title, instead focusing on qualifying for the U.S. Amateur and a potential professional debut.

July 17, 2025
Less rallies to pass Hamm and win Illinois State Amateur golf championship
Len Ziehm, Daily Herald

In a dramatic turn of events at the 94th Illinois State Amateur, Connor Hamm, who started the final day with a commanding 7-stroke lead after a morning round of 63, collapsed in the afternoon with a 75. Capitalizing on Hamm's misfortunes, former professional Jordan Less secured the title with a birdie-birdie finish, winning by a single stroke. Less, who recently regained his amateur status, shot a final-round 68 to finish at 16-under-par.

July 22, 2025
NV5 Invitational Championship returning to Glenview

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Len Ziehm, Daily Herald

The NV5 Invitational, a Korn Ferry Tour event that serves as a pathway to the PGA Tour, returns this week to The Glen Club in Glenview. Its most notable alumnus is the 2019 champion, Scottie Scheffler, who is now the world's No. 1 ranked golfer and recently won the British Open for his fourth major title. The tournament showcases a high level of competition from players aspiring to join the PGA Tour, with play beginning Thursday morning.

July 25, 2025
Johnny Keefer, Jeffrey Kang, Cooper Dossey share lead at NV5 Invitational

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Staff Report, PGA Tour

ohnny Keefer, Jeffrey Kang, Cooper Dossey share lead at NV5 Invitational

July 26, 2025
Preview: 2025 Western Amateur Championship at Skokie Country Club
Kyle Rector, AmateurGolf.com

For the first time, the 2025 Western Amateur will stream live on ESPN+ on August 1-2 from Skokie Country Club. Known as the "toughest test in amateur golf," the historic event features the world's best amateurs competing in a grueling format of stroke play followed by a "Sweet 16" match play bracket. Past champions include legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, cementing its reputation as a proving ground for future stars.

July 27, 2025
Johnny Keefer wins NV5 Invitational for second victory of season

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Staff report, PGA Tour

Johnny Keefer is heading to the PGA TOUR. The Korn Ferry Tour rookie earned "TOURBound status" with his victory at the NV5 Invitational and rises to No. 1 on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour Points List.

July 30, 2025
Chicago Green Fees Rise in 2025, Driven by Premium Course Hikes and New Cart Tax
Staff report, GolfScout

A GolfScout analysis of over 200 Chicago-area golf courses reveals significant price shifts in 2025. While the average green fee saw a modest 6% increase, this figure masks dramatic swings at individual courses, ranging from a 14.3% decrease to a 37.5% increase.

Courses with poor conditions, like Calumet Country Club and Ruffled Feathers, slashed prices to attract golfers. Conversely, facilities that underwent major renovations, such as Canal Shores and Winnetka Golf Club, introduced substantial price hikes. Bolingbrook Golf Club implemented the largest increase after hosting a LIV Golf tournament. A new 8.5% state tax on cart rentals also contributed to pricing complexity across the region. The data suggests a market in transition, where courses must justify their prices with quality, while premium courses with strong reputations maintained stable pricing.

July 31, 2025
3 Years Later, Bensenville Golf Inquiry Continues

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David Giuliani, Patch

For three years, Bensenville police have been investigating nearly $800,000 in questionable refunds issued at the White Pines Golf Club between 2014 and 2019. Citing the ongoing investigation, the village has declined to release the police report. The refunds, which steadily increased annually, sometimes lacked explanations and were accompanied by "massive" food and liquor discounts.