Chicago Course
Wheaton, IL, USA
Chicago Golf Club, a bastion of American golf's nascent days, laid claim to being one of the five founding clubs of the USGA. The club's history is deeply intertwined with the early development of the game in the United States, and it continues to honor that heritage today. Nestled in the rolling countryside of Warrenville, Illinois, Chicago Golf Club presents a distinctly inland links experience. Originally crafted by Charles Blair Macdonald, the course mimics the rugged undulations and strategic bunkering of Scottish links, favoring a ground game and rewarding strategic shot-making. With fescue grasses defining fairways and demanding approaches, the course requires not raw power, but cerebral accuracy. The club’s signature pot bunkers, deep and penal, protect undulating greens, a constant test for even the most skilled players. Chicago Golf Club’s legacy extends beyond its design, having hosted numerous significant amateur championships throughout its history. While not a regular stop for modern professional tours, its contribution to the amateur game is undeniable. While traditionally understated in the hierarchy of nationally prominent clubs, its influence on the American game's early architecture and governance is immense. Chicago Golf Club remains fiercely private. A haven for discerning golfers who value the traditions and spirit of the game, the club eschews ostentation in favor of camaraderie and the pure enjoyment of golf. Known for its understated elegance and adherence to classic golfing etiquette, Chicago Golf Club provides a unique and timeless experience for its members.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
All courses
Best in USA
All courses
Best in IL
All courses
Golfers say this historic course delivers an exceptional experience centered on brilliant green complexes and golden-age architecture that many consider among the finest in America. Most praise the ingenious routing on flat terrain, highlighting template holes like the cape 14th, a unique Biarritz, and a Redan, while noting that stretches 2–6 and 11–14 are particularly strong and the opening four holes present an immediately demanding test. Reviewers consistently cite the firm, fast greens and strategic bunkering as key defenses despite modest length by modern standards, though one golfer finds the course lacks individually memorable holes even as the overall experience resonates. The no-phone policy and timeless atmosphere earn widespread appreciation for creating an immersive, present-focused round that feels like stepping back to golf's origins.
9.6
121 players
The best 18 greens of any golf course I’ve seen in America. They are art. It’s the most ingenious golf course on flat ground. The first four holes are exceedingly demanding working in a clockwise direction. My favorite cape hole, 14, a unique Biarritz and a provocative Redan are punctuations to a sensational golf walk.
The third green is fantastic and the layout and playability is very fun. In today’s age the course is probably a bit too short and wasn’t as challenging as I believe it gets credit for. Nonetheless it was a fantastic golf course and very fun to play.
The best flat golf course in America. The most interesting greens I've ever played. A one of one experience. It's time travel.
About as pure golf as you get. Seth and CB are obvious ball knowers. 2-6 is an unreal stretch. So is 11-14. If you can play it browned out then it’s unlike anything you’ll ever play. So good.
Great golf course, stays out of the very top for me due to a lack of truly memorable holes, but the entire experience of the golf course is memorable.
Best course in Illinois according to many golf media websites. No doubt one of CB MacDonald and Seth Raynor’s best designs. Treacherous greens and bunkers provide for precise iron play into greens!
Chicago was spectacular. Obvious must play if given the opportunity.
An original USGA 5, it’s the pinnacle of golf. Pending you ever have the opportunity to play it you must make every attempt too.
Chicago Golf is the an unbelievable course with such great history. The tradition at this place brings people together. I am a huge fan of no phones on the property it makes you present during the entire round. The greens are super firm and fast. The template holes are great. Finishing the round and having a drink watching the people finish behind you was a great was the close the day out. This is a must play if you get the chance.
Such a historic track and club.
Public courses closest to Chicago.
The journey to Chicago Golf Club begins at O'Hare International Airport (ORD), roughly thirty minutes west through the sprawling suburbs of DuPage County. For those arriving by private aircraft, DuPage Airport lies even closer, offering a discreet gateway just minutes from the club's gates. The drive from either point traces a quiet transition from urban density to leafy residential streets, culminating at a famously unmarked entrance on Warrenville Road - no sign, no fanfare, only the understated elegance befitting America's first eighteen-hole course and the birthplace of the USGA handicap system.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Chicago has a Course Vaults score of 9.6 out of 10 based on 86 explicit golfer ratings.
Chicago was designed by Charles Macdonald.
Chicago is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Chicago is 70.
Chicago plays 6,877 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Chicago is 144.
