Conway Farms Course
Lake Forest, IL, USA
Conway Farms, a club forged from the ambition to host championship golf in the northern suburbs of Chicago, presents a challenging parkland experience. The course, routed through rolling terrain dotted with mature trees and strategic water features, asks golfers to shape shots and navigate subtly contoured greens. Accuracy from the tee is often rewarded more than raw power, especially on the inward nine where tighter corridors and well-placed bunkers guard par. Tom Fazio originally sculpted Conway Farms in the early 1990s, seeking to emulate the classic designs of the Golden Age. While subtle tweaks and improvements have been made over the years, its strategic layout remains largely unchanged. Conway Farms has proudly hosted the BMW Championship twice (2013, 2015) and the U.S. Amateur in 2017, solidifying its reputation as a venue capable of testing the world's best players. The club, while not necessarily seeking the limelight, understands the value of these events in burnishing its reputation within the broader golfing landscape. Beyond the competition, Conway Farms fosters a close-knit community known for its serious approach to the game. It’s a place where members appreciate classic golf traditions and the nuanced challenges of a well-designed course. The club is also known for their dedication to turf quality, the course is always presented in immaculate condition.
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
Unranked
Best in USA
Unranked
Best in IL
All courses
8.5
67 players
Bravo to course and staff - Beautiful property
Conway Farms definitely gives off that big time feel the second you pull up to bag drop. The staff was awesome — super friendly and welcoming right from the start. The locker room right off the parking lot is beautiful, and the practice facilities were top tier with a great range and short game setup. The course was in unreal condition. Fairways, greens, bunkers — everything was pure. The greens were a touch slower than I expected but still rolled really true and consistent. We were lucky enough to have an awesome host who really made the day. He shared a lot about the club’s history, some fun tournament stories, and just made the whole experience even better. As for the course itself, a few holes really stood out. Hole 5, a par 4, is a beautiful tee shot over wispy grass and water. You’ve got to keep it down the left side or you’ll be blocked out by trees on your approach, and OB lurks down the right. I also loved the par 3 17th — probably one of the best par 3s in the state. The day we played it was playing 230 downhill into the wind, so it was a legit test. Overall, I thought the course eased you in over the first few holes, but the routing really picks up around hole 5 and just keeps getting better from there (other than 15). Conway Farms lived up to the hype — pure conditions, great layout, and an awesome experience from start to finish.
Great conditions as recently remodeled. Other than 15 everything done was well executed but rumor is 15 is getting a facelift. New clubhouse coming too.
Hole 15 was poorly redesigned. Green impossible to hold for a drivable par 4… Jackson and Kahn did a great job revamping the course. Very gentle opening hole, but loved 18 as the finisher
This is possibly my favorite course in Chicago. A true golfer’s paradise without the country club frills. If you are a member here, it’s because you have a passion for pure golf (and are most likely a stick). More than 30 members with an index less than 1. Greens are fast, course is perfectly maintained, and has a phenomenal practice range. Do not pass up this opportunity if you get it
Conway is a golf lovers paradise. Beautiful course, great membership, staff was fantastic. Big ballpark that can play very tough but still scoreable. Such a great walk at golden hour.
Really loved the course. After the newest remodel the course has really changed for the better. There is 1 driveable par 4 that needs some work and everyone who plays the course knows it. I believe they are thinking about re doing the hole. The course is in perfect shape. Greens roll so true. Bunkers are perfect with white sand. The overall feel of the club is great as well. I’m not sure how many acres the course is on but it feels like a lot. Big and Bold is Conway Farms. When we were there the fescue was starting to turn almost pink. The par 3’s are incredible here. Everyone of them was so good and 2 of them are some of the best that I have played. The staff and service is so kind and inviting. The course is on another level after the renovation from Jackson Kahn. Number 18 walking back up to the clubhouse was also another awesome hole. Beautiful bunkers, bridges, and a creek running along side the hole. Can’t wait to come back again!
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Conway Farms has a Course Vaults score of 8.5 out of 10 based on 38 explicit golfer ratings.
Conway Farms was designed by Tom Fazio, Andy Banfield, and Dennis Wise.
Conway Farms is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Conway Farms is 71.
Conway Farms plays 7,233 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Conway Farms is 151.
