
Old Elm Course
Old Elm Club

About this course
Old Elm Club stands as a testament to understated exclusivity, a haven carved into the landscape of Highland Park where golfing tradition is both revered and keenly observed. The course favors a cerebral approach rather than brute force, testing a player's strategic acumen as much as their swing. Designed in the Golden Age, Old Elm presents a parkland experience of undulating terrain dotted with mature trees, presenting a unique challenge. Hugh Wilson, the architect of Merion, originally conceived the layout, and subsequent refinements have only deepened its strategic nuances, rewarding thoughtful play over mere distance. Though not unusually long by modern standards, its tight fairways and well-guarded greens demand intelligent shot-making and a keen understanding of angles. The course has subtly incorporated blind shots and strategically placed hazards that test both the experienced golfer and the newcomer alike. Old Elm is not defined by televised championships, nor does it seek the limelight of major tournaments. Instead, its reputation rests on providing a challenging and enjoyable experience for its discerning membership. It remains a sanctuary for those who value the camaraderie of the game, played in an environment of quiet elegance. The lunch spread at Old Elm, in particular, is renowned among its members, less for lavish displays and more for the consistent quality of its simple fare. The cheeseburgers, in particular, have become the understated hallmark of post-round gatherings, a fitting symbol for a club where genuine connection and the love of the game outweigh any need for ostentation.
Rankings
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
Best in USA
Best in IL
Quick facts
- Location
- Highland Park, IL, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1913
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Donald Ross
- Par
- 73
- Length
- 6,467 yards
- Difficulty
- 70.7/123
- Course Vaults score
- 9.0
Getting there
Most visitors arrive through Chicago O'Hare International (ORD), roughly thirty miles to the south, though Chicago Executive Airport in nearby Wheeling serves as the preferred gateway for private aviation. The northbound drive traces the Lake Michigan shoreline before turning inland through the leafy North Shore suburbs, where grand homes and mature canopies signal proximity to one of the region's most storied enclaves. Within forty minutes of O'Hare, the road narrows and the landscape quiets, delivering you to the understated gates of Old Elm Club - a bastion of pre-Depression elegance tucked discreetly into the fabric of Highland Park.

FAQ
Common questions about Old Elm
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Old Elm has a Course Vaults score of 9.0 out of 10 based on 68 logged golfers.
Old Elm was designed by Donald Ross.
Old Elm is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Old Elm is 73.
Old Elm plays 6,467 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Old Elm is 123.







