Winnetka Golf Club

Winnetka Golf Club occupies a compact site in the North Shore suburb of Winnetka, roughly fifteen miles north of downtown Chicago. The club dates to 1893, making it one of the older golf establishments in the Chicago area. C. D. Wagstaff laid out the original course, and William Langford later contributed design work during the early twentieth century, a period when Langford was actively reshaping courses throughout the Midwest. The property reflects the rolling terrain characteristic of the North Shore, with mature trees framing holes on relatively modest acreage. The course measures shorter than many modern championship layouts, consistent with its origins in the early era of American golf and the constraints of its suburban setting. The routing makes efficient use of the available land, and the design emphasizes accuracy and course management over length. Winnetka functions primarily as a private club serving its local membership, with a focus on walkable golf and traditional club culture. The club has maintained its place within the North Shore golf community for more than a century, operating alongside other established clubs in the region. Its longevity speaks to a consistent membership base and a commitment to preserving golf in an area where residential development pressure has been considerable. The course offers a straightforward test of golf suited to regular play rather than championship competition, reflecting the priorities of a neighborhood club with deep roots in its community.