River Forest at River Forest Country Club

River Forest Country Club, located in Elmhurst in the western suburbs of Chicago, was originally designed by Charles Maddox and later redesigned by Frank P. MacDonald. The club represents a piece of Chicago-area golf history, part of the region's rich tradition of private country club golf that developed in the early twentieth century. The course sits within the relatively flat terrain characteristic of the Chicago metropolitan area, where architects worked with modest elevation changes and often incorporated water features and strategic bunkering to create interest and challenge.

The routing takes advantage of the property's mature tree-lined corridors, which frame holes and define playing corridors typical of parkland courses in this part of Illinois. MacDonald's involvement suggests refinements that would have addressed evolving equipment and playing standards while maintaining the fundamental character of the original layout. The design likely emphasizes accuracy and course management over raw distance, with tree placement and green complexes rewarding thoughtful shot-making.

River Forest Country Club serves as a traditional private club for families in the western suburbs, offering a full range of amenities beyond golf. The club maintains the social and recreational traditions common to established country clubs in the Chicago area, providing a setting for both competitive golf and family activities. The course remains a fixture in the local golf community, hosting member events and maintaining its role as a gathering place for generations of members in the Elmhurst area.