South at North at Hickory Hills Country Club

The South Course at North at Hickory Hills Country Club in Hickory Hills, Illinois, was designed by James Foulis, the Scottish-born professional who won the 1896 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. Foulis became a significant figure in early American golf course architecture, particularly in the Chicago area, where he designed and renovated numerous courses during the early twentieth century. His work typically reflected the straightforward, strategic principles of Scottish golf adapted to Midwestern terrain.

Hickory Hills lies in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago, an area characterized by relatively flat to gently rolling topography typical of the region. Foulis-designed courses from this era generally feature tree-lined fairways, modest elevation changes, and greens that reward accurate approach play. The routing likely takes advantage of whatever natural contours exist on the property, with strategic bunkering that emphasizes position over length.

As a private country club facility with multiple courses, North at Hickory Hills serves its membership with traditional club amenities. The South Course represents a piece of Chicago-area golf history, preserving the design sensibilities of an architect who helped establish the game in the Midwest during its formative years. Foulis's layouts tend to remain playable for a range of skill levels while maintaining the strategic interest that defined early American course design.