A simple question: Have you ever considered where American golf began? Chicago Golf Club owns that distinction. It was the first 18-hole golf course in the United States.
Charles Blair Macdonald was vital to founding the club. He also designed the original courses. Many know him as the Father of Chicago Golf. Others call him the Father of American Golf Architecture. His love for the game is why Chicago is at the forefront of golf in North America.
The Chicago Golf Club’s story began in 1892. It started at Belmont in DuPage County. Charles Blair Macdonald, the club’s Captain, laid out nine holes. By 1893, an 18-hole course was in play at Belmont. Parts of it still exist as the city-owned Downers Grove Golf Club.
In 1894, the club leased Patrick Farm in Wheaton. Another 18-hole course was laid out. The Chicago Golf Club moved to Wheaton full time for the 1895 season. The club purchased the property outright in 1898.
Chicago Golf Club was one of five founding members of the USGA in 1894. The original course routing led to the creation of the out-of-bounds rule. Charles Blair Macdonald was the first U.S. Amateur Champion in 1895. Impressively, the second U.S. Open Champion was the Chicago Golf professional. His name was J. Foulis.
The club has hosted many important events. These include three U.S. Open Championships. It also held four U.S. Amateur Championships. The inaugural U.S. Senior Women’s Open Championship was also held here.
Around 1917, members felt the course needed significant changes. Charles Blair Macdonald suggested they scrap the course. He recommended hiring Seth Raynor to build a new one. Work began in 1921 after World War I. The new course opened in June 1923. This is the course we know today.
Two weeks before the 1912 U.S. Amateur championship, fire struck. It burned the first Wheaton clubhouse to the ground. Members pledged money to build a new fire-proof clubhouse. The current clubhouse opened in October 1913.
James and David Foulis were also key figures. They were club professionals and world-renowned club makers. They ran their shop out of the Chicago Golf Clubhouse. There, they patented the Mashie Niblick. You can find one in the club’s history room.
Ben Crenshaw once shot a 62 here. He played with Tom Weiskopf and others. But the score didn’t count because Crenshaw used a second ball off the first tee. The club still has the card and balls from that round.
The Chicago Golf Club has a rich history. It helped shape the game we know and love. Its impact on golf is undeniable.