What if these rolling greens could whisper tales? Welcome to the Glen View Club. It is a place steeped in history and sporting tradition. Founded in 1897 by Chicago businessmen, the Glen View Club began as the Glen View Golf and Polo Club. Its location was strategically chosen near a commuter railroad from Chicago. The nearby village of Golf got its name from a simple sign directing riders to the course.
Glen View Club quickly became a prominent name in golf. In 1899, it co-founded the Western Golf Association. That year, the Club hosted the inaugural Western Open and Western Amateur tournaments. Other founding clubs included Chicago Golf Club and Skokie Country Club.
The golf course is a par-72 course. It stretches 6,948 yards from the back tees. It has a course rating of 73.4 and a slope of 139. Richard Leslie, the first head professional, designed the original layout with Herbert J. Tweedie. Over the years, renowned architects left their mark on Glen View. Tom Bendelow updated the hazard scheme in 1910. Harry Colt and Donald Ross initiated further changes in 1913. William S. Flynn redesigned select holes in 1922. The course today reflects elements from all these designers.
Glen View was home to the legendary Chick Evans. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Evans won both the U.S. Amateur and the U.S. Open in 1916. Glen View Club has hosted several major tournaments. These include the 1899 Western Open and Western Amateur, the 1902 U.S. Amateur, and the 1904 U.S. Open.
The original clubhouse was designed by Holabird & Roche. Daniel Burnham was a consulting architect. The original clubhouse opened in 1898. A fire destroyed it in May 1920. Holabird & Roche designed a new clubhouse on the same site. It stands to this day.
Glen View is more than just golf. It offers facilities for paddle tennis, tennis, skeet and trap shooting, ice skating, and swimming. From its beginnings, Glen View Club has emphasized family-centered activities. The Club provides an ideal setting for families and guests with a wide array of activities. Glen View is located on 200 acres. It is just 15 miles from downtown Chicago. It offers dramatic views of the William Flynn-designed golf course. The course slopes gently toward a picturesque river. Glen View Club has been the proud host to the US Amateur in 1902, the US Open in 1904, and five Western Opens. It has also hosted three National Platform Tennis Championships.
Today, Glen View Club remains a testament to its founders’ vision. It is a place of superb conviviality. It offers a rich history and a welcoming atmosphere for all who visit.