Chicago's rich golf heritage extends far beyond its championship courses and challenging fairways. The metropolitan area is home to some of the most architecturally stunning, historically significant, and luxurious golf clubhouses in America. From the birthplace of the USGA to modern masterpieces overlooking Lake Michigan, these clubhouses represent the pinnacle of golf club design and hospitality.
Whether you're a local golfer seeking membership, a visitor planning a bucket-list round, or simply an architecture enthusiast, this comprehensive guide explores the most famous and finest golf clubhouses the Chicago area has to offer.
What Makes a Great Golf Clubhouse?
Before diving into our rankings, it's important to understand what elevates a clubhouse from merely functional to truly exceptional. The best golf clubhouses in Chicago excel in several key areas:
Architectural Significance – Many of Chicago's premier clubhouses were designed by renowned architects and represent important periods in American architectural history, from Prairie School to Colonial Revival to contemporary designs.
Historical Legacy – Several Chicago-area clubs played crucial roles in the development of American golf, hosting major championships and serving as founding members of golf's governing bodies.
Amenities and Facilities – Top-tier clubhouses offer world-class dining, state-of-the-art locker rooms, exceptional pro shops, comprehensive practice facilities, and spaces for social gatherings and events.
Location and Views – The setting matters tremendously, whether it's sweeping Lake Michigan vistas, mature tree canopies, or meticulously maintained grounds.
Member Experience – The intangible quality of service, tradition, and community that defines the daily experience for members and guests.
The 10 Best Golf Clubhouses in the Chicago Area (Ranked)
1. Chicago Golf Club (Wheaton, IL)
Why It Ranks #1: As the first 18-hole golf course in North America and a founding member of the USGA, Chicago Golf Club doesn't just have history—it is history. The clubhouse, rebuilt in 1895 after a fire destroyed the original, stands as a monument to American golf's earliest days.
The understated yellow clapboard building perfectly embodies the club's philosophy: golf comes first, everything else is secondary. While it may not be the grandest or most ornate clubhouse on this list, its significance to the game cannot be overstated. Walking through its doors is like stepping into golf's time capsule.
Key Features:
- Original USGA founding club (1894)
- Designed by Charles Blair Macdonald
- Simple, traditional design emphasizing the golf experience
- Hosted numerous USGA championships
- One of the most exclusive clubs in America
Architectural Style: Traditional American clubhouse with Colonial influences
What Makes It Special: The dining room overlooks the 18th green and first tee, maintaining the club's focus on the game itself. The modest locker rooms and understated décor reflect a philosophy that prizes golf heritage over luxury amenities. For golf purists, there's no more authentic experience in American golf.
2. Medinah Country Club (Medinah, IL)
Why It Ranks #2: If Chicago Golf Club is golf's humble birthplace, Medinah is its palace. The Byzantine-Moorish revival clubhouse is one of the most architecturally distinctive golf facilities in the world. With its towering minarets, elaborate tilework, and grand scale, Medinah looks more like an exotic temple than a traditional golf club.
Built in 1925 by the Shriners, the 52,000-square-foot clubhouse features ornate details throughout, from hand-painted ceilings to intricate mosaics. The club's three championship courses have hosted five U.S. Opens, three PGA Championships, and the 2012 Ryder Cup, cementing its place in major championship history.
Key Features:
- 52,000 square feet of clubhouse space
- Byzantine-Moorish architecture by Richard G. Schmid
- Three championship golf courses (Course No. 3 is the most famous)
- Multiple dining venues
- Hosted 8 major professional championships
- Extensive practice facilities
Architectural Style: Byzantine-Moorish Revival
What Makes It Special: The Crystal Ballroom features hand-painted murals and imported chandeliers. The men's and women's locker rooms are palatial, with Turkish-style details. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the main dining room overlook the 18th green of Course No. 3. The scale and craftsmanship are simply unmatched in Chicago golf.
3. Shoreacres (Lake Bluff, IL)
Why It Ranks #3: Located on the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan, Shoreacres combines spectacular natural beauty with classic American clubhouse architecture. The Seth Raynor-designed course is considered one of the finest in the country, and the clubhouse perfectly complements the golf experience.
The clubhouse underwent a thoughtful renovation that maintained its classic character while updating amenities. The outdoor terrace offers breathtaking lake views, making it one of the most scenic spots in Chicago-area golf. Shoreacres represents the ideal balance of tradition, quality, and natural setting.
Key Features:
- Stunning Lake Michigan views from multiple vantage points
- Classic American clubhouse architecture
- Intimate scale creates a strong sense of community
- Recently renovated while preserving historical character
- Seth Raynor championship course
- Outstanding dining program
Architectural Style: Colonial Revival
What Makes It Special: The terrace overlooking Lake Michigan is legendary among members, especially at sunset. The clubhouse maintains an elegant but unpretentious atmosphere where the golf course is the star. The relatively modest size (compared to Medinah or Butler National) creates a more intimate, family-oriented club culture.
4. Butler National Golf Club (Oak Brook, IL)
Why It Ranks #4: Butler National's clubhouse is synonymous with television golf history, having served as the longtime home of the Western Open (now the BMW Championship). The modern Tudor-style clubhouse, though less historic than others on this list, offers some of the finest amenities and facilities in Chicago golf.
The club is known for its immaculate conditioning and tournament-caliber facilities. Every detail is maintained to the highest standard, from the pristine locker rooms to the professional-grade practice areas. For golfers who value modern luxury and tournament pedigree, Butler National delivers.
Key Features:
- Former PGA Tour Western Open host venue
- Exceptional tournament-caliber practice facilities
- State-of-the-art fitness center and spa
- Multiple private dining rooms
- One of the finest wine cellars in Chicago golf
- Impeccably maintained grounds
Architectural Style: Modern Tudor Revival
What Makes It Special: The clubhouse overlooks the 18th green where countless PGA Tour finishes unfolded on television. The men's locker room is considered among the finest in the country, with rich wood paneling and abundant space. Butler National represents the pinnacle of modern American golf club luxury.
5. Conway Farms Golf Club (Lake Forest, IL)
Why It Ranks #5: As the current home of the BMW Championship (PGA Tour's FedEx Cup playoff event), Conway Farms boasts a modern clubhouse that caters to both championship golf and member enjoyment. Designed by Tom Fazio and opened in 1991, the course and facilities were built with tournament play in mind from day one.
The clubhouse features clean, contemporary architecture that maximizes views of the course and surrounding countryside. The transition from indoor to outdoor spaces is seamless, with multiple terraces and outdoor dining areas. Conway Farms represents the modern era of Chicago golf clubhouse design.
Key Features:
- Current PGA Tour BMW Championship host
- Tom Fazio championship course design
- Contemporary architecture with abundant natural light
- Expansive outdoor terraces
- Full-service spa and fitness facility
- Separate family pool and recreation complex
Architectural Style: Contemporary/Modern Traditional
What Makes It Special: The clubhouse was designed specifically to host PGA Tour events, with dedicated media facilities, hospitality suites, and viewing areas. The main dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the 18th green and practice facility. The seamless indoor-outdoor flow creates a resort-like atmosphere.
6. Exmoor Country Club (Highland Park, IL)
Why It Ranks #6: Exmoor's Scottish Baronial-style clubhouse, designed by Arthur Heun in 1924, is an architectural gem that transports members to the Scottish Highlands. The Donald Ross-designed course complements the Scottish theme perfectly, creating a cohesive Old World golf experience rare in American golf.
The stone and half-timbered structure features dramatic rooflines, multiple chimneys, and authentic period details throughout. Recent renovations have modernized the facilities while preserving the historic character that makes Exmoor unique among Chicago clubs.
Key Features:
- Scottish Baronial architecture by Arthur Heun
- Donald Ross course design
- Authentic Scottish atmosphere and traditions
- Historic men's and women's locker rooms
- Extensive grounds and mature landscaping
- Strong junior golf program
Architectural Style: Scottish Baronial
What Makes It Special: The Great Hall features exposed beams, stone fireplaces, and Scottish memorabilia that create an authentic Highland lodge atmosphere. The men's grill maintains old-world traditions while the recently renovated women's facilities offer modern comfort. Exmoor feels like a Scottish golf club transplanted to the North Shore.
7. Olympia Fields Country Club (Olympia Fields, IL)
Why It Ranks #7: With two championship courses and a clubhouse that has hosted multiple U.S. Opens, PGA Championships, and the 2003 U.S. Open won by Jim Furyk, Olympia Fields is major championship royalty. The Georgian Revival clubhouse, built in 1916, exudes classic American elegance.
The white-columned portico and symmetrical facade create an immediately recognizable silhouette. Inside, the clubhouse maintains its period character while offering modern amenities. The club's South Course regularly ranks among the toughest courses in America.
Key Features:
- Georgian Revival architecture
- Two championship golf courses (North and South)
- Hosted 5 major professional championships
- Classic men's and women's locker rooms
- Multiple dining venues
- Rich tournament history
Architectural Style: Georgian Revival
What Makes It Special: The clubhouse's commanding presence is enhanced by its position atop a gentle rise, overlooking both courses. The grand staircase and formal dining room reflect the elegance of early 20th-century country club design. The trophy case chronicles over a century of championship golf history.
8. Bob O'Link Golf Club (Highland Park, IL)
Why It Ranks #8: Bob O'Link's charming English cottage-style clubhouse, designed by Edwin Clark in 1916, offers an intimate, Old World experience. The club sits on property that once belonged to the Armour family (of meatpacking fame), and maintains a close-knit, family-oriented atmosphere.
The Donald Ross course is considered one of his finest works, and the clubhouse perfectly complements the traditional golf experience. With a smaller membership than many clubs on this list, Bob O'Link emphasizes community and the pure enjoyment of the game.
Key Features:
- English cottage architecture by Edwin Clark
- Donald Ross course design (1916)
- Intimate scale and family atmosphere
- Beautiful English gardens
- Recently renovated facilities
- Strong caddie program
Architectural Style: English Cottage/Tudor
What Makes It Special: The ivy-covered stone exterior and intimate scale create a storybook setting. The club maintains many golf traditions, including a strong emphasis on walking and using caddies. The women's locker room renovation set a new standard for thoughtful modernization while respecting historic architecture.
9. Old Elm Club (Highland Park, IL)
Why It Ranks #9: Situated on Lake Michigan bluffs, Old Elm features a classic shingle-style clubhouse that perfectly captures New England coastal elegance. The Tom Bendelow course was redesigned by Harry Colt, creating a unique architectural pedigree. The clubhouse combines casual elegance with spectacular lake views.
Old Elm has undergone careful renovations that enhanced both the course and clubhouse while maintaining the club's traditional character. The intimate size and lakefront setting create a special sense of place among North Shore clubs.
Key Features:
- Shingle-style architecture
- Lake Michigan location and views
- Tom Bendelow/Harry Colt course design
- Casual but refined atmosphere
- Outstanding outdoor dining terraces
- Recently renovated facilities
Architectural Style: Shingle Style
What Makes It Special: The wraparound porch and outdoor terraces maximize Lake Michigan views and breezes. The clubhouse maintains a relaxed, summery feel that matches the coastal setting. The bar and grill area has become a favorite gathering spot for members, especially during warm weather months.
10. Riverside Golf Club (Riverside, IL)
Why It Ranks #10: As one of the oldest clubs in continuous operation west of the Alleghenies (founded 1893), Riverside Golf Club offers authentic golf history at a more accessible level than ultra-private clubs like Chicago Golf Club or Shoreacres. The clubhouse, though more modest than others on this list, has hosted countless golf legends over 130+ years.
The William Flynn course is a hidden gem, and the clubhouse maintains traditions that have largely disappeared from modern golf. For history-minded golfers, Riverside offers a genuine connection to golf's early development in America.
Key Features:
- Founded in 1893 (third-oldest club in continuous operation)
- William Flynn course design
- Authentic historical character
- Traditional golf club atmosphere
- Frederick Law Olmsted-designed village setting
- More accessible than most clubs on this list
Architectural Style: Traditional American
What Makes It Special: The clubhouse has changed little over the decades, maintaining an authentic connection to golf's past. The intimate scale and traditional approach appeal to golfers who prioritize the game over luxury amenities. Located in a Frederick Law Olmsted-designed village, the entire setting feels like a step back in time.
Honorable Mentions: Other Outstanding Chicago Golf Clubhouses
Glen View Club (Golf, IL)
The Tudor Revival clubhouse and three courses make Glen View one of the largest golf facilities in the Chicago area. The club has hosted numerous USGA championships and maintains exceptional facilities for both golf and family recreation.
Skokie Country Club (Glencoe, IL)
A.W. Tillinghast's design and the club's tournament history (including the 1922 U.S. Open) make Skokie significant in Chicago golf. The clubhouse maintains classic elegance with modern amenities.
Flossmoor Country Club (Flossmoor, IL)
The 1899-founded club features a charming Prairie-style clubhouse and a historic course that has evolved over more than a century. Flossmoor represents accessible, family-oriented golf club tradition.
Experiencing Chicago's Great Golf Clubhouses: What You Need to Know
Membership and Access
The clubs featured in this guide range from extremely exclusive (Chicago Golf Club, Shoreacres) to relatively accessible private clubs (Riverside). Most operate on a traditional membership model with initiation fees and monthly dues that vary widely.
Guest Play Opportunities:
- Some clubs participate in reciprocal programs with other private clubs
- Charity events occasionally offer limited access
- Professional connections and personal introductions remain the primary access method
- A few clubs offer limited corporate membership or social membership categories
Architectural Tours and Historical Significance
Several Chicago-area golf clubs participate in architectural tour programs or open their facilities for historical society events. Organizations like the Chicago Architecture Foundation occasionally include golf clubhouses in specialty tours, particularly those with significant architectural pedigree like Medinah, Exmoor, and Olympia Fields.
Playing Chicago's Great Courses
While accessing these private clubs requires connections or invitations, Chicago golfers can experience championship-caliber golf at excellent public and resort facilities:
- Cog Hill (Course No. 4 "Dubsdread") - Former PGA Tour venue
- The Glen Club - Built on a former naval air station
- Harborside International - Championship public facility
- Cantigny Golf - Two excellent courses in Wheaton
The Evolution of Chicago Golf Clubhouse Design
Chicago's golf clubhouse architecture reflects broader trends in American golf and architecture over the past 130 years:
The Early Years (1890s-1910s): Simple, functional buildings focused on the golf itself. Chicago Golf Club epitomizes this era with its modest, unpretentious approach.
The Golden Age (1920s): Lavish clubhouses reflected the prosperity and optimism of the era. Medinah's Byzantine palace and Olympia Fields' Georgian mansion represent this peak period.
Post-War Expansion (1950s-1970s): Many clubs expanded facilities to accommodate growing memberships and changing social expectations. Country clubs increasingly became year-round family destinations rather than seasonal golf clubs.
Modern Era (1990s-Present): Conway Farms represents purpose-built facilities designed from the outset to host professional tournaments while serving members. Contemporary design emphasizes connection to the landscape, sustainability, and flexible spaces.
Renovation Renaissance (2000s-Present): Many historic clubs have undertaken comprehensive clubhouse renovations that preserve architectural character while updating systems, expanding women's facilities, and improving accessibility.
What's Next for Chicago Golf Clubhouses?
Several trends are shaping the future of golf clubhouse design and renovation in the Chicago area:
Sustainability and Environmental Design: New construction and major renovations increasingly incorporate LEED certification, geothermal systems, native landscaping, and sustainable materials.
Enhanced Women's Facilities: Historic clubs are investing heavily in upgrading women's locker rooms, lounges, and amenities to match the quality and space of men's facilities.
Flexible Multi-Use Spaces: Modern clubhouses emphasize adaptable spaces that can serve various functions rather than single-purpose rooms that sit empty most of the time.
Technology Integration: From advanced golf simulators and launch monitors to seamless reservation systems and digital member services, technology is being thoughtfully integrated into historic settings.
Casual Dining Options: Traditional formal dining rooms are being complemented by casual grills, outdoor dining areas, and grab-and-go options that match contemporary lifestyles.
Year-Round Amenities: Chicago's climate has driven investment in indoor tennis, fitness facilities, and event spaces that keep clubhouses active throughout harsh winters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Golf Clubhouses
Q: Can the public visit these golf clubhouses? A: Most are strictly private, accessible only to members and their guests. Some clubs host charity events or participate in architectural tours that may provide limited access opportunities.
Q: What's the most expensive golf club membership in Chicago? A: Initiation fees and dues are rarely publicly disclosed, but Chicago Golf Club, Shoreacres, and Butler National are known to be among the most expensive, with total first-year costs potentially exceeding $250,000-$300,000.
Q: Which Chicago clubhouse has the best dining? A: Medinah, Butler National, and Conway Farms are particularly renowned for their culinary programs, with multiple dining venues and award-winning chefs. Many members join as much for the dining and social atmosphere as for the golf.
Q: Do any Chicago golf clubs allow photography of their clubhouses? A: Policies vary, but most private clubs strictly prohibit photography without permission. Professional photographers and media require advance approval and are often restricted to certain areas.
Q: Which clubhouse would appeal most to architecture enthusiasts? A: Medinah's Byzantine-Moorish design is architecturally unique and spectacular. Exmoor's Scottish Baronial style is also architecturally significant. For understated historic importance, Chicago Golf Club is unmatched.
Q: Are there any famous Chicago golf clubhouses that are now public facilities? A: Most historic private clubs have remained private, but The Glen Club in Glenview was built on the former Glenview Naval Air Station and features an impressive clubhouse that's accessible to the public.
Why Chicago Golf Clubhouses Matter
Beyond their role as gathering places for members, Chicago's great golf clubhouses represent important pieces of architectural and cultural heritage. They document the evolution of American golf, reflect changing social attitudes and expectations, and preserve design excellence across more than a century.
These clubhouses tell stories about the development of the American country club, the architects who shaped Chicago's built environment, and the generations of golfers who passed through their doors. From Charlie MacDonald to Tiger Woods, Chicago's clubhouses have welcomed golf's greatest figures.
For those fortunate enough to experience these clubs, the clubhouses enhance and complete the golf experience. They're where friendships form, traditions perpetuate, and golf culture thrives. The best clubhouses become cherished gathering places that members remember as fondly as any great round on the course.
Conclusion: Chicago's Golf Clubhouse Legacy
The Chicago area's golf clubhouses stand among the finest in American golf. From the historic simplicity of Chicago Golf Club to the Byzantine grandeur of Medinah, from lakefront elegance at Shoreacres to tournament excellence at Conway Farms, these facilities represent the pinnacle of golf club design and experience.
Whether valued for their architectural significance, historical importance, championship pedigree, or simply the quality of experience they provide, these clubhouses elevate Chicago's position as one of America's great golf destinations. They remind us that golf is about more than just the course—it's about the complete experience, the traditions preserved, and the communities built around our love of the game.
For The Chicago Golf Co. and all Chicago golfers, these clubhouses represent aspirational standards and beloved institutions that define our local golf culture. They're worth celebrating, preserving, and—for the lucky few—experiencing.
About The Chicago Golf Co.
The Chicago Golf Co. is dedicated to celebrating and supporting the vibrant golf culture of Chicagoland. From historic courses to modern facilities, we're passionate about everything that makes Chicago one of America's great golf cities.
Looking to experience Chicago golf? Follow The Chicago Golf Co. for course reviews, local golf news, equipment insights, and connections to the city's incredible golf community.
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