Golfer’s Guide Chicagoland Golf Courses Stories

Illinois native Robert Bruce Harris laid out his first golf course, the Hubbard Trail Country Club, in Hoopeston, Ill., in 1927. During his architectural career, golf historians estimate Harris built or renovated more than 150 golf courses throughout the Midwest and the South.

During the 1960s, the man who would eventually become the first president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, laid out 36 golf holes in the village of Bloomingdale.

Today Harris’ design has been transformed into a 27-hole, resort golf facility that serves as an escape from the stress and constant motion of Chicago.

Renowned designer Rick Jacobson, whose design firm renovated historic Medinah Country Club in preparation for the 1990 U.S. Open, was the visionary behind a restoration that brought new life to the 18 holes now referred to as Black-hawk Trace, and shaped the remaining parcel of land into an original nine-hole complex and new practice facility. 

Naperville Country Club, a private club approaching 90 years old was recently awarded the Golf Inc. Renovation of the Year in the private course category at a ceremony at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida.

The family oriented golf and social club in the Chicago suburbs was renovated by world-renowned architect Steve Forrest of Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest & Associates. The $7 million dollar project was launched to fix problems such as a sub-standard driving range facility, a poorly situated maintenance area and a course that had ceased to be enjoyable for all members and guests.

Swan Lake Resort is home to the Indiana National Golf Club, stateof-the-art meeting and banquet facilities, a full-service spa, luxury accommodations and the renowned United States Golf Academy. With everything the facility has to offer, it’s easy to see why Swan Lake deserves to be classified as a destination and not merely a golf resort.

The striking resort is the perfect Midwestern getaway and is located approximately 100 miles from Chicago, 115 miles from Indianapolis and 35 miles from South Bend.

This summer, Swan Lake has a full slate of overnight offerings for those looking to Stay and Play in this beautiful Northern Indiana setting. Whether you want to experience a complete golf weekend at either the Indiana National Golf Club or US Golf Academy, there are a variety of packages to accommodate every budget and schedule. Three different Stay & Play packages are available for the 18-hole championship courses: Mulligan’s Platinum Package, Mulligan’s Golf Package and Mulligan’s Silver Package.